Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1871-1872, 1872-04-29
GOV. PALMER.
His Action a Notable In
stance of Public Con-
science.

The letter Of Gov. Palmer Of Illinois
which we publish to day, 10 one Of the mos,
important incidents which have thus far
sigualized the coarse of the Liberal move
menL The situation of parties in that
great Republican state lends especial siguIf-
cance 10 this aot. 10 most Of the states the
Liberals rsoognizs the impossibihty Of con
tending with the ready made majority Of
ofhoe-holdsrs to be found in the so-cAlle1
regular conventions. In nearly all the east
ern states the men who make trade OF
politics have sufhoient control ofthe machine
~ Of primary elections to pack the state con
venlions beyond the hope of successful pro
tesI. But the denomination fraction IN
Illinois possesses no such decided prepon-
deranoe OF force. IL is by no means sure
that the Liberals, IL they choose TO enter
into the contest, could not carry the state
convention against Gen. Grants parsisaus
IL is certain that, II they cared TO enter into
any compromise, they could make their own
terms with the Administration party. They
would find no difficulty 10 insisting upon
and receiving the nomination for governor
on condition Of RETAINING from separate
organisation.
In view Of the fact, the resolutions of Gov.
Palmer become q notable instance Of public
conscience. His name was the most prom
inent one before the people of the state, Of
both wings Of the party, for the nomination
as candAse for governor. He might have
entered the Republics convention, received
the nomination, and virtually unanimous
election, without any compromise Of his dig
nifty or his position as . Republican. But
be wonld not suffer the least doubt TO remain
~ 10 his attitude IN relation to the i'm portant
questions of the hour. He withdrew his
name from ths Grant convention, because
he did not think proper % Asnme the
responsibility ofscoepting the probate rssolu-
tions Of that body. He makes his reasons
public for this action. He does not approve
of the re election Of Geo Grant He thinks
the oonqussts OF the war assured, and
regards the demands of the time to lie
rather in the direction of civil reforms, and
IN . return to legal aud normal Rdministra-
ton. he does not see that any guarantees
for this sautary program me would be obtain
cd by renewing the administration, which has
distinguished itself by . disregard of the
claims Of reform, and . still more fragrant
contempt for the forms Of law. Gov.
Palmer refers with especial emphasis to the
unoaled-for military interference Of the
president with the government and police of
Chicago, which has been condemned by the
vote OF the legislature Of Illinois. The
adhesion sf this distinguished Republican
leader TO the Liberal ranks under these cir
cumstancea is a subject for sincere couRrat-
ulAIiou. de has deliberately renowned the
leading position 10 the councils Of party
which he thought was entering upon an
Objectionable path. Casting aside all con-
alterations Of expendisncy; he has yielded
10 the same motives OF civic duty which be
obeyed sixteen years sgo, when he iorsook
that powerful and iasoleut pro-slAvery party
of Illinois TO cast IN his lot with the feeble
and prescribed minority Of Tesolute men who
founded the Republican organization. His
example is good one for those prudent
patriots who recognize the necessity and the
importance Of the reform movement, but
who decline to commit themselves to il
until iu future is assured. AZ soon "a they
cease to be needed, we shal have enough Of
them N y Tribune