Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-04-09

AUG u 9 L "a.
THURSDAY MORNING. April 0. 1874
CONNECTICUT.

CO~N~f1
The result in Connecticut addresses it
self directly TO the republicans at Wash
ington. In the Senate it ought TO be felt
by each republican as an admonition for the
faults of the past, and q warning OF the
consequences that will ensue unless good
record is made in the future. 1t touches
the Senate more particularly because it
reduces the republican strength in that
body. This was not simply u local cleo
ton, but one that reached into the national
Senate 1t involved national issues and
interests. 1t was the people of Connectl-
cut passing upon the acts of their servants
at Washington, with such result as we
have seen. We do not mean TO say that
Senator Buckingham is marked out for
uufaithfulness or want of ability III the
discharge of his duty by the unfavorable
result in Connecticut, but that our defeat
is largely due to general causes of dissat-
isfaction arising in Washington, for which
the republican party is made responsible.
The republican vote of Connecticut
shows no sign of a demoralized party. 1t
is heavier than last year. but the opposi-
ton gain is greater than the republican.
While the republicans, however, are not
demoralized, their enemies were encour-
aged to redoubled activity by such devel-
opments as the Sanborn frauds, and thus
managed to secure the victory which they
won. There is nowhere perceptible any
yielding or breaking of the organization,
no appearance of factions within the lines,
but the immediate condition Of things at
Washington, serving to depress the re-
publicans and stimulate the opposition
produced the result which occurred. In q
State as close rs Connecticut it requires
but little to turn the scale, and unfortu
nately too many republicans in Congress
gave their influence on the democratic
side in this case. Let them run over the
record of their proceedings since the
opening of the last session, and they will
not wonder that defeat attends the repub
lcans in close localities.
Now, then, is there any need of point
ing republican leaders to the course nee
essary for them to pursue? In order to
hold the confidence of the masses of the
people they must deserve it. They must
set their faces against corruption, robbery,
unfaithfnlness, and plant the standard Of
reform wherever abuses and wrongs ap-
pear that demand correction. Party lead
ers in the South and West must UNDER
stand that republican majorites cannot be
maintained in New England except upon
principles of justice, honesty, good gov
eminent. The party must rise to the
plane of self-correction. 1t must look into
itself and tear out the evils that threaten
its existence. Unfaithful officers should
be discharged. Systems that educate
rogues TO prey upon the public should be
overturned. The complaints and admoni-
tions of the people should be needed. In
stead of screening official misdemeanor
and ineapacity let exposure and correction
be prompt. In this kind of work there
should be perfect unanimity in all sections,
the South and the North, the East and the
West joining hands cordially TO advance
reform. The republican States of the
West and South must consider that reck
less course in regard to expenditures, to
the currency. to the support OF dangerous
and bad men and corrupt schemes, will
inevitably plunge them and us finally into
defeat. Without the republican majorities
of New England there will be no national
republican victory in 1876. We can carry
every New England State for the next re-
publican candidate for President if the
party will prove itself equal to the duties
of the hour. reforming with fearless hand
where reform is required but if the oppo-
site course is pursued there is sure disas-
ter awaiting us. If our defeat in Connec-
ticut shall awaken the republicans in
Washington to the true condition of ai-
fairs, it will be blessing rather than a
damage; the means of wiser counsels,
more prudent and harmonious action and
continued ascendency in national affairs
LOUIS REL.