The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-06-23

that house divided against itself shall fall.
Applying this declaration of divine wisdom
to the situation of the republican party,
it is easy to foreteli its defeat. The story of
fall seems to be simply a repetition of that of
the democracy. Differences of opinion and
sectional dissensions will invitably triumph
over the cohesive force Of political orgsniza-
ton. On the currency question, which is
the most vital issue of the day, the republi-
cans of the east and west have come into di-
rect antsgonism. The party in Maine and
Vermont declares emphatically for specie
payment, and the party in Indiana and ILL
nois proelaims determined faith in
irredeemible paper money. In no one
of the New England or Middle States can
the republicans go into the coming campaign
as avowed infationists with the slightest
hope of success. The popular opinion is so
strongly set upon the financial question
that it is considered a mark of ignorance in
regard to thedoctrines of political economy
TO advocate the increase of our circulating
medium, and man who actually believes
in the good results of such a measure would
be almost ashamed to say so. On the other
hand, shrewd politicians in the West main
tain that no party can march to victory save
under the banner of imitation: and to sdvo-
cate the contraction of the currency is to
risk popularity. The conventions of the re
publicans of Maine, Vermont, Illinois and
Indiana were the conventions of men of
different parties calling themselves by
the same name. To use celebrated COM
parison, the most adverse opinions and
interests have long lain side by side in the
republican organization without recognition
or conflict. like mortal enemies in dark
room. who spring up and grapple with each
other when light is brought in. The hour
of political illumination has arrived. The
discussions among the leaders were long
since perceived and acknowledged, but at
last the rank and file have become aware
that they too have their differences. When
Senator Morton and the president differed
on the financial issue, more was meant then
the mere disagreement in iudment between
two men. The bitter dissensions of thou
sands was represented in their conflicting
opinions. This currency question,
affords, however, merely a leading
and typical illustration of the general
process of disintegfation taking place ia the
great party. The temperance issue is wedge
fully as dangerous to its unity. Illinois re-
publiesns either do not believe in temper
ance legislation or else they dare not speak
their real sentiments. Indiana republicans
have stronger faith or else they are a little
boider, while the party in Maine is pro-
hi,itionist to the uttermost. In regard to
the treatment of the Southern states, the
same variety OF opinions prevails. On civil
service reform there is no unity. Perhaps
there Is no single point in which the men,
bers of the party are in harmony except the
pride with which they are wont to appeal to
the history of the organization. Even that
sentimental bond is breaking, for not few
republicans are becoming ashamed to
look over their shoulders at the distant
glories Of the war, lest their eyes fall
upon the putrid remains of the Credit Mo-
bilier, the Salary Grab, the Custom House
frauds, the misgovernment of the District of
Columbia and the Southern states together
with the ruins lett by the last financial storm.
Some of these men will soon awake from
the enchantment of the spell which turks
in the mere name of republican.