New Orleans Republican., 1873-08-10
pkTRIOTTSM,

A love of country has always been es-
teamed noble feeling among men OF en-
larged and generous views. In all coun-
tries this feeling is cherished by the peo-
pie that form the body polite and control
government In countries where govern
nent is ruled by hereditary authority, and
the great body of the people have no po-
,;tical influence, this feeling still retains
its hold. It should not be regarded as
strange. then, that patriotism is
predominant feeling with the
American people, who. formed their
governments, elect their public ser
:.:-ts and shape the politics OF the
country. As citizens of the United
Sta.es-a country that is justly recognized
as the leading power Of the earth wher
compared with any other nation-they
have cause to be patriotic. Under re-
publican form it has made more progress
il tie science Of government, in less thar
a century, than all the countries OF the
Old World combined have made fol
centuries. Europe is ready to acknowl
edge this fact. and would do SC
j: her people were permitted to
make choice Of government. AS 1t
IS. repubIcanism is advancing il the
States Of Europe under the stimulus OF
american example. Bu: in the face Of
this recognition abroad of our success as
nation. in all that appertalns to supe-
r.o- civilization and government. the ma
jori:y OF our people, who rule, are told by
few men at home whose views can no:
extend beyond the interest of 4 section OF
party. that the government is bad. and
ina: its administrators are royues and
thieves. This comes from the de-
:roniac spirit Of partisanism and
sec.ionalism combined. Tha men
w.o are infected in this way can not
Oe patriotic: can not love the country that
has secured them so much freedom. They
can only love section. and that only as
long as it suits their peculiar views OF
things. Such men go in for splitting and
reducing all things to their capacity and
level. 1t is just as impossible Cor them to
be patriotic and liberal as it is for men
ike Webster, Clay, Cass and Jackson to
be sectiona! and bigoted. But. fortun-
a:e.y. our country can never ae inhu-
enced by the bitter and proscriptive
lew who persist in denouncing the Re-
publican party simply because it is in
power. The American people are intel
iigen: and patriotic. They are well ac-
quainted with the history and principles
OF the government They are interpre-
te:s o: the constitution. They elect the
administrators Of the government. There
fore. when the oppos:tion-o the few
who make it their business to speak for
he opposition charge tLa: the present
administration, which has recently been
reelected 10 power. has violated the con-
sti:ution: is changing the principles Of the
government; that it is corrup. IN every
department. and that it is actually sink
ing the country under the pollution Of
official corruption, it makes thes. charges
against tns honest and patriotic masses of
the country. who marched up to the polls
last ta.l and gave AZ emphatic iniorse.
men. OF the acts Of the administration and
the policy of the Republican party for
the last four yeals. The conduc: 0: the
:ew who write thu, il the interest Of the
opposition no. only display. gcea.
lack o: patriotism. bu. want OF respect
Cor the majority rule tina. stamps them as
:he enemies of popular government