The sun., 1873-07-02
now to Consolidate the Opposition

NOW 10 COnsOuuntc the OppOsittOn.
In commencing political campaign IL Is
half the battle to start right. Attention
to this general truth was never more inn
portant than at the present time, and in
respect to those who, whatever may have
been their previous relations TO parties,
now find themselves in substantial accord
an their opposition 20 the supporters of the
national Administration.
Meetings of opponents OF the Admins
tration are beginning to crop out all over
the country. At the recent conference OF
Liberal Republicans in this city IL was re-
solved to hold state Convention at an
early day, which can hardly mean later
than the last of this month.
What, then, Is the proper programme 70
be pursucdi few suggestions of gem
crIil nature may not be Improbable.
In the formation of new political COM
binations 20 effect common objects long
crecds are u stumbling block. Coming to-
Gcther from different standponts, the
members of the proposed organization
will probably agree at the outset upon
only two or three fundamental propori-
tions. There is immense power in this
mode of bringing factions or elements
which fought each other upon old issues to
codpeidte harmOniously under n changed
condition Of affairs. The old Wing party
succeeded but twice in Presidential con-
test. In 1910 its nominating convention
laid down no platform at all. The over
throw of VAN BUREN's Administration was
the issue. In lSiS it's convention pro-
mulgatcd the iaiLtcSt shadow of Il creed.
The defeat of Cas- sufliced for the rally ing
cry of the campaign.
May il not be 50 now The country
knows what GRANTS Administration Is.
with its two leading policies of corruption
aud ceutralization. For the present the
defeat of the Administration forces in the
state elections would seem to he plat
form on which all good men can take their
stand.
Everything which looks like making the
selection OF candidates for Office the chief
end OF the new movement should he re-
pudiated from the start. The people look
with disgust upon policy of mere trade
and dicker among schcming politicians.
and they will not allow such bargains TO
stand as substitutes for cardinal principles
For once or twice such dodgcs may sue
coed. More than twenty years ago set Of
Massachusetts politicians who held no
political doctrines ia common formed IL
coalition which made GEORGE :. boutwell,
Governor, CHARLES SUMNER senator in
Congress, and CALEB CUSHING JuGge of the
Supreme Court. But tae coalition broke
down aud sank into contempt the very
next year.
Parties which are to endure aud achieve
permanent results cannot be either created
or kept In existence by the running to and
fro of conference committees between con-
ventions who agree upon nothing except
the desire to get hold of certain Offices.
Consultation is doubtless needed in the
early stages of the movement, to ascertain
whether those who propose TO enter into
the contemplated alliance really agree upon
principles of sufficient importance to bind
honest, independent, energetic men to-
gether, and carry them through fierce
struggle with the party in power. The
principles may be few in number but their
place cannot be supplied by any amount
OF bargaining about the distribution of
offices.
To be successful parties must spring cut
OF the exigencies Of the times. The policy
of the national Administration is boldly
defined and well understood. Doubtless "A
majority OF the voters of the country.
Snd certainly of the state of New
York, believe that that policy Is fraught
with ruin. and that It's authors al Washing
ton and its abettors everywhere ought TO
be driven from power,
This seemingly narrow but very plain
path is the road which will lead the OPP
position to victory in this state this YER,
and 10 ultimate triumph in the whole
Union.