New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-07-18
Who Has Changed!

Who Has Changed!
Horace Greeley has not merely been al
lowed the field unembarrassed by the nOmi-
nation of another candidate against General
Grant by the Democratic party. He bas not
merely been coldly endorsed and feebly COM
mended by that party, but he has been
adopted, made, dec Jared, and ratified the
candidate of the Democratic party for the
Presidency of the United States. He is now
the chosen and recognized head of the Demo-
cratic party. The union is complete and per-
feet. The twain have become one in mind,
heart, and body. A blow dealt upon the
Democratic party is a blow dealt upon Horace
Greeley, for the two are now connected with
each other by single system of nerves, and
sensations are carried to every part Of the
political organism, whether beginning at its
head or at its tail.
Now there was time, and that time not
long ago, when Mr.. Greeley had nothing In
common with the Democratic party. To EN-
ploy phrase of the late Horace Mann, "they
were as wide asunder as the poles of the
moral universe" They were not only NOV
ing in different paths, but were travelling in
different directions and pursuing different
objects. They were not only different, but
positively hostile to each other. 1t has been
said that the American people have no polit-
ical memory, and some people have even
said that they have no political principles.
Both statements would appear to be con-
frmed by the present condition of public
affairs. But some of us remember when
neither of these statements could pass as
true. There was a time when men had both
a regard for principle and for political con-
sistency, and public men were measured by
both and estimated accordingly. Even now
some of us we'll remember when Horace
Greeley was not the head of the Democratic
party; when there was supposed to be gulf
between them as deep and impossible as that
which separated Lazarus and the rich man.
But that day is past and the two are no
longer twain, but one. Now, which of the
two has changed? They were asunder and
they are now together. How came they to-
gether? Have the Democrats gone to Gree
ley, or has Greeley gone to the Democrats?
Has each met the other half way, or are they
really as wide asunder now in point of politi-
cal convictions as at any time in their his
tory? Is the union between them a real
union upon principle, or is it simply an act
of political prostitution 1t is certainly not
harsh Judgment to say that this union, like
the ghost of Hamlet, comes in "question-
able shape"
Mr.. Greeley told the gentlemen who an
nounced to him his nomination the other day,
that he was just as good Republican now as
he had ever been, and that the Democratic
party are as soundly Democratic to-day as it
ever was. With all Difference to Mr.. Gree
ley, we must say that his view only compile
Gates the problem. If there has been no
abandonment Of any position by either, how
apart few months ago are now together:
Horace Greeley is an able man, but not even
his word-wise ability will convince the com-
try that he is to-day, in the same sense as
few months ago, Republican. 1t is by far,
easier TO believe too that he has become
modern Democrat, than that the Democratic
party has become all at once sincerely Re-
publican.
But suppose both have changed, and have
changed equally, is there anything in the
transaction which commends its honesty?
We fail to see it. The condition of the coun-
try is gradually improving, to be sure, but the
sources Of danger to its health and prosperity
remain about the same now as one year ago.
On the other hand, the party under whose
measures the condition of the country has
been steadily improving, has not deviated
hairs breadth from its declared principles and
policy. The administration Of Ulysses S.
Grant, in whatever else it may have failed,
has not failed in steadmess. 1t has had the
good fortune to be thoroughly understood.
No one has been in doubt Of its character or
its purposes. 1t has attempted nothing bril-
liant, and has avoided all surprises. Acting
upon the principles that the country
needed repose after the wear and tear of ten
years of war and reconstruction, the Admin
istration has avoided everything that could
destroy the national quiet. 1t has refused to
embroil the country with Spain, and with
England, not because there have been no
tempting opportunities for such embodiment,
but because sound wisdom and patriotism
dictated peace policy. 1t commended the
annexation ofSanto Domingo on terms honor
able alike to the people of both country's,
but Just 80 soon as signs of division showed
themselves concerning that measure, Presi-
dent Grant, with respectful Difference to
the legislative department of the Govern.
ment, which rebounds to his honor, and COM
mends his wisdom, promptly yielded his con.
yictions upon the whole subject, and went on
. his quiet way, endeavoring to promote the
steady restoration Of the country to order,
by the calm and steady enforcement of the
laws.
Now, we defy the citation Of single fact