The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-03
The Ohio Republican convention.

of the prosecutors.
The Ohio Republican Convention.
The action Of the Republican Convention
of Ohio at Columbus yesterday is anomalous
even where it betrays the greatest political
wisdom. In the preamble to the platform we
find the principles enunciated by the party de-
scribed as sentiments, and sowe are in measure
prepared for the peculiar method employed in
their elaboration. Instead OF graphing boldly
with grave political questions every attitude
is On innuendo, and the position assumed may
mean much or little, according to exigency
or locality. The necessity of limiting
the power of giant monopolies is met by the
insinuation that the patent laws are to blame
for all the evils from which the people have
suffered. Specie payments, instead Ct being
handled boldly, are evaded by means of
platitude, which declares that some day 1t
would be desirable il paper dollar should
be made equal in value to dollar in gold.
The contest between protection and free trade
is dismissed with tho old Polk and Dallas
fallacy of tariff for revenue with incidental
protection. Even the bitter pill of opposition
to the third term issue is sugar-coated with
an anhdote of fulsome compliment to the
craftsmanship of General Grant. Through
out the platform is composed only of senti-
ments, and it is impossible on any question
to deduce from these a we'll defined political
principle. The policy of the republican party
of Ohio is indicated, not avowed, and it will
be almost as easy to argue one way as another,
from the suggestions of the twelve resolutions
which embody all that the Convention thought
it safe to assume before the people. In o
transition period, such as the present, this
course may be the wisest political policy
of the party, especially if the democrats,
as they almost inevitably must be, are equally
non -committal in the declaration of prin-
ciples which are to guide them in the canvass
and prepare the way for the great Presidential
struggle next year. The only real effort Of
the republicans just now is to get Grant out
of the way Tor another candidacy and another
term, and in this matter Ohio, following the
lead OF Pennsylvania, has made the great
promise of the Presidents letter ire
vocable. With these great States OPP
posed to third term and other con-
vcntions ready to adopt similar policy
Grant can no longer be considered as in the
field as a candidate, and it may be wise for
the party to wait until next year before con-
solidating its policy for the future. With re-
gard 10 the nomination OF General Hayes for
Governor of Ohio it is probably the best that
could have been made. lie is young, earnest
and popular. In the field he won q reputa-
ton for gallantry of which his State may
well be proud. In Congress ne earned
recognition for purity which will serve him
in good stead at o time when so many
public men are not above suspicion.
But his excellent record, his unquestioned
abilities and his personal magnetism viii all
be required in the Canvass that is before him,
and with all these we shall be surprised if he
is able to contend successfully with the vete-
ran who is likely to be his competitor. Gov
ernor Allen has the prestige of previous sue
cess, when success seemed more difficult than
now, and his administration has strengthened
rather than weakened his chances for re-elec-
ton. 1t may be fairly assumed that the cam
vass viii be q very active one, and the
strength Of both parties cannot fail TO be
tested to the utmost, especially as the Ohio
election this fan viii have an important bear
ing upon the Presidential campaign Of 1876.