The Portland daily press., 1873-09-04
The Political POlyp.

There is large class of animals-not of
the highest order-whose vitality is very
sluggish, but who are wonderfully tenacious
of life; who have no nervous system the
destruction or severance of whose center
would cause death to all the members and
who have a certain principle of stagnant life
inherent in every several particle so that the
fragments remain vital, however thoroughly
the whole animal may be cut up. The ex-
perimental bov divides an ernle worn, i,,ta-
many pieces for the sake of seeing each Of
them set up in life on It's own account. An
other creature may be turned absolutely in
81 le out, and goes on living just as well. In
dealing with these lower grades of animals
we must not fail to recognize the principles
of their existence, and if we consider them
as analogous to the higher organisms with
which we are more familiar, and which are
Certainly more attractive subjects of contem-
plation, we shall arrive al grave error.
For more than ten years the curious stu.
dent has had the opportunity to observe
political polyp-the Democratic party-which
has turned itself inside out in declaration of
principles, which has been cut in pieces many
times, but which still maintains fragment
airy kind of existence with a decidedly lively
wrigge in some parts. In New York city
and few other places, the fragments have
developed a vigorous vitality and most in
ordinate capacity in a predatory line. In
fact, these fragments never have shown dis
position to neglect anything within their
reach. They are omniverous and voracious.
In this State there is an exhibition of mar
vellous outlying vitality in this creature. The
head has been cut of-its best men have de-
clared it dead and have renounced allegiance
TO it, and yet it sustains a quasi existence in
spots and to these spots, where wriggle is
till observable, attention is now called.
The result in the state is so fully conceded
that profound apathy in respect to the state
tickets has settled upon all parties; and there
IS danger that this lazy confidence in the gen.
eral result may lead to neglect of some in
terests that ought to be cared for. In two or
three counties, the enemy has attempted
diversion by organizing little conventions call
ed peoples Conventions or ''Liberal Re-
publican Conventions The few Republi-
cans, who have taken any part in these silly
affairs, are divided into two c!asses-soreheads
and dipes-the former largely preponderating
in point of numbers. Ii is an entertaining
study for one familiar with local politics to
take the list of members of one of these con-
ventlons, and select the sore place on each
man. Most of them have been Republican
Office holders in smal way and have lost
their places; others have wanted places and
failed to get them; to both classes the mis-
sion Of the Republican Party has ceased; any
change is desirable and their utter despera-
ton and decentralization is shown by their
seeking home in the Democratic fold, Just
as the best men of that party have left it and
are on their way to join the Republicans.
This is an exchange with which we are very
well satisfied, The few honest Republicans
who are duped by the noisy professions of SUI
perior virtue ard purity by these fellows will
soon become disguised and return. In those
counties which are in any wise doubtful, the
Republicans should be alert lest inattention
permit some measure of success to attend this
Pecksnifery.
In the close representative districts still
greater care should be taken. The Demo-
Gratis always make an effort where there is
any chance for success; they have had so lit
tie of the article lately that they waste no OPP
portunities. Next year occurs the election
OF U. S. Senator and the retention of these
doubtful districts in Republican hands this
year makes victory easier next.
II is to be hoped that no Republican will
neglect to vote because we can win so easily.
external vigilance is the price of liberty and
steady, constant and repeated show of our
strength is important to keep the adversary
in his proper place. Vote yourself and bring
out your neighbor! We have political polyp
to deal with which, though dead at the head,
possesses some life in the scattered fragments.