Weekly Trinity journal., 1872-01-13
THE PRESIDENTIAL OUTLOOK

OOlldA, Will DC every why VudllHcu loI
the duties of the position should the
chapter of events make il incumbent up
on him to do so. The policy Of placing
second and third-class men in places
where they may, IN the line of succession
be called upon to perform the duties Of
the highest Office in the nation, is one
which past experience has demonstrated
to be one fraught with danger, and which
will henceforth be banished from Repub-
lican councils.
The present outlook is favorable to an
other triumph Of Republican principles
and nominees. The policy of that party
in its twelve years Of power, has been
such as to commend it to the thinking
men of the country. 1t assumed the
reins of government at moment when
the country was convulsed with anarchy
and rebellion-but relying confidently up
on the people it met the issue boldly,
and proved its truth to the nations trust.
In meeting this issue and bringing the
country safely through the crisis present.
ed, it performed that act which will live
in history as the crowning glory Of Amer
lean Liberty it struck the shackles from
the limbs Of every bondsman in the land.
With the successive years Of its power
it had to doal with new and grave ques-
tions Of policy ; questions growing out Of
the changed condition Of affairs, which
the sudden transition of four millions of
slaves to a condition of freedom had
brought prominently before the country.
Upon many Of these there was a diversi-
ty Of opinion, even in the Republican
ranks. But the great majority recognized
the fact that these questions would arise
sooner or later, and while the weak in
faith shrank from the issue, they were
met and disposed Of in accordance with
the enlightened and progressive spirit Of
the age.
Upon all the new legislation rendered
necessary by the exigencies which had
arisen, the Democratic leaders were uni
ted in opposition. Advancingno distinc-
lively affirmative policy as opposed to
that urged and advocated by the Rcpub-
licans, they confined themselves exclus-
lively to the task Of searching for the de-
leots Of the proposed legislation, and vot-
ing solidly against any measure emanat-
ing from Republican sources. In this
they were aided to some extent by those
who, from disappointed ambition, or op-
position to some measure of minor i'm
port, had abandoned the Republicans
and arrayed themselves against their
former allies. Yet, in defiance of this
opposition, the Republican party success
fully carried out the inaugurated reforms,
and when the difficulties with which it
had to contend are taken into considera-
ton, its record can certainly be looked
upon with pride by the members of the
party. That abuses have crept in here
and there is not to be wondered at, for
they will exist in the best of govern
mcnts. The only marvel is, that when
we regard the condition from which the
country is emerging in its true light, and
the difficulties with which the established
authority has had to contend-that the
abuses are not greater. Aside from the
fact that in some Of the Southern States
lawless organizations make life and prop
erty insecure to those whose political
opinions are obnoxious to the late rebel
element of the population, and that these
law breakers will have to be coarced by
the strong arm of the government, the
condition Of the country is all that could
be asked. The revenues are collected
honestly and honestly applied the pub
lie debt is constantly diminishing while
at each session OF Congress, the annual
tax levy is reduced and in a short time
will be down to the standard which held
before the rebellion had entailed such
immense expenditures upon the country.
Meanwhile, the international questions
which, at one time threatened to involve
20 ~ " ""i WIN AoiclSh poNcIsf are Dc-
ing settled in Il manner honorable at once
to ourselves and to our adversaries. -
These facts tell strongly with the people
in favor of a continuance of Republican
rule.
1t is doubtful, at the present time, what
the policy of the Democratic party will
be. The results Of the late elections have
not been such as to present a favorable
omen for the success of Presidential
nominee Of that party, and none are
quicker to recognize this unwelcome
truth than the Democratic leaders. The
" New Departure" from which so much
was hoped and expected only resulted in
ignominious defeat in those States where
it was adopted. The voters thought Just
ly, that if Republican principles were to
rule in the government Of the country,
1t were better to intrust their carrying
out to Republican hands. Many Demo-
cratic journals now advocate q passive
policy" that is, to make no regular nom
nations, but bring the support of the
Democratic vote to that candidate whom
1T is expected will be nominated by the
sore-headcd" Republicans in opposi-
ton to the regular nominee. Whether
the great body of Democratic voters can
be brought to sustain this kind of action.
remains to be seen, but we opne not.
To have reasonable hope of success
in great election, party should advo
cate and endorse some great distinctive
principles. A mere negative policy;
which carps at everything proposed and
substitutes nothing in its stead, has no
merit to recommend it to men who have
been taught Ia beliava that n no4;onaI