Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-11-10
Republicans have this scar sustained.-

Republicans have this scar sustained
While admitting that the record WAS an
extremely unpleasant one Tor him 10 con-
template he said that The result WAS orc
not unforeseen or unprotected. As lar
back as last June the catastrophe was
apparent. aud ut that time in consultation
with leading members of his organization
he announced his 6viicl that control OF
the new House of Representatives could
only be retained by small majority
Wilson said that at the moment. he was
talking he was unfamiliar with the details
OF the OF the returns. but from such in
limations of their character as he had
received he should feel gratilfed Ia learn
that the Republican party still had
working majority in the lover branch oil
Congress. lie feared otherwise, how
ever.
The cause Of this outbreak OF popular
dissatisfaction with the Republican party
Mr. Wilson thought were well understood
at least here in Massachusetts. Five
years ago this Commonwealth held even
more han her fair proportion OF the great
political positions of the country She
had the Seeretaryship OF tho Treasury,
and for a time the Attorney Generalshlp.
Her citizens filed the London and Berlin
missions In the Senate. was Charles
Sumner, rs chairman OF the Committee
ON Foreign Relations. In the house. Nh.
Hooper was on the Committee on ways
and Means, and Mr. Dawes was chairman
OF the Committee on Appropriations.
position as important aS any IN that BODY,
iiuOt more important than any other, III MS
Judgment; Mr.. WashbuIn was the chair
man Ot the Committee on Claims, ana
Gen. Banks at the head OF the Committee
ON Foreign AlfairS, while Gen. Butler
presided over the Committee ON Recon
struction. That was the situation when
the Republicans of Massachusetts were
undivided. Her situation WAS tar differ
cnt now, though Mr.. Dawes held The
Craftsmanship OF the Committee on ways
and Means. and Gen. Butler was at the
head OF the judiciary Committee. Inc
Vice President regarded this as un!ortu-
uIle, and seemed to think that 1t prudent
counsels had prevailed it might have been
averted. He thought there never was
party strong enough 10 look with salts
faction ON discussion in its ranks. lie
did not believe at all in the prcscrpllve
policy. OF all parties the Republican
was the last that could tolerate what was
termed "discipiine.n After the issue OF
The Greeley campaign, the true pohcy
was TO open tho doors and endcavor 10
secure the return, of sumner, Schnrz,
Banks, and other Republicans who went
into the Liberal Republican movement.
Other counsclS prevailed, and what should
have ucen effected was neglected. IN
other thing that had weighed the RepuO-
Leans heavily WAS the third term scheme.
That was something the country could
not be brought 10 consent TO, and kepuO
Leans, as ne knew, had reasoned that
they might as well Kill the project now
~ Two wears hence. Al the present time
The public mind was fixed on the adYisa-
tiily OF having but two Terms. Another
eror WAS made by the Office holders IN
pressing so uniformly tor perpeluati-g
themselves in Office and stiil another In
making unfit nominations. All OF these
had contributed To- produce dissatisfaction.
Sill Mr.. Wilson declared that even II his
fears should be realized. he WAS diSln'
clined To believe that the defeat WAS other
,han temporary. and that It would not de.
termine the isSue.of the next presidential
campaign. lie did not, he said. welcome
disaster. but it it came, he could not Ont
think lis effect on The Republican party
would be beneficial. and that under the
Christening they would Use 10 victory
again.