National Republican., 1875-06-01
ASPECTS oF THE POLITICAL HORIZON.

We lay no claim TO superior power of
prophecy in political affairs, neither do we
fancy that we can discover and interpret
the signs in the political heavens more
shrewdly and accurately than others; but
the indications of the present hour are too
plain and impressive TO be passed by with
indifference. Unless our disCernment is
entirely at fault, We see each succeeding
day fiattaring evidences of a speedy and
efficient revival of Republican sentiment
and confidence throughout the country.
The Republican party has been in power
in the nation for some sixteen consecutive
years it has derived its protracted lease
of position from the respect and confidence
of the people. Its advent as controlling
power in the nation was the signal for one
Of the most wicked and widespread rebel
lions known to history. The legacy left it
by the retiring Democrats was full of re-
sponsibility and danger; and yet il proved
adequate to the emergency. Ittook charge
of the Government in the midst Of a spirit
of discomfort, which soon ripened into open
revolt. Encouraged by Northern Demo-
cratic sympathy, the insurgents at once
assumed a hostile and defiant attitude.
The war cloud broke and deluged the land
in blood and carnage. The national fate
hung as in balance. The storm was met,
its angry elements were driven back, and
the Republic was saved.
To whom, let us ask, is the nation in
debted for its salvation? Not to the Demo-
cratic party, for its sympathies were chiefly
on the other side. The Republican party,
without exception, aided by a compara-
lively few Democrats, met the insurgent
power with firm and determined front
Providence had given to the country in
that trying hour Abraham Lincoln as is
President, an army of citizen soldiery as its
defense, and a Grant to lead them on to
certain victory. Twice prior to and dur
ing the war was Lincoln elected President,
and twice since its close have the people
declared for the great captain who,
aided by skillful officers and brave SOL
diers, conquered the rebellion. The pa
triotic devotion of the Republican party
saved the Union, vouchsafed to all citizens
equal rights before the law, and presented
the nation to the world clothed with the
Vestments OF true freedom.
We are rapidly approaching the end of
Gen. Grants second term, and the ques-
tion soon to be settled is, shall the destinies
Of the nation be secured to the hands Of its
real defenders and true friends, or be
handed over to the tender mercies of a
party which is led by rebel sYmpathizers
at the North and rebel generals and SOL
diers at the South. The contest is to be
sharp and exciting. The Northern Demo-
Gratis hunger for the loaves and fishes of
place and emOlument, while their Southern
coadjutors thirst for opportunity to put
their heels upon the necks of those who
aided in crushing the revolt, and sur
Yive to tender succor in the same direction
in 1876. These are the stimulating infiu-
ences which will operate largely in the
ensuing campaign upon the Democratic
side of the issue.
On the other hand, Republican principles,
Republican policy and Republican patriot.
ism remain the same as during the years in
which that party has borne slavery in the
Government, and found power to abolish
slavery, preserve the free institutions of the
Republic from overthrow, and build up and
foster the commercial and industrial in
terests Of the country. II is in the present