The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-07-22
WHICH is ruE RosnEssIvss PARTY

"hicS 10 k0E fROGHEoSlfE PAkIN
The claim put forth by the supporters of
Mr.Greeley that they represent reformatory
and liberal ideas, and that they are the par
ty of progress, strike one as among the OBJ
surdest notions of these days. That there
are many liberal and progressive men
among them, we cheerfully admit. But
the great mass of the party is made up of
the most dangerous, reckless, and reaction
airy elements in the country. 1t is notable
also that the old Democratic leaders have
mounted the new movement and are guild
ing it in the old ruts. They will control its
policy in spite Of the small minority of lib
eral men.
The Cincinnati platform itself contains
no progressive elements. 1t was especially
designed as compromise between the
more advanced minds of the party and the
timid old fogyisn which fears to stir lest it
should get hurt. 1t was toned down es-
peciatty to meet the views of those indolcnt
and worthless laggards who never move
except when they are forced along, or have
a large prospect Of pay. 1t is stale and
commonplace, without ringing word or a
startling idea thing Of negations, cum
ningly devised to repress agitation, to
check inquiry, and to reduce the most di-
verse elements to unquestioning acques
cence. 1t sought to combine vast masses
in blind obedience to single leader for the
sole purpose Of overthrowing the Admin
istration and Selling the spoils.
1t reminds us of nothing more forcibly
than an Indian raid in which all the tribes,
forgetful of past differences, unite to ar
rest the march of civilization. 10 such
combination ideas are inconyenent.
The agitation of a great reform might beget
intestine differences, aud the new party
melt away before it was fairly organized.
S .ch party as this, based solely upon per-
sonalities and inspired by no grand ultimate
aims must of necessity be reactionary
party. It will encourage no new issues,
which might cndanger its unity. 1t is
compelled by the instincts of selfprese,va-
ton to enunciate only that aehich nobody
wiU dispute. And so we have seen at Bal
timorc as at Cincinnati general professions
of progress and reform, with a systematic
shutting-out of every practical measure OF
that character from consideration.
We shall see as the canvass progresses,
continued evidences of this vicious and re-
dictionary element. ID aeiU dominate Tie
ne,o party as II did tie old. Now as here
tofore, during the whole existence of the
Republican party, the lovers of human pro-
gress on this continent must look to it in
the great contest which is before us.
Where its banners wave, there is sceU or
dered liberty and the forsoard march of ciU-
ilizea progress. In It's ranks there is The
healthy agitation which is both the result
and the cause of power.
The spirit Of our Republicanism is pro-
gressiye. 1t receives what is new with
open handed welcome. Ii examines, dis
cusses, accepts OF objects, by weight of
evidence, each new applicant for its favor.
Holding ever with firm hand upon its past
achievements, it marches forward to fight
ncio battles for Liberty and Truth. Every
good cause may look to that party with
hope. 1t may not at once receive full re-
cognition, but it lies in the very direction of
Republican tendencies. The same principle
which guided this great party to the over
throw of slavery and the establishment of
equal rights for all men, must inevitably
lead to the adoption of those great reforms
without which liberty is an empty boast.
It's true that we have in the Republican
party some who have no sympathy with
its principles. These are mere place-hunt-
ers and adventures the jachalS and gul-