, 1874-12-23

We havo already expressed tho opinion in
various why's TINT tile result Of tho recent
elections will bs Of tho greatest permanent
good to tho Republican purity Us poIitical
organization. Dcfoat WIS probably tho only
why in which tho party could ever have rid
itself Of weights md attachments that wcro
dragging 1t down; tho only way in Which tho
aisorganizera could havo beon wectlcd out,
and tho party reunited Under the leadership
Of competent aud honorable men for patriotic
purposes. The daily proceedings Of tho
present House Of Representatives attest tho
painful consequences Of a Incl; in this
unity of purpose and combination Of
energies. Among the advantages which
t!iroct result Of their defeat is tho
transfer Of aIr. BLAINE from tho Speakers
chair to tho floor Of tho House. A powerful
minority, enjoying tho advantages of lis OK
poricuco and counsel, will be able to do tho
country moro substantial good than the pres
ont Republican minority while pulling away
ct cross-purposes.
The lack Of leadership on tho Republican
side Of the House is very apparent at tho
present session. As Mr. DAWES gods ont Mt
tho en1 Of this session, and contemplatcs n
permanent retirement from public ifo, ho
contents himself with his application to COM
nittco work. Mr.. GARFIELD is much in the
sa1no position, though llo is to bo a member
Of tho next House. 1Ir. BUTLER has not
only cut loose from the Republican
party, but tho party has happily rid itself of
responsibility for his vagasies. KELLEY is
likowise severed from full sympathy with the
party by reason Of his individual financial
theories which ho is determined to force upon
Congress. Mr.. CuAnLrs FosrEn, Of Ohio,
exhibited some brilliant qualities Mt the Inst
session of Congress, but seems scarcely to
have tho persistence and application neces-
sary to leadership. Z, f. HoAn goes out at
the end Of this session, and GEORGE r. HoAn
does not seem to aspire to tho conspicuous
position. Geu. HAw1EY, of Connecticut,
though otherwise very able and well
suited, hes not The necessary cool
ness and self-control. 1lcssrs. Bun
cHAED, HALE, FAnwrLt, 1IcCaARY, JAMES
WILSON, mud others who will bo mc:nbors Of
tho next Congress-, arc good working men,
bors and Of distinguished public service, but
arc lacking in parliamentary knowledge and
the raro qualities which constitute good gan-
cralship III deliberativo body.
We believe that the way to the leadership
Of tho Republican side Of tic next House is
clear for Mr.. JAMES G. BLAINE, aud wo arc
inclined to think thathe will bo able to rondcr
bottor service in this capacity than he has Ms
Speaker Of tho House. He will step to
tho front with m ul,sulliod roputa-
ton, great popularity, pleasing address,
great ability, aud vast experience. His
knowledge Of parliamentary Inv will
onablo him to Keep tho Republicans
in tho limo Of rule and procedent
which the Democrats will be constantly ig-
noring and yiolating This alone will bs
Invaluable in checking tho propensities Of 4
Democratic House, malo up largely Of in
experienced men, to rusll wildly into Ill sorts
Of schemes. AIr. BLAINE will likewise DO
stimulated by tho desire to retain on the floor
n position corresponding to TINT which tho
Republicans gave him whom they vera in the
majority. We therefore expect good results
from n Republican minority in tho next
House,