New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-06-14
LIBERAL REPUBLICAE PRINCIPLES.

LIBERAL REPUBLICAN PRINCIPLES.
It is a mistake to suppose that the Lib
eral party is without clearly defined and
distinct principle. The organization is
not without the prestige Of success,
since it claims to represent the principles
Of the Republican party when they were
maintained in their purity. It is opposed
to political abuses of any description.
The preservation Of the Union and the
maintenance Of pure government are the
essential ideas Of the Liberal party.
We say this because our political oppo-
nents are persistent in the charge that
the Liberals are ready to ally themselves
with any party. It being conceded that
the national government is redolent Of
abuses, that the President is no longer, if
ever, fit to be intrusted with the civil af-
fairs Of the nation, and that it is incum-
bent on all patriotic citizens to correct
these evils if possible, how could the Lib
erals connect themselves with a party not
opposed to these encroachments Of power?
To correct abuses and inaugurate pure
government is their chief and primary
principle. This can be only be effected
by overturning the present regime An
alliance with parties in sympathy with
such a movement the Liberals would re-
joice in having. It is for this reason they
have invited the Reform and Democratic
parties to a coalition. This does not arise
from identity of principles upon all ques-
tons. Only from a mutual conviction re-
garding one essential principle. As CON
temporary very pertinently observes the
chief Characteristic Of the Liberal party is
its iberality. 1t recognizes
l. A complete oblivion of past polit-
ical and party feuds and distinctions.
2. A thorough reform in the admin
istration of the government, both national
and State.
g. An honest and sincere acceptance
Of the situation, as established by the fed
eral and State constitutions.
4. A cessation of all sectional and class
agitations and disputes.
5. A determined opposition to the cen
tralizing principle attempted TO be inaugu-
rated by the present administration.
The disregard of these axions for they
can be called nothing less) has brought
the country to condition Of turmoil al
most unexampled in its civil annals. The
people have no longer any confidence in
their rulers. Personal ambition is putting
patri otism altogether aside. These truths
the public mind is beginning to realize.
when the despotic tendencies Of the adj
are held up for inspection.
For this reason the desire for change in
government is becoming universal. Iden-
titled with this wish, and by its organiza-
ton giving the idea force and vitality,
the Liberal Republican party has entered |
the present canvass. On the basis Of its |
liberal doctrines, all parties opposed to the |
administration can unite, 1t does not bind |
them in the future to any abstract prin-
ciple Of political ethics. 1t only pledges
them to pure government and a correction
Of political abuses. None Of the reform
parties can object to this. In fact, such
are their own doctrines.
A party founded on these principles is
sure to- succeed individuals can not
Dervert It to bad uses, for it is based on
principles, not men. The charge so re-
peatedly made by the opposition in this
State, that, in case of a coalition Of the
Reform, Democratic and Liberal parties,
he Governor will have control of
hem, is absurd. The Governor is but a
member Of the party, an eminent and dis
member, certainly, but still
,nly a member, nor does he seek to be re-
.ognized in any other light
Instituted to supply the agency Of a
realty needed and, in many instances, a
adical reform, it can only bring into its
olds those who sympathize in its pur-
'oses. It does not matter who is the in
hument Of this reformation. It may
roceed from a State or national coalition,
ut whichever it may be, no man can
lain the exclusive honor Of having eff
ected it. Men, therefore, should not
tand aloof from the party because those
elong to it whom they dislike. Such
ersons will have to choose between their
atty to good government and the gratif-
alton Of their personal and political i'll j
cling
Such is the situation, and these are Lib
al principles as we understand them. !