New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-03-24
WHAT WE WANT.

q TuleI. Lively touiiuuult. AluaSilt CutlI
interests to be the Legitimate wishes of
mankind. Indeed, but few persons have
ever been able to conceive how it is posi-
bic for any one to be so stupid as to differ
with them.
AS with individuals and communities so
it is with political parties. And those
which possess only comparative strength,
fragmentary in their character and with no
real or actual Importance, are just as tena-
cious of their dignity and opinions as tho
greatest organizations. Each thinks it
should rule On the success of its pecu-
liar policy it imagines depends the safety
Of the State. Nor is it Very easy to be-
lieve any good of opposing factions. They
are full of radical errors. Ruin will as IN
evitably follow the success of an opposl-
ton party as peace, order and the bless
ings of a good government that OF our
own.
Such is the peryersity Of men-espe-
cially of politicians. These peculiar
idiosyncracies find an ample Illustration
in our own community now We have
four opposing parties; but Singular to re-
late, they all profess to be contending for
the same object, with but one exception.
The two wings of the Republican party
and the Reformers are solely DESTROYS Of
correcting political abuses. The Demo-
Gratis, however, with indefinable views,
want everything that their opponents do
not.
Out of this confusion of politics, the
citizen Will readily conclude that however
various may be the methods of accom-
plishing it, there is great unanimity in the
desire to correct political evils.
Shutting out from popular consideration
the Democratic policy, inasmuch Is it is
not specific or clearly defined, We find in
neither of the other organizations any
actual antagonistic views They are all
processing to work for good, and for pre-
cisely similar policy. Why, then, should
they be antsgonistic: If united, they
would be more competent. Division is
the precursor of weakness. If reform is
what is mutually desirable, it can be Sc
cured by united action more readily than
in any other way.
The Republican party two years ago in
dicated the precise principle that is in
volved in this struggle. 1t may therefore
be considered the author of it. 1t has
contended for it ever since, and now con-
tends for it. If the Reformers and Custom
house Republicans are equally sincere,
why do they not unite with Us in securing
it. Under such auspices it would be
easily attainab!e. 1t must come to this at
last. inasmuch as neither the Customhouse
Republicans nor the Reformers can unite
with the Democrats in subyerting the well
recognized principles of the government.
By this we mean the disfranchisement of
the colored citizens And that is what the
Democratic policy means, if it has any
meaning at all
The repeal of the constitutional amend
ments and the civil rights bill would prac-
tically accomplish this purpose. The
Democrats avow it. They say, too, that
such is their policy. How, then, can any
staurch or good Republican unite with
them? TO do SO would involve a,racanta-
ton of every Republican principle. The
Retormers would be equally at fault in
such coalition. But, as has been very
Justly observed by their leaders, they may
only have sufficient strength to hold the
balance of power, and in that case will be
to uo;te with one OF the
stronger parties. Then they must choose
between the Democrats and Republicans.
One or the other they will be compelled to
go to.
But why wait for that necessity? If
there is identity Of views, a similarity of
purpose in their struggle, why not effect
the coalition which will secure such strong
concerted action at the approaching cleo
ton? 1t would certainly be the better
policy. 1t would obviate any possibility Of
defeat.
The Republican party have orsaniza-
ton. strength and discipline. These are
essential ingredients to success. Their
principles spring from popular necessity
and public favor. Il has the prestige Of
repeated victories, and has now the con-
troll of the State government. Such
party organization commands respect, and
carries with it al influence that will prove
irresistible.
It is for these reasons that we say, that
under the auspices Of the Republican
party the reform movement would prove
the most successful and efficient. II the
Reformers are sincere in carrying out the
policy which they have indicated, this is
the course they should pursue. Inside Of
the Republican party they can command
the enthusiasm Of the people. Outside Of
1t their movement will he Insignificant
and without practical benefit
RELATIVE PARTY MERIT.
The Bee, III an ingeniously contrived