Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1875-09-17
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.


| Wee President Wilson's SoIicitude
| as to it's Future.
The Boston papers publish the fol-
lowing letter from Vice-President Will
| son:
NATIcK, MASS. September 10, 1875.
Dear Sir: L have received your in
vitatiOn to atteEd A conference of lead
ing Massachusetts Rdpnbicuns to con-
slider their duties i'll the coming eIec
ton. While it will not be in my power
to be present, l cannot but express to
You and all other Republicans the SO
| licitude 1 feel, and have felt for many
| moths, i'll regard to the position and
prospects of the Republican party of
the Commonwealth and of the whole
country. Surely the hours have come
for all Massachusetts Republicans to
FORGIVE, FORGET, AND UNITE
aud to place our State in the same
commanding position she has hitherto
occupied. That Massachusetts, which
stood in the days of trial SO firmly and
with such persistent eadiness in sup
port of the rights of man, tho unity of
the nation, end the authority of the
General Government, does not now oc-
cnpy the leading position she once
held, is painfully true. That the old
Common wealth which, at each of the
last three Presidential elections, gave
to Lincoln and to Grant a majority OF
s,vcnty -fve thousand. has lost some
thing of it's former prestige, Republi-
cans are compelled, with unwonted
humiliation, to confess Your pro-
posed meeting, [ take it, is, by a full
and frank consultation and compari-
son of views, to aim.
TO REGAIN WHAT HAS BEEN LOST
and to place Massachusetts once mere
III its recognized position among Re
pnblican States. Certainly the OBJ
ject is worthy of the thoughtful, con-
siderate and unselttsh attention of
every Republican who would faithfully
serve either his party or his country
In these consultations and comparisons
it should ever be remembered that
nothing will be gained by lowering
the standard in regard to principles,
measures or men. Human rights have
ever been TIE watchword and inspira-
ton the guiding star and dominating
idea of the Republican party. 1t can
with either honor or safety take no
step backward. Mistakes have been
made in the state and in the nation.
Some men entrusted with official po-
sition have proved themselves Ut
worthy, bnt public attention has been |
aroused and directed to such mistakes |
and misconduct that Republican
presses and conventions have spoken, !
and are
SPEAKING LOUDLY FOR REFORM OF |
ABUSES
and for the removal of faithless and |
officers. Mistakes. too, |
have been corr ected and are being cor
rected. Unfaithful officials have been
dismissed, and the public voice I'M
demands that oil such shall
be: and there is increasing evidence
that the party in whose ranks is found
30 much of the worth and character
Of the country looks with regret, as
it was expressed by British states
man, upon every hour that passes
over recognized and Ill reformed
abuses. Is there, then, or can there
De, sufficient reason why the Repub-
lean party, containing the masses of
liberty loving and patriotic men who
fought the battles of the rebellion and
oiloted the country through the stormy
night of civil war. should be displaced
II the Commonwealth or nation, or
relinquish the helm of
State to the Democratic party, with
Is past or esent record ? In your
and comparison Of views
trust you will place little confidence
n more party discipline. In the pres
mt temper of the country it has lost
much Of it's potency. It has seemed
o me, and now seems to me, that
HE WAY TO STRENGTHEN THE REPUB-
LICAN PARTY
II Massachu aud in other States
s to put it right on the living issues
hat divide the country, with the prin-
iples and purposes 50 clearly ex
PRESSED and honestly avoWed that
here need be neither misrepresentation
Tor mistake; to open wide its doors,
md make the invitation and promise
Welcome, full and free. Not only
houId new recruits be sought, but
hose who once belongen to its ranks
nd helped to swell it's victories, and
Who for cause or without cause have
eft it, should e pressingly invited to
It's tiled and trained leaders
hould be brought to the front again,
md their wisdom sought for counsel
md guidance in the effort
TO RETRIEVE WHAT HAS BEEN LOST,
md to restore to the party it's former
and power. Republicans
should look peril in the face and meet
he present emergency with prudent,
wise and healing cOunsels. They
,hould act, too, i'll spirit of self-abne-
cation, prepared to sacrifice for the
cause all pen Aonal aspirations. Candi-
lntes fol public stations, high or low.
should see to it that their individual
aims and ambitions and their personal
-ivalries should not be allowed to be Il
burden or hindrance to
OUR NOW IMPERILLED CAUSE,
md that in the presence of the dan
GERS that menance the party and the
ration, something of the spirit that
prompted the self-denying ordinance
If Cromwell's time should animate
hem and secure like self-sacrihce
now. With this policy [ ana still con
ident the Republicans can regain the
ascendancy in Massachu ,etts,
recover lost States. continue to guide
5he counsels of tue nations, and COM
pI,-te, without reaction, their grand |
work of unity and liberty, rsconstruc- J
ton aud reconciliation.
Trnly yours.
HENRY WILSON.