The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-11-18
MoMNoW
n, . PresIlentlai Election.

finds no parallel IN tho history of
American politics; and his admIuis.
ttatiou (as the plebiscite positively
shSNs) has been highly satisfactory to
the great mass Of the people. While
we, Individually, contemplate this re-
suit with alarm, we eau easily find i'm
purtislity enough in our system, to in
cline US to put on our studying cap,
aud endcaycr to ascertain whether we
or the people arc wrong.
"Tor fopuli uor D.i" saying
always worn threadbarG III republic,
has Iccu used freely by both the con
tending parties in tho late contest;
and worn rs tho old saw is, il it eau
be proved that the people themselves
gave the verdict which re elected
Ulysses 8. Grant to the Presidential
chair, then should all righteous men
cease their vain attempts agalnst the
expressed will of God
On the other hand, it is charged
that Mr.. Grant, by fraud, bribery, aud
other evil practices, has secured his
own election, against the wishes ofthe
p.ople-more particularly the people of
tho South.
Now we arc not a Grant man; and
that we are not Of Radical prOcliYliies
our record and our conscience will bear
abundant testimony; but We are free
to say, that our Indictment against
Grants quasbcd. Doyou want proof?
look at the election returns from cv-
cry State and territory If the Union.
Shall we say that the American people
aro fools and knsye'2 Have care,
for the people Of West Virginia, the
"ohild Of the Storm" arc among the
number.
General Grant we consider as man
untitled by nature or by acquired tai:
ont to properly administer the duties Of
Chief Magistrate. We think that his
immoral habits his record Of blood
and dissipation during the war; his
treatment of the Southern people since
the cessation Of hostilities; bis nepotism,
gifl.taking and corruption since he has
held tho Office of President, arc each
good and sufficient reasons for his over.
throw. Upon this indictment the
friends Of Reform presented him to the
American people; and the verdict is
proclaimed 10 the world that not only
is the defendant acquitted, but no is
with honor carried Oh the wings oil
popular sovereignty, into possession Of
the highest position in the gilt Of tho
people!
This was not party fight 1t was
contest upon the part Of the anti-ad.
ministration men against tho friends Of
the administration. 1t is true that the
Democratic purity vas fairly aud hon.
cstly committed to the support of
Horace Greeley; and in this act they
temporarily locked shields with former
opponents in fiaal charge against the
common enemy. This course is now
talked of by those who always told
YOU So as tho cause OF our defeat; but
against this sort of argument We res
pectfully protest. We though, from
The FIRST that Horace Greeley would be
elected; and had our hopes been real.
lied, every Democrat in the land
would have hailed the circumstance
with JOY, and have dubbed it u party
triumph We were honest in our sup.
port OF Mr.. Greeley; and hence ous
adherence Of the crOakers who "Al.
ways told you So Let us have no
more croaking, for We are all tarred
with the saue stick.
What is the difference oh 20 straight
laced, pure aud undcfled Democrats,
between man who rOicd for General
Grant, aud ono who quietly acquiesced
in, and consented to his election, By
refusing to vote for his opponent ?
And if We became Radical by voting
for Greeley, did not you also go over
to the enemy by silently but clpphati-
cally consuming to aud acqnieSing in
the election Of Grant, by refusing TO
vote for either? And We beg to re.
mind tho pirictsst Of tho Straight.
Outs that not one OF that wing but
admitted that vote for 0'Conor was
equivalent to a vote for Grant. go
"i.ct US have peace upon that CUES.
ton!
That We we're dcfcatCl disastrOusly
is melancholy fact md that We eau
even again rally us the Democratic
Party, isl question which We aro not
now inclined to argue in the alfirma-
tive. lift be true that tho party is
utterly dcmorulixcd (and it looks very
much US IL that were the cnso) then
tho greater reason that oil good men
who formerly battled in our ranks
should make an effort to rorm another
organization, which will prove more
acceptable to the people.
Suggestions from our friends upon
this important question arc in order.
We wantto arrive at the desires Of the
remnant Of our party;.-let US counsel
together for the public good.