New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-04-18
coy. Palmer,

Tho letter of Gov. Palmer OF Illinois, winch
we publish to-day, is one of the most impor-
tant incidents which have thus far signalized
tho course of tho Liberal movement. Inc
situation Of parties in that great Republican
State lends especial significance to THIS act
In most of the States the Liberals recogniz"
tho impossibility of contending with the ready
made majority Of Ofiice-hOlders to be found In
the so-called regular conventions. In nearly
all the Eastern States tho men who make
trade of politics have sufficient control OF
the machinery of primary elections to pack
tho State Conventions beyond tho hope OF
successful protest But tho denomination fac-
ton in Illinois possesses no such decided pre-
ponderance of force. 1t is by no means sure
that the Liberals, il they chose to enter into
the contest, could not carry the State CODven-
ton against Gen. Grants partisans. 1t is GER
tain that, if they cared to enter into any COM
promises, they could make their own terms
with the Administration party. They would
find no difficulty in insisting upon and re-
ceiving the nomination for Governor on
condition of refrainng from separate Or
ganization
In view of this fact tho resolution of
Gov. Palmer becomes a notable instance
of public conscience. His name was the
most prominent ono before the people of the
State, of both wings of tho party, for the
nomination as candidate for Governor. He
might have entered tae Republican COnven-
ton, received tho nomination, and virtually
unanimous election, without any compromise OF
his dignity or his position as a Republican. But
he would not suffer tho least doubt to remain
as to his attitude in relation to the important
questions of the hour. lie withdrew BIS mare
from tho Grant Convention, because he ana
not think proper to assume the responsibility
of accepting tho probable resolutions Of that
body. He makes his reasons public for this
action He does not approve of the collection
of Gen. Grant. He thinks the cOnqucsts
of the war assured, and regards the
demands of the timo to lie rather in
the direction of civil reforms, and in
return to legal and normal administration. He
does not see that any guarantees for this sa lu-
tary progr ANNE would be obtained by renew
ing the Administration, which has distinguished
itself by a disregard of the claims of reform,
and a still more fragrant contempt for the forms
of law. Gov. Palmer refers with especial en-
phasis to the uncalled for military interference
of the President with the government and pO-
lice of Chicago, which has been condemned by
the vote of the Legislature of Illinois.
The accession of this distinguished Repub
lican leader to the Liberal ranks under these
circumstances is subject for sincere cOngrat-
ulation. He has deliberately renowned the
leading position in the councils of party
which ne thought was entering upon an OBJ
jectOnable path. Casting aside all cOnsdcra-
lions of expediency, he has yielded to the
same motives OF civic duty which he Obeyed
sixteen years ago, when he fOrsoOk the powerful
and insolcnt Pro-Slavery party of Illinois to
cast in his lot with the feeble and prescribed
minority of resoute men who founded the
Republican organization. His example is
good one for those prudent patriots who recOg-
nize the necessity and the Importance of the
Reform movement but who decline to com
nit themselves to it until its future is assured.
AS soon as they cease to be needed we shall
have enough of them.