New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-05-26
COALITION,


It is contended by one or two of the
leading Democratic journals that in the
approaching State convention the Demo
cratic party should make nominations for
State Offices. The idea is attempted to
be cultivated that coalition will accom-
plish no good purpose, for the reason
that, without any concert of action, the
Reform party viii vote with the Demo
Gratis, and viii accept as their own any
candidates the convention offers them.
Evidently this is mistaken supposition.
The Reform party is not prepared to be
absolutely dictated to by the Democrats.
Both it and the Liberal Republican party
viii concede much for the sake of coali-
ton, put not to the extent claimed by the
ournals alluded to.
In the first place the Democrats are not
sufficiently numerous to carry the cleo
ton under any circumstances. The effect
Of their putting candidates in the field
upon an exclusively Democratic basis viii
be to defeat the Reform and Liberal
movements altogether 1t would divide
the opposition to the federal or Radical
party into three organizations, and make
three factions to contend, each by itself,
WI tn a diciplined and organized party of
position. In such a contingency defeat
would be inevitable.
But wherefore is the necessity Of such a
division. There is almost an absolute
identity Of opinion Of the entire opposition
to the administration. All perceive the
necessity of defeating it all are ostensi-
bly, for reform in political abuses and
a coalition Of these elements will inevita-
bly, attain it. Are the Democrats so hun
cry for the spoils of Office, that rather
than obtain not them all, they will break up
organized resistance and let them go into
the hands of the Radical party? To say
the least such policy is unwise. 1t would
be the worst misfortune that could befall
the State. 1t is Democratic, as well as
Liberal doctrine, to rebuke federal inter
ference with State affairs. To it we trace
all the evils that aff1ict us, and which has
so nearly occasioned in our midst anarchy
and bloodshed. 1t wrought the disturb
ances Of last winter that nearly precipitated
revolution. And still in the face of these
facts, these journals are endeavoring to in
augurate policy that will produce the
same condition Of things.
It is not true that no necessity prevails
for the June convention to adjourn with
out nominations. That necessity is para
mount. A very considerable number Of
voters in the State, with a view of defeat-
ing the Radical party, will support coai-
ton candidates. They viii not identify
themselves with the Democrats, and rather
than support them, will sustain the Radi-
cal movement. They have proclaimed SO
in advance, and experience teaches that
they viii keep their promise. But another
mistake is made. No Republican will
support a Democratic nominee. Demo
Gratis who receive Republican support
must run as Liberal candidates. They
must identify themselves with the Greeley
and Brown party, both State and national.
In this way only can they hope for sue
cess. And what reasonable objection is
there to such a course? There is no OBJ
lection to giving Democrats fair share
Of the Offices Reformers and Liberal Re
publieans must have the same. This will
be fair, and afford just grounds for coali-
ton between them
No one need forsake his principles by
entering into such an arrangement.
Would men hesitate upon grounds of po-
itical faith to unite to protect their homes
from robbers or burners? Democratic
administrations heretofore, both State and
municipal, have not been so free from OBJ
lection that it viii bring them the unques-
tioning faith of the people. The offices Of
trust and honor do not belong to them Of