The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-08-25

INEPUBLlCANlSM Is not an funIneanlng
word, designating one rival political party
from its opponent. 1t is creed, express
sing fundamental principles; and to the
consideration of these principles, which are
the foundations of their political faith, Re-
publicans cannot be invited too frequently,
Or too earnestly; especially at this time,
when outside issues are raised by their
opponents, for the purpose of covering
hostile approaches; and inside issues are
raised by their friends, some honest enough
in intention, but governed by theoretical
imaginings of unattainable perfection,
others animated by disappointed ambition
or intense selfishness. Ssh a la,u ma
Scarcely second in Importance to the
cardinal principle Union, as asserted by
Republicans, against Secession, as asserted
by the Southern Democracy, is the funda-
mental idea of'the Republican party in re-
lation to the dignity of labor-that in this
free country, honest labor is true aristocra-
cy. Acting upon this idea, the conclusion
was inevitably drawn, that labor should be
free; and finding that free labor, which
ennobled, and slavery, which degraded la
Dor, could not co-exist, decision was speedi-
ly reached upon the alternative presented !;
and acting in accordance with that decision.
slavery was torn up by the roots.
The destruction of labor-degrading slave
ry, emancipated millions who had suffered
fromits demoralizing influence. They had
been made menit is true but with Repub-
hcans, manhood and citizenship are synony-
nous terms; and rightly Judging that the
responsibilities Of manhood could not be
properly met, except by those who enjoyed
the privileges of citizenship, that blessed
boon was accorded TO the emancipated, that
nothing might be left to hinder them in
making their free labor honorable to them,
selves, a source of prosperity to their coun-
try, and of strength to the government, of
which they were thus constituted defenders.
Another fundamental idea of Republicans
is that labor should be educated, as well as
free; rightly Judging. that freedom of ac-
ton will most certainly produce beneficial
results, if intelligent direction is given to
action. Hence the careful guardianship cx-
ercised by Republicans over public instruc-
ton in Northern States, and the painstaking
sacrifices made to found a system of free
public instruction in Southern States.
Contesting this issue with the old slave
power and its Democratic sympathizers in
other States, Republicans have enforced
their idea and if education is ever denied
to the children Of laboring men, 1t will be
because they are recreant to their own trust
and interests, and placepower in the hands
of those, who are either hostile to free
schools, or lukewarm in their support. .
On both the emancipation andseducation
Of the colored race, numerous side issues
have been raised by the defeated Democra-
cy, and industriotisly agitated by them, in
the forlorn hope that by drawing line of
color, they caIluse the free white laborer for
the purpose of crushing the honest aspira-
tons Of colored men, and make them serfs
II they cannot remand them to slavery.
Emaneipating the slaves, it is attempted
to be argued, will bring their labor into ru-
nous composition with those who have {
hitherto been free, but this, the strongest !
point urged, is shown to be fisllacy even |
n States like Missouri and Maryland. I