New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-06-20
tFrom the New orlesn. Satlonal Republican. ]
The Campaign.

Rouge.
A few days ago, Alexander Smith, a
gentleman who fought in the Confederate
army and who has sincerely accepted the is
sues of the war, addressed the, Sixth Ward
Grant Club of the Parish of East Baton
Rouge. His remarks, able, well weighed,
and patriotic, elected deserved admiration.
We have been furnished with Col. Smiths
speech, and take pleasure in producing it be-
low. 1t will, we feel assured, be read with
interest:
L am very much amused III my converse
tions with intelligent gentlemen of the Demo-
cratic party to hear them vociferously advo-
cate the election Of Horace Greeley to the
Presidency of these United States.
When we consider that four years ago
Horace Greeley himself was staunch advo-
cate OF Gen. Grant, and said that Grant had
never been defeated and never would be,
am much surprised that Greeley to-day should
have the courage to oppose his reelection
when he himself has thus prophesied. And
then again how amusing it is to find these
tire-eating Democrats cajoling with Greeley
when they have for the last thirty years de-
nounced him more violently, perhaps, than
any other man in the United States.
But this is not any more inconsistent than
their utilization with Gov. Warmoth, whom
they have heretofore denounced, and whom
they now fall back upon as the source from
whence they are to resurrect and ride into
power. But they are deluding themselves
with false hopes; for the day has come when
Gov. Warmoth has not got the Federal
power to fall back upon, and after November
next he and Horace Greeley can retire to
the shades of farm life, and listen to the in
structions of the white hat philosopher upon
the subject of what he knows about farming.
Looking back upon the record of the past
four years of the Republican party, under the
administration of President Grant, we find it
successful and prosperous. Opposed as the
organization was to the most united and de-
termined efforts of the Democratic party;
embracing within its ranks every element of
strength which that party could array be-
meath its banners, still the masses in 1868
put their confidence in President Grant, and
the result was his elevation to his present ex-
allied position. When he was inaugurated
what hid he promise:
"A thorough enforcement of every law: q
faithful collection of the taxes provided for;
economy i'll the disbursement of the same a
prompt payment of every debt of the nation
reduction of taxes as rapidly as the require
ments of the country will permit reduction
OF taxation; and tariff to be so arranged as
to afford the greatest relief to the greatest
numbers; honest and fair dealings with all
the people to the end that war, with all it's
bllghtinS consequences, may be avoided, but
without surrendering any right or obligation
due to us a reform in the treatment of In
dams and in the whole civil service of the
country, and finally in securing a pure, UNI
trammeled ballot, when every man who is
entitled to cast vote, may do SO, Just once,
at each election, without fear of molestation
or prescription on account of his political
faith, nativity, or color"
Have these promises been fulfilled? Most
assuredly. The laws have been enforced.
and peace reigns supreme; the public debt
has been reduced as statements Of the Treas
urer fully substantiate taxation has not only
been lessened, but is being continually re-
duced by Congress amicable relations with
other nations have thus far been maintained
through peaceful arbitration of veXed interna-
tlonal questions that, too, by means of tli-
plomacy creditable and honorable to the
United States. Finally, every man has been
permitted to deposit his ballot unmolested,
without fear of mOlestation, regardless of his
race or color. Such is the record of the last
four years. Outside of all these benefits SUI
prene peace reigns throughout the length
and breadth of the land, and the bright sun
of prosperity shines in undimmed splendor'
mountain tops and in the valleys; over it's
huge forests and smiling plains, over its
-,
Grants name has become Il household word
so to speak, among the legions of the Repub-
hcan party. 1t Is imperishably connected
with their triumphs it is uttered in their
gatherings and club-roOms; it is synonymous
OF victory. The Republican party has conf
dence in their great standard-bearer, and are
not afraid to trust him again with the reins of
power. He has proven himself just, true,
honest, capable, and far-seeing. He is man
OF rapid actions and few, words. Every con-
vention that has thus far convened to send
delegates to the Philadelphia Nominating
Convention, has not only alphabetically en-
dorsed his administration, but Instructed
their delegates to cast their ballots for him.
There is something significant in the actions
OF the State Conventions, and exhibits the
fact that the Republicans North and South
are willing to trust their success to his keep
ing, and his nomination, which now appears
beyond the shadow of Il doubt, will be sus-
tanned by the people, for the reason that the
Democratic party is dead, thing of the
past, gone glmmcring through the dream
OF things that were, q schoolboy's tale, the
wonder of an hour" As the Times saws,
" Its prestige is gone with its principles, and
there is nothing left but it's name, and the
sooner that name is inscribed on its tomb the
better for the country" Democracy has
ceased to exist, and many of its former adhe-
rents are not only proclaimed Republicans,
but warm and earnest supporters of the pres
ent Administration. Those who still cling to
their old principles are in large minority,
and they will not and cannot centre on any
opposition which can combat successfully
with the Republican nominee. This party is
vigilant, wide awake, and, with the excep-
ton of a few soreheads, united. Never were
their prospects more brilliant, their hopes more
buoyant, or their expectations more certain
OF realization. Already they are on the move
throughout the length and breath of the land
Thus far they shout but one battle-cry, and
that is for Grant.
AS well might they try to turn the Missis-
sippi river up stream as to try to turn the tide
of President Grants popularity. The Re-
publican cohorts are moving forward in the
march to an easy and certain victory, and
on every banner that floats in the political
breeze is inscribed the name of u. S. Grant.
But, my friends, because we think we are
certain OF success we must not lull ourselves
into suicidal inactivity, but every man must
put his shoulder to the wheel and all pull to-
gether. There must be no divisions in our
ranks, and remember, the great principles of
freedom and equality Of all citizens before
the law is at stake, should the Democrats get
into power, although the laws are sufficient
for the protection of all, still they would be-