The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-02-10
THE FUTURE OF THE REPUBLICAN
RARTY.

In several states certain rings and cliques
have taken possession Of the Republican
organization. They are, for The most part,
mere camp-followers and bummers, who
neither understand nor care for the princi-
pies and aims of the party. They became
connected with it as matter of business
expedlency, when they found its strength
could be converted into Offices and salaries,
with endless possibilities of plumber. If
the history Of these men were closely
studied it would appear that they never
were Republicans, except in name. In
war time most likely they went to Canada
to avoid the draft, or at best attended the
army only as contractors, commissioners
Or some other safe and comfortable func-
lions, among the valorous home guard.
Few ante-bellum Republicans are to be
found among this disreputable class.
Through the caucus in some states, these
,nen are able to control the organization
for private ends.
~ StIlhc tHeul was W uoSu"tc fto
glorious Republican party" Securing
nominations by fraud and cunning they
relied on partisan loyalty to get elected.
BY skillful use of the juggler's tricks
known to those initiated in politics, they
astened themselves upon the organiza-
ton with clasp which nothing but dis
II H., Sc,
where Characteristic Of these men that
they oppose every new and pro-
gressive measure. They are remark
able for their jealous attachment to
old party catchwords, and go into
ecstasies over what has been done long
ago. They deny what no one asserts, and
assert what no one denies. OF all new
ideas and issues they are greatly afraid
lest by some change Of base they shall be
.lostled out of their snug and comfortable
holdings. The chances are that ten years
ago they were reviling the very principles
that they now enthusiastically proclaim
since they have become the accepted doc
trines of the country. The con6ding
people, easily deceived by fair
professions, have too often in
their magnanimous sympathy for the latest
convert, entrusted such POLITICAL hypo-
critics with power. The results in the late
elections which went against US were
largely due to general uprising of the
people in angry protest against the rule o.
corrupt rings. Earnest Republicans, who
stood by the cause in its days of weakness
and peril, were determined that the repu-
tation Of a great party should not be con.
yerted into trading stock fol political Peter
Turks to gamble with. They refused to
accept any longer the checks of political
bankrupts, which had been made to pass as
current coin, while it should clearly appear
that nomination was the equivalent Of an
election. They preferred temporary defeat
to the continued dominance of corrupt and
sinister influences which rendered yictory
barren to the party and a serious damage
to the state. This in part explains why our
once powerful maiorities of the West have
lessened or given place to the other side.
There is no change among the people upon
vital issues. They have not surrendered the
glorious principles upon which the party is
based. or the lofty spirit Of patriotic devo-
ton which inspired them in the heroic
days when our principles had not been