Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1872-11-13
Gbe freeman
MONTPELIER, VT,
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER Is, 1872
The Reason of 1t.

The Reason OF Ii.
Mr.. Greeley says, in his card which we
print elsewhere, that he % is not in full
accord with either of the great parties which
have hitherto divided the country" We
suspect, whether Willingly or not, he gives
in that sentence a tolerably good, if not
indeed the beet explanation OF his over
whelming defeat. Tue Republican party is
not yet advanced to Mr.. Greeley's views Of
che proper treatment Of the late rebels, and
the Democratic party is not yet advanced to
bis views as t. the equality of rights which
the constitution now gives to all citizens.
La view OF this fact it is matter Of surprise
shat Mr.. Greeley had any support, rather
than that MS support was 80 small
Ii is probably = the credit OF the Ameri-
can people that the cohesive power Of the
public plumber cannot alone hold a great
party together. The "spoils - will always
incline many men to join the army that il
likely TO be victorious, aud the place men
in possession will always fight VIZ ,rouoly TO-
their positions. But vast majority OF the
people have higher motives for politlca.
action Many Democrats refused to vote
for Mr.. Greeley because they looked upon
hls nomination as the result OF corrupt
combination, mainly OF sappointed men, 70
get possession of the government Tor VIVA
they could make out OF it. Other Demo-
Gratis voted tor him because they wanted t.
defeat Grant But if Mr.. Greeley had only
received the votes of those who wanted hun
for President, the Tribune would hardly
have had the fac to print tie returns and
this because, as he says, he is not IN sympa-
thy with the great mass Of either party
and what little element Of real reform there
was in the Greeley party did not want him
nominated, aud supported him reluctantly,
and with very little zeal.
Ia 1852 the Democratic party had an easy
victory because the real support Of slav
ery-which was then the controlling prIci
pie Of the Democratic party-was as much
recognized by the Wings as by the Demo-
Gratis. In 1856, when the opposition TO
slavery had leader and platform after its
own heart, it made a splendid fight, and
though defeated then, won its national
III 4cOO- IL Was CJut6uuluS iDI
principles, not for Office; although it counted
in its ranks, as will be the fate Of every
party likely to be successful, many who
cared infinitely less for freedom tban for
plumber. It was possible to have organized
a party of reform in this presidential can
vass that, while it might not have carried
State this year, would have been the begin
ming of powerful political organization
But the Cincinnati and Baltimore coalition
had not an element of such party, and DO
party that has any real or hopeful future can
grow out Of it. The Democratic party, as
such, is not and cannot be either the party
of reform or of equal rights but the party
of the future must be both of these. The
Republican party can make itself that
and its recent victory will be its grandest
triumph if it improves its opportunity. 1t
is now strong enough to do exactly right
everywhere, and bid corrupt politicians def
ance ana If it will but noblY dare, having
the Union in the interest of
freedom, TO reconstruct politics and parties
in the interest Of honest reform and pure
government, it Will, while rejecting many
active politicians, yet draw to itself true
men everywhere, and vindicate it's right to
power by it's wise and moderate and honest !
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