New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1874-02-12

demand be made that our grand old Govern
ment, with its memorable achievements of
nearly two centuries, purchased at the price
OF blood and treasure, shall be tamely given
over to those who had conspired for the over
throw OF the nation. But who is he that
would submit to such high-handed treason ?
Who is he that would barter away the hcri-
tage of our fathers? None. None but a
traitor. So let it be written in bold and
blazing letters upon the flag of our country
wherever it may wave, that, having been
honored and protected by the Republican
party i'll the days of bloody rebellion, then
none but traitors will bctray that party.
Minor matters may sometimes be compro-
missed or even sacrificed for the attaining of
a greater good. 1t was so in the great con-
tlnental convention, when our fathers of the
Revolution pledged themselves to stand by
the Declaration. Such was the spirit Jl1Sk
characterized the patriots in their trials and
struggles for Independence. And when the
thousands Of loyal braves dashed forth to
the horrid front of war, shouting the battle
cry of Freedom" they sealed their vows with
their own life-blood, that union and liberty
might be made perpetual. In that dark and
fearful conflict, when the destinies of the
nation appeared to hang in the balance, they
turned not back to look upon the faults in
cident to their cause; but gazing aloft from
the serenity of the skies, they resolved to 90
forward, struggling amid the tempest and
fire of battle, until the banner of universal
freedom had become the boosted emblem of
our country. They quailed not with de-
spondency. May we not profit by the lessons
of those sanguinary contests; and should
we'not be willing to stay with the party of
freedom and with the tried and faithful men
OF the country, and maintain and perpetuate
its blessings to coming generations.
1t does not follow that the party has lc-
nouuced its principles because some of its
members do not follow in the line of polti-
Cal duty, nor is the obligation less binding
upon representatives as we'll as constituents
to obey and carry out the action of a
duly delegated convention. Our system of
republican rule binds the people with those
who were accredited to represent their ideas.
If not, what would be the use of a repre-
sentative body? To render legal authority
efficient there must be mutual support on the
part Of the people and those acting for the
people.
- Congress itself is but convention of the
people. Now suppose the merest minority
should refuse to maintain the national laws,
if they dared, what kind of Government
would we have? What would be the use of
legislation at all? Soon VIC would become
nation of stragglcrs, and our Government
rope of sand.
Now, then, We aver that, unless the party
is criminally at fault, it is madness to rebel,
and like Catiliss, s'vnlk away, but on return
ing proved that he was the vcriest slave to
an inOrilinatc ambition.
On! on! we are marching on! and when
the impartial historian shall look up the stu
pcndous heights to which our party has ad-
vanced, chief among the sources of our ma
tional greatness, our success and security
will be marked by the unsurpassed states
manship, wisdom. and bcnclicencc of the
men who led on the republican host through
all its mighty struggles, which finally culmi-
mated in the adoption of the Supplemental
Civil Rights Bill-the cap-stone of liberty
and he will admit that, by an unE,ltcring
fidelity to principle, to justice and duty, the
ultimate triumph of the party was insured,
and that its ensign, wherever borne, was
commensurate with the dictates of enlicht-
cucd mankind. And when the coming mil
lions shall step forth into the enjoyment of
the full function, be it theirs to say of tho
national party, as we have said of orr an
cestorS-
90 For God S iralicnable rights to man
Our fathers fought and bed;
| So glorious were the rights secured
The sons revered the dead.''
RADICAL.