National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-09-16

tons.
A LEADER WANTED IN MASSACHUSETTS
THE DECAY OF TRUE LEADERSHIP IN
NEW ENGLAND.
Suppose the Democrats carry Massachu-
sets again Suppose they continue to
make gains all over New England as they
did in Maine the other day Will not the
people begin to ask for reason2 Will not
that reason be found lin the recreancy or
weakheartedness of New England Republi-
by the same advanced and consistent
ground regarding the theories and policy of
our governmental system that they occu-
pied ten years ago? How many of them
have been induced by fear of losing their
offices or their places as leaders to resort to
despicable compromises instead of adher-
ing steadfastly to principle? In short, how
many of them have become demagogues
instead of patriots? These are questions
which may not be answered right away;
but they are suggested by the present
threatening condition of affairs in the old
Bay State. The notes of the coming cam
paign there have already been sounded
with no unmeaning sound, and it does not
require half an eye to discover that the
birthplace of those principles which IN
derlie the financial and political integrity of
the Government is in danger of again pass
ing into the control of the Opposition.
Vice President Wilson feels this, and puts
forth an imbecile effort to prevent
the result but fails in so doing
to strike one responsive throb
of public sympathy. On the contrary, his
empty and almost meaningless appeals that
the doors shall be thrown open for the re-
turn of waYward prodigals, disgust the pub.
lie instead of arousing that kind of enthu-
siasm which is necessary to secure partisan
victory. One clear-ringing enunciation OF
fixed principle and determination to battle
for its success would be worth dozen let
tiers inviting Tom, Dick and Harry to a
love feast such as he is in the habit of
writing, and the New England people will
rise up and call the man blessed who at
tempts to do such thing. Gen. Butler
cannot do it with his financial views, al
though among the practical politicians of
that section he is probably the most capa-
BILE of it. Wendell Phillips has said his
say, or is apt to sayIt again atany moment,
and occupies his characteristic eminence as
monitor or prophet And who else have
we in the State, except Senator Boutwell,,
who for some reason unknown to US is ST.
lent, that is worth talking about? Of Dem
ocrats, many; of Republicans, virtually
none. So the malignant fault finders, the
scheming GROWERS and the disaffected
class of the Springfield Republican stripe
have full sway. There must be a reason
for this deplorable condition of affairs,
and it is a substantial one, too. 1t
is simply the greedy disregard of any
thing but self which has enveloped those
who have taken the places of dead and
gone patriots. In other times, when to be
New Englander meant to be stingy, and
to be a Massachusetts man meant to be q
penurious Yankee, there was an element
of sturdy adherence to principle in the
character of the citizens of that State which
has been destroyed in these later luxurious
days of railroad and banking enterprises.
Cakes Ames and Henry Wilson, for exam
pie, were selfmade men. One has gone
TO meet his reward beyond the skies, the
other has more than received his below
them. As they approached the end of
their respective careers, however, there
was striking similarity in their deviation
from the inspirations which brought them
originally from the cobbler's bench or the
shovel handle into public life. They were
bigots at first, real, earnest, honest bigots,
who closed their eyes to the possibility
that any good could be found out
side of the lines of their own party or
ganization. They toiled manfully, and
without compromising their PRINCIPLES
in the least, or offering any terms
of accommodation to their political
foes. They gave no quarter and
asked none. In q national standpoint
they were for almost generation in a
minority which would have been disheart-
eniDg to any but zealots. The result was
success, unbounded and deserved success,
which in turn enthroned them in power,
of the extent of which they had not before
dared to dream. But after they had en-
joyed this power for some time, what do
we find? Simply that they began to place
things, money, stocks and promises Of diff
ferent kinds, and pledges of Cancellation or
departure from principle, where they
thought 'tit would do the most good in
serving their selfish ends. There was no
longer grand and true ambition impelling
them to deeds of personal sacrifice for the
sake Of principle; but in its place there was
another and despicable ambition, an am
bition to exalt themselves in their re-
spective ways-Ames to be railroad
magnate; Wilson his own Warwick.
Mr.. Sumner was another kind Of man.
He held principle above everything else on
earth, and though at times he allowed per-
sonal prejudices and personal likes and dis
likes to warp his judgment and influence
him to the commission of serious blunders,
there was no sordid compromise in his
soul. He may have disliked some of his
contemporary leaders and have been led
thereby to give aid and comfort to the OPP
position by warped criticism of their acts,
but when he urged the passage of the am
nesty bill he demanded that civil rights TO
the blacks should go hand in hand with It.
There was no compromise in this offer,
only justice tempered with mercy, justice
to black Unionists and mercy to white
rebels. No man has arisen to take his
place, and there seems to be no possibility
that one will at present. One is needed,
nevertheless. Without such leader, with
out a man of sufficient moral courage to
stem the current Of senseless dissatisfaction
and imbecile disregard of threatening
facts, Massachusetts, will certainly fall
again into the embraces Of the Democ.
racy, will allow the slanderous De-
tectIye press to poison the minds