The Rutland weekly globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1873-11-14
Editorial Troy Times Nov. D.
Result of The Election

JThere appears to be no doubt that the
Democratic state ticket is elected by ma
jority of some twenty Thousand. Both
houses of the legislature are Republican.
Here are facts that thoughtful, observing
minds have not failed to discern in the re-
cent indications of public sentiment A
condition of unrest in the popular mind :;
disregard of mere party obligations a
disposition to push experiments into poiti-
cal action with view of testing methods
for reform a purpose to rebuke mistakes
or individual case of corruption within the
party by striking down the party itself ;
the organization of 'grangers" to fight rail
way corporations of temperance men to
enforce Sunday laws, and of prohibitionists
to cure people of the habit of injurng or
or destroying themselves by strong drink
Indeed, wherever there has been strong
idea of any sort with respect to commerce,
trade or morals, the tendency has been to
form an organization with view of stiik-
ing down the party in power. Again, I'M
der the engineering of the able but unscru-
pulous Gen. Butler, the last congress passed
an act that shocked the moral sense of the
whole country, and justly excited the in
dignation of the people, namely, the back
pay measure, which put some $4,000 into
over and above what he was entitled TO by
the law under which he had accepted the
office and served his full term. The grab
or grand larceny il is true had the support
of larger proportion of Democrats than
Republicans in congress but there was the
fact that the Republican party had the
power in that body, and the steal was en-
acted into law. And the party has had to
suffer on account of the intidelity and
wrong-doing of portion of its unfaithful
representatives.
In this condition OF affairs, it is not sur
prising that in this "off year" the Republi-
can party has suffered considerable disas-
ter. The lesson ought to prove an admoni-
ton for the future. 1t is not desirable that
any party should become too strong in this
country. An effective opposition check
needs to be interposed to remind the party
in power that it cannot do wrong, cannot
stray into the by and forbidden paths
of corruption without bringing upon
itself popular rebuke and disaster. The
conscience, the inspiration, the principles
of the Republican party are just and pure ;
and yet we know by observation and all MIS-
tory that where great and overwhelming
power is, there the insiduous influences Of
evil are brought to bear by bad men to ac-
complish their corrupt purposes. The Re
publican party has not escaped these
malign influences, though for the most
part 1t has nobly repealed them. Wherein
IL has erred and slnned, the offence has
been with its trusted and unfaithful repre-
sentatlves, For their offending the party
suffers. And with the opposition thus
strengthened, we may hope for Ultimate
good. That is to say, Republican repre-
sentatives will be admonished that fidelity
to principles and integrity in official service
can only secure ascendancy for their party
or popular approval for themselves. Thus
what seems to be calamitous in present and
temporary results, may prove in the end t.
be blessing. What Is punishment now is {
necessary warning for the future.
We regret the defeat of our state ticket
because ii embraced for the most part gool
and true men far better men for the 20
sitions they were nominated to fill, as W.
sincerely believe, than those who have beer
chosen by the people. The state will be thu
loser in the choice made, but with faith il
popular integrity we believe the error will
In good time be seen and at the earliest Cd
portunity corrected.
And now what of the future The Re
publican party is warned. Its representa-
| tives in congress and in the state legisla
ture are warned. They must serve the PEG
pie faithfully as condition of Republi
can success in the future. They mus
crush out the iniquitous lobby element
They must give expression to the popular
conscience. In other words, they must dc
right or suffer the penalty of wrong-doing
But doing right, boldly meeting the de
mands of the time and the emergencies Of
the crisis by acts of true craftsmanship In
stead of policies for petty tinkering or dis
reputable jobbing, the Republican party
will be all the more strengthened for future
achievements by the lesson of present de
! feat.