Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-04-09
GOVERNMENT BY PARTY.

The following article from the Christian
Union, Henry Ward Beecher's paper, is
one for thoughtful republicans to read. Its
review or examination of the relations of
the President to his party is one the business
and truth of which all intelligent persons
will assent to. Not less correct is its con-
clusion that if Grant could be defeated by a
coalition Of factions and elements opposed
to him, the result would be democratic
victory, on the principle that big fishes
will eat the little ones. The Union of
course cannot foresee what the convention
at Cincinnati will do, but is simply specu-
lating as to what would be the condition
of parties supposing Grant We're defeated,
and considering whether the country could
afford to endure to have the work of the
republican party half done and restore to
power that party whose strength and con-
troll rests in the southern States, when the
democracy of that section choose to ex-
ert themselves.
Let 1t be supposed that the Cincinnati Con.
venfion results in the nomination of a repub-
lican Of high character--for instance. Mr..
Irumbull, or Mr.. Greeley, or Mr.. Sumner.
suppose that the democrats make no nomna-
ton of their own. Suppose, further, that
Gen. Grant is renominated at Philadelphia.
What-would then be the question presented
to the voterf
The question would not be simply whether
General Grant or his opponent is personally
the hotfar ftta1 for 20 of ne d.
Reason and experience show beyond all
question that the character of an Administra-
ton depends on something besides the Presi-
dent. 1t depends even more on the party that
supports him.
Al the very outset, the President must ap-
point Cabinet officers, on whom devolves a
double duty. 1t is they who Immediately car
~ on the executive part of the Government
M Foreign Affairs, its Finance, the Post Of
nee, me Army and Navy Department, etc.
.. HS shis, they are the immediate counsel
U .',. ~ we resident. These Cabinet officers
and .nrro.. 49,. ~, rom the party that has chosen
Further, the Executive can do ,t,,e ,o shan.
the general policy OF the nation. excen, in cp
opefauon with Congress. 1t is in The la,ter
BODY that the real center Of nowar 49,, 49,.
Thns, the financial policy favored hv The Es
ecutive can be utterly thwarted by Coneras.
Inc foreign treaties it may make, fail withon,
the Senste's confirmation. Eyery one of ~
appointments to Office depend on the Senate,
concurrence. In all the vast range of affair,
which come directly under legislation, the Elk
ecutive can do nothing except through tn,
party in Congress that supports it.
II ever President came into Office seemip
to stand above the necessity of party supper
and alliance, that man was Gen. Grant.
good faith and with general appreciation, h
made the attempt TO Disregard party consider
tons IN his appointments. The attempt brok
down 1t the outset. 1t had been shown agai
and again, before that, that president un
supported BY party can do little more thai
act - an imperfect clog to the Government
lie y powesleas t0seontrol or direct it.
We repeat, then, it is . question of prim,
importance on whom the President will de-
pend for the party support without WHICH he
u only fsure-head.
Nov, one thing about the next Presidential
campaign 4 elsar. The mass of the Repub-
lican party viii hold together in support OF the
nominee. Say, if you please