The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-06-30
Wanted a Leader /!

Politics are in strange chaotic condition,
and the issues appear to be- slowly taking
shape. There is, however, no guiding in
telligence to form the shapeless masses or
breathe a spirit into them. To speak in
plain terms. there are no leading men in the
nation, and the people are wandering hither
and thither without guides-groping their
way. Why have not the multitudes
throughout the country who believe that the
national good demands the overthrow of
the party in power, come together in
the acknowledgment of some def
mite political creed and organized
their forces for determined campaign?
The simple reason is that no great leader
has risen to control such movement. 1t is
time to ask whether we have in the country
a single statesman of positive convictions,
undaunted courage and strong enthusiasm
Is there no man who has intellectual acumen
enough to make up his mind on the ques-
tons of the day, moral earnestness enough
to strive fer the triumph of what he be-
lieves, boldness to disregard all OPP
position and magnetism to carry the
masses with him? Have we not even
politician shrewd enough 70 see that
the great want of the hour is leader
and tact enough to assume position? There
is naturally lack OF pure and able men in
the republican party, for the great states
men who formed it and led it through all its
successes, are gone. 1t is in its decline, and
affords no opportunity for genius. But
years have gone by since the democracy won
a triumph or had a commander. After the
death of Stephen A. Douglas. whose personal
power was as magnetic and as far reaching
as that of Clay or Webster, men,
bers of the party were left like
sheep without shepherd. Its career
since then has been vacillating
wandering, uncertain, timid. One year the
spirit of sbiect compromise would rule, and
the next a stubborn determination against
all change. The struggle against the admin
istration was carried on in defensive, ir-
regular sort of warfare, consisting of sHir-
mishes on little incidental issues. There
were no battles for broad general principles.
There was no plan of aggressive action, no
consistent scheme of policy. In word the
party had no leader. Here and there in the
Eastern and Western states, there have been
individuals aspiring to the honor of leader
ship, and afraid to assume it's responsible
ties. They were not the kind of men
who were determined to force their
convictions upon: others, but OF
that class which is willing to receive
dictation. They waited to see how popular
opinion would turn on a great question, in
stead of stepping forward and turning it the
way they wanted it to 60. Had the So
called democratic leaders been, at any time,
full of faith and courage, they would have
inspired their followers with the same con-
fdence. A party whose policy is aggression,
led by timid men, cannot be successful. 1t |
is pitisble to see the great forces ofthe oppo-
sition moving like a mob, lacking unity, |
purpose and plan. They form splen-
did material for the man who
has principles to establish, and who
Is not afraid TO advocate them.
Moral courage is the great quality needed
By the public men of the day. The saying
Of the great French revolutionist, Danton,
amid the conflict of arms, is not less applica-
Die amid the conflict of opinions. 1t is nee
,ssary 'to dare, and dare and always still to
iare."