New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-03-05
APPLYING THE TEST

AS tue tlme approaches when nOmlna-
tons for candidates are to be made, the
situation grows more interesting. AS be-
tween the third party men and the De-
| mocracy there is as decided hostility as
| between eitLer party and the Republicans
| it is evident to both that it Will require
| the united efforts of the opponents OF lie
| publican, in this State to carry the cleo
| ton, and none are too sangulne OF success
even under such circumstances A CORE
spondent, who signs himself Counsellor, in
| communication to the Bee boldly chal-
lenges the reformers to comparison of rec
ORD with the Democracy, with an evident
confidence in the ability of the latter to
make the best showing. Each party pro-
fesses to be in favor of reform, but neither
is able to point to any practical or tangible
act that entities them To public confidence.
Each charges the other with being inactive,
and remarkable rather for negative than
positive qualities. The truth is that both are
in the position that, having done nothing
very recently, they are to that extent ex-
culpated from the charge of fragrant deeds.
Upon the Republican party has devolved
the duty Of governing the State for four
years. This duty has not been light
through any effort Of the Democracy to
lend a helping hand. But on the con-
trary our opponents have generally
opposed the wisest measures proposed and
generally favored the more doubtful ones,
for the avowed purpose of bringing tie
Republican party into disrepute. Ours is
as much party Of reform as either of the
others, and all true reformers will be able
to accomplish more by openly joining our
ranks and assisting us by their influence,
advice and votes than they can if aTayed
in hostility against us. Were it not for
the evidences we have Of deep
seated feeling Of bitterness entertained
against each other by the Democracy
and the reformers, we might be misled
into believing that both were striving
solely for the public good. But as soon as
the one names a suitable candidate for
Governor, the other flies into passion,
and declares he is not acceptable to ''the
people So that tie option is presented
to these late brethren either to come to-
gether again, and thus present the numer-
zeal strength against the Republicans that
were defeated in 1870; to divide and be
hopelessly overwhelmed, or for those who
are dissatisfied with Democratic misman-
agement to come squarely over to the Re
publican party and work out their reform
measures through the medium of the only
party capable of inslring success.
AS worthy, intelligent citizens, they will
be welcome in the ranks Of Republicanism,
and they viii naturally exercise their tull
share of influence for good Fer we are
satisfied there is much yet to be done in
the way Of improvement and reform. But
this IS not confined 10 questions Of the
State finances alone. Others than the !
wealthy citizens have their burdens and !
their disadvantages to complain Of All |
our voters are not upon the same footing |
in the community. We are yet afflicted |
with what is known as privileged classes
not to the extent that once prevailed,
The Republicans have reformed that abuse
there is room and nece5-
,ity for further improvement. It is the
policy Of the Republican party to enact
Just and equitable laws for all the people,
md to make good government and adj
minister it Us economically as possible.
But cheapness is not the leading i,lea.
We submit that all good citizens, whose
primary object is not personal advance
nent and Office holding, can stand upon
DIR platform and work with us for the
COMMON good.