New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-02

Barnum is very rarely In his seat in Congress-
He is an habitual absentee. Having extern
sive private business interests as manufac-
turer, and being largely concerned in railroad
management. he really has very little time to
give to his public duties. And yet it would
seem as though reasonable regard for APP
pearances would induce him either to attend
to the duties which he is elected and paid for
discharging, or to withdraw entirely from the
public service. But Mr.. Barnum does neither
In the slang of the fishermen, he will neither
4" fish, cut bait, nor go ashore"
There is of course but one thing for honest
voters in Mr.. Barnum's district to do in the
premises, and that is to defeat him. Because
he is man of great wealth, and dis
penses his money literally for election purposes,
it does not by any means follow that he should
be permitted year after year to wear the
hOnOrs of Congressman and promote his
private business interests by his political con-
nections, while the district is virtually unrep-
resented. We take it, that upon general
principles, the voters of the IVth District of
Connecticut would prefer to be represented in
Congress by some one who, even if he made
no speeches, and did not figure in The Record,
would at least be in the House to answer to
his name, and give the district voice i'll the
legislation of the country. Mr.. Barnum's
agents, by controlling certain number of eau
cuses in the district, secure nominating
convention in his favor; the convention puts
him upon the party, and then, under
the lash of the caucus, with the
usual nonsense about regular nominations"
the whole party is led up to his support,
and he is put upon the people as their repre-
sentative, when the honest judgment of very
large majority is in opposition to him. There
is no obligation resting upon any Democrat to
vote for Mr.. Barnum. On the contrary, there
is an obligation of honor upon every cOnscien-
tiOus Democrat to vote against him. In this
way only can he demonstrate the sincerity Of
his party in urging. rs they have persistently.
the duty of Republicans to bolt regular can
didates when bad nominations were made. 1t
is all very well to advise Republicans to act
independently and rebuke their leaders by
defeating disreputable nominations; but here
happens to be an opportunity for Democrats
to show their carnestness and sincerity by adj
ministering a rebuke to their own party.
The opposing candidate is DR.. Robert Hub
bard of Bridgeport, gentleman who, though
nomlnally Republican, has never been an
active politician. and whose position upon the
questions Of the day must be satisfactory to
any reasonable Democrat. In his letter of
acceptance he expresses his belief that what
ave need is not so much new political
theories as honesty, patriotism, economy, and
Earnest effort in operating the complex
H nf
promises if elected to pursue such course,
untrammeled by any special pledges, as will
promote in the highest degree the well
fare of the country. Upon the third term
question his position is unequivOcal. He says ::
Did not silence place mo in a false position,
az would not allude to a subject which other
"wise would be ont of place in commune
cation of this kind. In regard to third
"'termism,' or Grant third-termism,' so called,
al have only to say that | am not, nor ever
"have been, an advocate for third Presi-
dental term for Gen. Grant, or any other
president of the United States; but, on the
contrary, am opposed to changing time
hOnOred rule, which by the common consent
and practice of our people hitherto has ac-
0uired the force and sanctity of law"
To this he adds that he acknowledges no
such allegiance to party as will prevent him
from following the dictates of his own con-
science.
Upon this declaration of principles and his
own high character for ability and integrity
no conscientious Democrat who desires TO
have his district actually represented in Con-
gress, and who wishes to believe in the sin
oE univ
hesitate tn give DR.. Hubbard his vote and in
huence. We have repeatedly urged upon Re-
publcans the necessity and duty of boiling.
1t is good thing for the party and good
thing for the country to have the people once
in while act independently. This is
a case wherein we have to urge the
same duty upon Democrats. The defeat
of Mr.. Barnum cannot affect the pO-
ltical complexion of the next Congress i his
election would not strengthen his own party
there or at home. The political managers
who control caucuses and conventions and
saddle unfit candidates upon the party, and
incompetent officers upon the country, need to
be reminded of their responsibility to the
people. In no State do the stupidity and folly,
arrogance and presumption of intriguing and
tricky Democratic politicians need rebuke
more than in Connecticut. The Democrats of
the IVth District have the opportunity afforded
them to administer o lesson to the men in the
district who think they own the party body
and soul they can do it ct no sacrifice of
principle, and it is to be hoped they will not
miss it.
1.-THE BEST SOCIETY,""