New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-05-10
n0nTRTNEs ANn. nANDInATBs.

concerning the fact that the great Liberal
Republican movement is a success. With
the nominations Just concluded at Cincin-
matt has been inaugurated one OF the
most momentous political revolutions in
the history of the country. 1t involves no
conflict of physical forces, but Of ideas; it
recognizes established principles, but in
vests the policy of the nation with liberal
and enlightened theories of government.
Founded on reform, it means to practically
realize to the people purity in their insti-
tutions, and freedom in the enjoyment Of
political rights But primarily the object
Of the movement is to restore the govern
ment to its original simplicity, strength
and vigor.
For years it has had centralizing ten
dency, The powers delegated by the
States to the general government to be
employed, in specific cases, have been gra-
dually absorbed by the executive. The
States themselves were losing their relative
weight and position in the Union. The
justly proportional rights accorded by the
constitution were being disregarded
Some Of the States had sunk into virtual
dependencies, while others were grown in
to despotic sovereignties. Anarchy was
rapidly following on the heels Of discon-
tent but while the States in their re-
pective spheres were becoming weaker,
the federal head was growing stronger day
by day.
But this was not all The civil service
is noticeably corrupt Vice and profigacy
are the distinguishing characteristics in
high places. The simplicity and purity
Of the past is forgotten in merehicious
show, violence and wrong. The civil has
been made subservient to the military
power. Our civil offices have been filed
by the military creatures of a warlike ex-
ecutive. The frontiers of the republic
have been exposed to the inroads Of
savages Step by step during the last
four years the safeguards of liberty
have been broken down and the way pre-
pared with ingenious cunning for cen
traized monarchy, supported by the mill
tary power of the country. Under the
guise of Republican administration this
has been done. The test of Republicanism
has been made absolute obedience to ex-
ecutive dictation. The tendency of such
doctrines and such fealty was inevitable.
The great masses of the people perceived
the danger and proposed to meet it. An
appeal was made direct to the people.
This appeal resulted in the convention at
Cincinnati meeting of Republicans-of
patriots from every part Of the country.
The result of their deliberations are before
us. They reassert the original doctrines
Of the Republican party, and have selected
candidates whose personal virtues and
liberal and sound craftsmanship are guar
antees that these principles will be faith
fully carried out.
This movement can not, therefore, be
regarded as Of partisan character. It is
national, conservative and patriotic It
has the support Of all parties. The peril
with which the country is menaced has
brought into genuine accord and fellow
ship the Reformer, the Republican and
the Democrat Those who love their
country better than office are in hearty
sympathy with the movement. The old
party lines that have 50 long divided US
no longer exist, because there is no ques-
ton Of governmental policy before the
people. The struggle is as much for ma
tional existence as when war was levied at
the Union. 1t is a question between a gov
eminent of ofiee-holders and a govern
ment Of freemen-the rule of the soldier
or the rule of the statesman. Already we
have complications with foreign nations
growing out Of unwise diplomacy, and the
unjust assumption of powers on the part
Of the President, which properly belong
to Congress. These complications are
growing daily more ominous, and may at
any time eventuate in war. Is the nation
prepared for such a calamity Would it
not be disastrous to almost every interest :? |
The only preventive of such a disaster
in the success Of the Reform
In this way only can the dis
asters which threaten the country be |
checked, and republican institutions be |
in their nu1itv.