Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1873-06-06
REPUBLICAN, STATE CONVENTION.
Is it Necessary?


Is it necessary
The Democratic party being in
that extreme phase Of depreciation
and disfavor with the people, that
nothing can possibly injure it, and
having nothing to lose, and some
Slight hope for gain by any move on
the political chess board; its presses
and politicians are counseling the
farmers to cast off their present
party affiliations, telling them that
it is only through new party, in
which they shall be the ruling pow
er, that they can secure the reforms
for which they are working. Be-
fore accepting these specious invi-
cations, it would be we'll for the
farmers to make diligent and can
did inquiry; first, whether the Re-
publican party, to which a great
majority of them belong is in antag-
onism to them and their interests as
the Democratic papers would have
them believe; and second, whether
they do not hold the power to control
that party, and use it for any purpose
they wish, whenever they choose to
exercise that power.
That the Republican patty is
ready and willing to meet the pop
ular demand for reform Of railroad
abuses, is susceptible of ample de-
monstration. Its presses all over
the country are with one accord
giving hearty encouragement to the
farmers movement; in this present
ing a marked contrast to the leading
Democratic and Liberal organs,
some Of which predict the futility
Of the movement, and others like
the Chicago Tribune, and New York
World deny the right of the law
making power to legislate upon
railroad charges. A Republican
Senate, at the last session of Con-
gress added to its standing commit
tees one on Transportation, placing
at its head Hon. VIM. Window, of
Minnesota, western man, and
thoroughly identified with western
grain growing interests. This CON-
mittec is now in session, collecting
facts and statistics, and gathering
lata which will enable Congress to
pct upon the subject at the next ses-
eion which will he much earlier
period than any body hoped for leg
station from that body Republi-
lean State and other Conventions
have not evaded the issue, but are,
n the most explicit terms accepting
as the one of great and over
hadowing Importance, and de-
laring for railway reform by law
With no uncertain utterance. The
Republican convention Of the great
,tate Of Ohio, is q notable example
f the decided stand taken on this
nbject by the party. The Republi-
an party has always been the par
Of the people. Its history is
roud record of warfare against OPP.
'ression, injustice, conservatism
nd privilege. 1t could not oppose
he present movement Of the pro-
ucing classes against the abuses
nd extortions of monopolies with
ut going back on every principle
which has honored and distinguish.
d it in the past, and assuredly it
ill not.
But even if there were a DISPOSE
ion to use it as weapon to retard
he redress asked by the people, it
'ould be impossible, for two.thirds
f its membership are farmers. The
lrming interest practically holds
le party in the hollow of its hand,
do with it what it will. 1t re-
uires but the attendance of the
srmers upon the primary meetings
the party to obtain the absolute
ontrol of its Offices and policy.
here is not Republican county in
owa where this is not possible, and
re suppose it will require no argu-
aent to show that more can be ac-
omplished for the reform which
40 honest farmers have at heart,
y the aid Of the smoothly working
rganization of the Republican
arty, than through the uncongru-
us elements of new party. In
lew Of these facts it becomes the
uty of the chief promoters Of the
lrmers movement who are Repub-
cans, to inquire whether it is nee
ssary, whether it will pay to make
acrifice of their political prede-
ctions and affiliations solely to graf
Y the ambition for office of few
disappointed men of their own po-
teal faith, and an immense host of
democratic demagogues hungry
,r spoils.
The CHOLERA is reported at
[emphis and other towns on the
,Eer Mississippi. Its ravages are
hiefy confined to the negroes and