New-York tribune., 1875-12-09
THE REPUBLICAN POLICY.


THE REPUBLICAN POLICY.
MEANS OF HARAssING TuE DEMoCRATs-INvFsTr-
CATIONS NOT TO BE DREADED-RrsIsTANCE TO
UNwIsR ECoNOMY-MINORITY RESPONSIBILITIES
lFRoM REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF TIE IRIBUSE.l
WASHINGTON, Dec. Ut will take some time for
the Republicans in the House TO become accustomed
TO their new position, and TO learn how 10 make the
most of the limited opportunities and privileges of
the minority. At present they are without policy
In few days. however, a caucus will probably be
held, or if not general party caucus conference of
a dozen experienced members, to agree upon the
main features of the course to be pursued in
the debates and legislation of the session. In minor
matters and in sudden emergencies the tact and
ability Of their recognized leader Mr. Blaine. will
he relied upon. Indeed, the Republicans would do
as we'll TO put the whole conduct of the Winters
campaign into his hands at the start, for he will
QuCstionably shape the action of any con-
ference that may be held. A man who can achieve
the unprecedented parliamentary triumph of defeat
ing and demoralizing the majority the first day
Of. the session viii have no rivals to fear
in his own party. From his secure seat
the saddle he can apply either the
whip or the curb without risking a fall. In all i'm
portant features, however Mr. Baines policy viii
agree with that decided upon by the common sense
born Of adyersity Of nearly all the Republicans
whose opinions on such matter are worth having
This policy, far as can be learned, may be con-
densed into q few plain end simple rules, which
every member of the minority would do well to cut
ont and paste on the under side of his desk-d for
frequent reference:
First Bear in mind that the party struggles Of the
present session ere the mcket-firng, skrmshing
and maneuvering for position which precedes the
great Presidential battle of next year. BE there
fore alert and watchful brave but prudent lest the.
enemy gain an advantage over you.
Second Stay in your seats and attend carefully to
the business of the House Don't say that the Dem
ocrats having q majority are alone responsible for
what is done. Y0u are not, as your opponents for
inerly weTc in an irresponsible minority. Son have
the Senate and the Executive. 10u must be careful
that the position you take on the measures brought
in blythe Democrats is one that your friends in the
Senate can stand upon and that your party in the
country viii indorsc. IN all the conflicts which viii
arise between the House and the Senate, the ques-
ton will be whether the Senate can 90 10 the coun-
try on the issue as yUu first made il IN your prcni-
nary struggle with Inc majority in the House
Thhd: Let the Democrats have full swing, on the
principle that if yOu give fool rope enough lie VIII
probably hang himself II your opponents are al
lowed 70 "slosh around" they viii nc to make
some fatal bluuders. Don't Gibuster on small qucs-
tons or thy to raise petty, annoying obstacles IN the
way Of the majority.
fourth Make no objections 20 their starting all
the investigating committees they desire. On the
contrary vote for them yourselves. Democratic in
vesigaous VIII not hurt your party nearly as much
rs did those you Republicans set up within the last
four years. The reports viii be discounted because
they proceed from committees hostile TO the Admin
istration If something dreadful should be discoy-
cred YOU can make Grant the scapegoat and load
Il all on him. Nominate good man. and virtucusiy
wash vour hands of all the sins of the Old kepubI-
can party, while eztolling the purity of the now.
FTCE: As to the reduction Of Government eX-
penses support all reasonable propositions The Dem
ocrat offer looking to That end; but whenever they
20 too far as they viii be certain to DO attack them
vigorously on the ground that they are seeking to
cripple the Administration ia the performance Oh It's
legitimate and necessary functions.
Syth: Crowd the Democrats persistently on ques-
tious which you know they cannot agree about-the
currency. for example. With little shrewd man
arenent you can easily set them by the ears, and
break down the prestige of their majority
Sereph: stop talking about the rebellion; cease
shaking the bloody shirt. Put down any man VINO
tries TO display that unfortunate and WORKOUT rag
F;elh: II will be convenient for you TO have some
principles Of your own. Specie payments VIII o. for
one and by this time YOU ought TO lie tolcra0iy wei
agreed anon the medium of getting back to an hon
est basis for the currency. For . second prn'ipe
two Will probably sU6icel-you cannot do better
than take up Mr.. Blaines anti-sectaran amendment
10 the Constitution. 1t viii be immensely popular
through the country. The Democrats 1t is true
are not opposed to it, but you can make the people
think they are. which will he much the same thing.
careful Observance of these rules viii be pretty
certain TO prevent the Democrats from making ANY
rotical capital out Of the session. The only addI-
tioual advice that need he offered is, stand by MI
Blaine. lie has more at stake in putting the He-
publican party in a good posio to make tIe fresi-
dental light than any man in tlc House.