Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-01-21

10 strike it down. Il cannot, | think, hope to re-
cover its lost prestige and power by policy OF
rewards and punishments, or by party discipline
There arc hundreds Of thousands in the republican
party to-day who spurn the brides and frowns OF
power and left the Wing and Democratic parties
for the sake of principles deemed by them impor'
.ant and sacred. These men cannotbe seduced y
the Establishments of power, nor greatly moved b.
threats of discipline. Mere politicians, who thinS
they can govern by the whip Of party discipline,
will find that they cannot thus reaca or control the
thoughtful and independent men who struck the
lash from the hands of the slave masters; nor can
we recover what is lest IN Massachusetts,, or IN me
country, by the impairment uermcddlcg OF othce
holders in nominations and elections. Otteo hcia-
crs should learn from the recent elections tAat
they can serve the republican party best by Ter-
forming their official duties with scrupulou, heel
ity The people should DC left free to arrange, III
their own way and without official interference,
their primary meetings and elections, tor, right
fully or wrongtully, they have been compeLeu 10
believe that there are those holding Office IN Mass
achusetts, in the country, and especially at the
South-some Of them IN important posltIons--Nho
do not ftlv represent the desire ard wlshes OF
thcirlocaliiies and who have not the pubic CON
fdence. The party burdened by such IS not hkeiy
to be led to victory by their obtrusve interference
either in Massachusetts or in the country, North
or South.
The disastrous division in the republican party
in 1872 was to me distressing event. 1t seemed
to me to be the unnecessary separation Vi cou~
rades who had toiled together for so many years
for noble purposes and glorious cause. | did all
| could by remonstrance and appeal to prevent It,
and have since sought to le-unlte what was then
so dsastrously and unnecessarily broken, ana l
now wond throw the doors wide open Tor the re-
turn of those who voted for Mr., Greeley in 1872,
and earnestly invite them to reuntc again with
their old associates. Indeed, at any moment since
that election, wonld have pursued generous
and magnanious policy toward the men VINO then
left us, and now, without the loss OF single hour
| would, in all sincerity, extend the hand OF rec
onciation. | would appeal to you, sir, and your
associates of the press that unfortunate DIVISION
to unite with the great party which, with all ITS
errors, faults and mistakes, has made glorious
record for the country, freedom and progress.
do not ask you to refrain from criticism. nor to
leave unnoteed its mistakes, for party that can
not tolerate that is already in its decadence.
There has been and now is a class ofmen in the
South, Douglas Democrats and old line National
Wings, who were dragged into the rebellion but
who have very little sympathy with the democrat
ic party. | have believed and now believe that
these men should be invited to cooperate with the
republican party and share its RESPONSIBILITIES and
honors. | believe that peace in the South, the
botting ont of divisions on the line of race, the
advancement of real reconstruction, permanent
Southern prosperity and the success of the repub-
lcan party demand that all honorable efforts should
be made to withdraw such men from association
with those who led them into the rebellion, brought
such fearful and Undesirable ruin upon them, and
who still adhere to the "lost cause" 1t seems TO
me that republicans everywhere, in office and out
of office, should subordinate all personal desires
aspirations and ambitions, sacrifice their interests
if need be, rally again for the party invite every
body, crowd its ranks and bring TO the front to the
important positions of the Government all the eN-
perience, ability and character they can command.
A broad, wise and magnanimous policy should
be promptly inaugurated, and steady and honestly
pursued When the country already sees, as it
will see, the only alternative presented, the real
issues involved, the policies ana men to be sup
ported, their records in the past and their present
affiliations, who and what shall prevail If the re-
publican party be set aside; when the country
sees where the loyal men of the land are found
aud where they stand, who believe in the perfect
equality OF the races, and who, come victory or
defeat, life death, mean to maintain in its conf
pleteness the equal rights of American citizens of
every race, nationality and faith thenwill the Re-
publican masses rally again. achieve new victories
and give the party new lease of power
Truly yours, HENRY WILSON.