The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-03-29
s. G.
Tho Democrats and tho Liberal Ropub-
Iicans.

In view OF the c0mDlnRtlOn between
what has been hitherto known as the
Democratic party and the branch OF tho
Republican party called liberal Republi-
cans, which combination is, on all sides,
admitted to be absolutely necessary in
order to wrest the Government from The
hands Of the military Republicanism
represented by Grant, the question of
first Importance Is, how or upon what
terms shall this alliance or unification be
brought about? Shall the liberal Re-
publicans come to the Democrats, or the
Democrats 60 over to the liberal Re-
publicans? In strong Democratic States
and communities, like Georgia, Ken
tncky. and the city of New York. for in.
stance, it is natural, perhaps, as it GER
tninIy is the case, that Democrats and
the Democratic press stand up for their
party organizations, and believe and
maintain that Difference should be paid
to the greater strength, Of the party in
point of votes over that of tho liberal
Republicans. They deem it their right.
and arc desirous practically to control
and direct the liberal Republican move
ment. as condition precedent to giving
it their support. Such seems the tone
of the New York World. which advises
the Democracy to take no hand in the
intestine strife of the Republicans"
but to hold aloof from the Cincinnati
Convention or it's advocates, until it be
understood what terms they are prepared
to offer. Mr.. Stephens. in the Atlanta
Sun, advocates pretty much the same
line Of conduct, and warns the Demo
cracy against the danger of breaking up
their organization by too hasty and ILL
considered endorsement of the Schurz-
Sumner movement. This may be very
proper view, and necessary in order to
the preservation of the Democratic party
as distinct organization. It may,
moreover, suit the aims and ambition of
leaders of the Democracy, who, being
distinguished by their prominence in the
party, desire its perpetuation, not only
in principles, but in name.
In our humble judgment. however,
the less the Democracy. 60 ssomine, have
to do with the Cincinnati Convention in
the way of shaping its action, or sug-
gesting or influencing its nominations,
the better for the liberal Republicans,
and consequently for the country. No
mere party deserves consideration when
sucl, mighty issues arc involved as now
divide Grant and his adherents from
Schurz. Sumner, Trumbull, Greeley, and
their liberal Republican coyreres. The
great crisis which the founders of the
Constitution, the revolutionary fathers
OF the country. as we'll as political phi
losophers i'll the old country. predicted
from study of the nature and frame
work of our Government, is rapidly
coming upon us. The Liberties OF tile
people are being endangered, and our
republican form of government alarm
ingly threatened. by Grants manifest
intention to centralize the powers OF
Government at Washington. His popu-
larity. military 'renown, aud the dis
turbed condition of the country conse-
guent upon the war, all combine to rem
der Grant dangerous man; and especi-
ally to be dreaded as the instrument to
effect that Capitalization which, in the
exercise of his executive functions, he
has shown to be his object. Against this
Capitalization, Schurz, Brown, Sumner,
Trumbull, and the other Republicans
allied with them, have arrayed them
seives, and upon that ground all good
citizens, Democrats or anything else,
should give them a hearty support, and
act in such way, too, as will give them
the greatest chance Of success. This
Democrats will best do by asking no con-
ditions or concessions to themselves as
political party. In Connecticut, the De-
mocrats in their gubernatorial contest
have adopted word for word, as embody-
ing their principles, the liberal Republi.
can platform of Missouri, framed by
Sohurz and Gratz Brown. If they can
Il.