National Republican., 1875-06-21

political parties shows that such devia-
tons have invariably resulted in
their destruction. The people vote,
not so much by habit, certain ticket
but because the ticket and the names upon
it symbolic sentiment. That sentiment
illustrates patriotic belief and it is only
when it is not aroused that the ordinary
voter forsskeS his fealty to party organiza-
tion. But it is mosfearnestly aroused when
the leaders of party organization attempt
to betray their followers by abandoning
well-established principles. Then the peO-
pie turn upon their leaders, and, as the or
dinary phrase is, the party unloads itself;
but the principles remain as firm as the
everlasting hills to form the nucleus of a
new organization. This fact received def
mite illustration when the Democratic lead
ers sold themselves to the so-called Liberals,
and went before the people on liberal
anti-Democratic platform, with Horace
Greeley, an Abolitionist, as their candidate.
If the Republican party should pursue a
similar course, should nominate any one
but an out-an-out Republican, and present
to the people anything but an out-and-out
Republican platform, its defeat would be q
foregone CONCLUSION. In short, in the pres
ent temper of the people, the boldest policy
is required to secure success. By this we
mean not only strict adherence to both
principle and record, but declaration of
progressive intent. While the party was
making its record it incurred many
obligations, founded upon sacred prin-
ciple, which remain to be fulfilled.
As it was the party of freedom
and moral progress, it freed the slaves, and
it is morally bound to protect them in the
exercise of the rights of citizenship which
followed as the natural consequence of their
freedom. AS the party of the Union it as
suned an obligation to take care not only
of those who fought for the preservation of
the Government, but of those who remained
true to Union principles during the war
and those who uphold them now that the
war is ended. A declaration embodying
these propositions as a part of the next
National platform is a paramount require
ment. Coupled with them should be dec
larations of reliance in the patriotic inspira-
tions of the people and faith in their ability
to govern themselves. No matter how
centralizing the executive authority OF the
nation may be, there is no danger that
the ship of state will drift away from its
purely republican moorings so long as that
inspiration and ability remains unsullied;
and the most earnest rebuke of the acts
which led to the war can only be effected
by the adoption of such a declaration in
favor of a strong, healthy and independent
central Government. On other questions,
including the finances, internal improve
ments, interstate commerce, &C.; the
party will simply be called upon to re-
peat its former pledges and complete
those which have been partially made
as the result of more recent public
emergencies. With such platform as this,
and nominations made upon it of men who
are known to be able and bold enough to
carry out the pledges it contains the people
will be convinced that the party is entitled
to their confidence, and its success will be
assured