The Weekly Washington telegraph., 1872-02-07

any other explanation OF recent elec>
tons is the merest fatuity. This
odium would attach to any branch of
the Republican party, to which the
Democracy in organized shape might
attach. But few Republicans would
slough from the consolidated forces
of the administration. 1t would in
deed be the Democratic party, with
disafected Republicans for candidates
one of those halting halfway, and
inconsistent measures which have
characterized and cursed the party
since the day of Lees surrender. 1t
would have no moral force
than cabals and coalitions ever have.
1t woeld bring defeat to US here in
the South, and we would again pay
the penalty Of lending ourselves to
prop and sustain the local interest Of
Northern Democratic politicians.
Our brave and devoted soldiers at
Appomattox gracefully surrendered a
cause which, despite their efforts, had
been irretreivably lost. They laid
down their arms and submitted with
dignity. They dispersed to their
homes. They still bear untarnishel
honors. The memory of their deeds
is cherished as a noble heritage Of the
South. Defeated, thev are none the
less our martyrs and hero3. DO We
not know and feel that they acted
honorably and wisely in grounding
arms?
The Democratic party has been a
noble party in its day. Old honors
cluster thick around it. 1t has served
the cause OF civil liberty. 1t has been
the bulwark Of the constitution in the
past, and has struggled recently to
rear its broken columns. But new
ideas have grown into power, and
defeat after defeat has overtaken it
until we cannot doubt that its mission
is accomplished. Can it not also sur.
render? Can il not dissolve in honor.
and cherish its noble memories
Can it too not allow its soldiers to
dsperse and seek more useful and
hopeful fields of effort? Can it not
be let die? Must the old machinery
still work its wearisome way and lead
to only harm? Must the everlasting
grind 60 on, Of caucuses, and conven-
tions, and Central Committees, and
nominations, and excitements, and
ietias-with new expressions upon
their heels
Any change viii be better than an
endorsement and continuation of the
present policy. Even if the indiYid-
uals elected be, rs men, equally objec.
tionable, much will be accomplished.
1t will be a step in advance, aud we
must 60 by steps. For one thing, the
new power will come in pledged TO
reform-to general amnesty to justice
to all parts of the Union. 1t will as a
matter Of self preservation, of mere
party policy-follow the line Of con
duct which brought it into power.
But something greater still will have
been achieved. The old party chrys-
talzations will have been dissolved, and
opportunity given hereafter for the rise
and growth Of new parties, and new
ideas, in which alone the true virtue and
patriotism Of the country may have
scope. Only thus can any genuine
love Of our government ever grow up
in the South, which is the first and
essential element of future prosp Gritty.
May it come quickly.
But if those who lead and shape the
policy of the National Democracy,
still determine to preserve its organiza-
ton, what becomes us here to do? Let
us ponder that well before answering,
but be prepared to answer.
BELL WING.
Our friend, Capt. Dennis Behen, of
the firm of Trezevant & Behen, Gem