National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-04

them the floating and unstable elements, a
noisy and demonstrative organization is
built up with which to threaten vengeance
upon these who do not join in the delusive
clamor. But there can be no co EST e
strength in such organizations. Prompted
by selfish motives, and born of greedy
disregard of principle, it is found impossi-
ble-as at Cincinnati, for example-to
frame a party platform on which the
thoughtful people of the country may find
a safe standing place, Riyalries, personal
jealousies, disappointed ambitions and
frustrated designs lie at the bottom of rep
resentative gatherings of this kind, and
| their influence asserts power to blast all
hopes Of success when an attempt is made
to prepare declaration of principles. In
fact there can be only two great parties in
the country as matters now stand-one as
the representative of the achievements of
the Union armies during the war, and the
| consequent legislation, the other as the
| representative of the exploded fallacies of
State rights and of the hatred which
largely exists of the legislation which has
ensued as a natural consequence of the war;
the one representing progressive ideas for
the relief of the country at large, the other
hampered and hide bound by theories of
conflicting governmental jurisdiction; the
one pledged to maintain the supremacy of
personal freedom to every citizen, the other
paralyzed for all good intent in this regard,
and only alive to murderous and proscrip-
tive prejudices. These parties are known
as Republican and Democratic, and will
continue to be characterized the same for
generations to come.
Just now, let US repeat, the Republican
party is assured of future victory, because
it has cleared the path to success of certain
Instructions in the form of legislative en-
tanglements and if it has the courage to
pursue the path thus cleared, bright future
is certain. But it may be said that the
personnel of the party is somewhat demon
allied, and that some of its leaders have
given words Of encouragement to the Oppo-
sition. For example, the New York Sun
CONSTITUTES Vice President Wilson's late
letter to the editor of the Springfield Repub-
ttcGH as manifesto ''that the Republi-
"can party was going to the devil with
"rapid strides, and that something must be
"done, and done speedily, if it is to be
"saved." While we admit this to be a
plausible construction of the letter in ques-
ton, we respectfully assert our belief that
Mr.. Wilson did not and could not have
intended to convey such an impression.
Regarding the policy of the party, regard
ing its principles and regarding its ambi-
tons, Mr.. Wilson cannot entertain an
opinion different from other true and tried
leaders. He will, no doubt indorse the
recent action of the House in preparing the
way for the speedy enactment of needed
party measures, regardless of the selfish
protests of the Democratic minority, and he
will further, no doubt, indorse all those
party measures. At least he will not deny
that we may consistently rely upon his aid
to secure the passage of bills for the protec-
ton ofcitizens ofthe Southern States in the
exercise of their constitutional rights, and
upoR his aid to secure the passage of bills to
provide Cheap transportation in response to
the demands of the people ofthe entire coun-
try. He owes his present exalted position to
the fact that his entire life is record of
sturdy devotion to what are generally known
as extreme radical doctrines. He certainly
will not repudiate these doctrines at this
late day, when their reassertion in a vigo-
rous and uncompromising way is all that is
required to add new lustre to the bright
regulations of those who have heretofore
upheld them. And we may say the same,
no doubt, of Mr.. Speaker Blaine, of Sena-
tors Boutwell, and Allison, and of others |
whose names have been more or less con-
nected with matters from which the Oppo- |
sition attempts to extract CLEANS of hope |
In short, we believe there is now in the |
party a unity Of purpose, if not concert of |
action, which will serve to turn the tables |
on our enemies, and send decentralization to |
their very hearthstones. But we must |
have no halfway policy, no cowardly tenn
PORTING, and no compromise with danger
Gus foes. We must legislate to preserve |
the freedom of the people in their right to
vote for whom and for what they please.
This being done, the Southern States will |
be restored to the Republican party, and,
adding to their electoral votes the number
we are certain to receive from the Northern |
States, the election of Republican Presi
dent in 1876 is foregone conclusion. Let
every man put his shoulder to the wheel.
Shoot deserters, hang traitors and fight your
enemies.