The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-10-07

character, fixed in public estimation bv GER
tain ideas or particular features of thought
and action of its chief representatives. So
parties have a character. In the earlier
history OF this country there were less able
men as leaders and. hence those few who
shaped the policies of their parties
embodied the character and fixed the
general reputation OF the organizations that
they led. The name of Clay at one time was
almost synonymous with Wing, as the name
OF Jackson was with Democrat. 7'he sterling
integrity of these men gave character to the
parties In later times there has appeared
greater diffusion OF talent among represen-
tatives of the parties, and amid the natural
strife for prominence and leadership it can
not be expected that the honor or dishonor
of giving character to a party shall fall TO
the lot OF any one man, or a half dozen
The Republican party of the present day
has character, fixed and shaped by the
doings of large number of men who have
had part 10 making its history. These all
combine to give it distinct odor, and that
is not an oder of sanctity. It's first exhala-
tons in its early history were incentive
to lawIessness. The progenitors of the
Republican party considered the organic law
matter to be obeyed or defed, as the senti-
ment of the hour impelled. It was doubt
less the disregard OF the constitution by
Northern fanatics that engendered the spilit
of rebellion in the South. From the very
hour the Republicans obtained power any.
whore they commenced a species of
legislation that has resulted in
low view of the majesty of the
law. This spirit once obtaining, all the
other political vices that the public has had
to endure under Republican rule naturally
follow. Loyalty to party would shield from
oil political misdemeanors, and hence In the
high places there was room for bad men,
and bad men have occupied them, and have
given their quotas that go 10 make up the
general reputation of the party. Take this
party as whole, and the genus is noxious,
and if it be divided off philosophically into
the species, or the several and distinct ele-
ments that go to make up the whole,
1t will be found that nearly all its dis
tincsive features are deadly and destructive
agents, deleterious to good government and
to good morals. The Republican party has
fostered avarlce, in SO legis.ating as to Civ |
opportunity to cupIdity and fraudulent pee
ulation. This has gone on, unrebaked and |
unpunished to such an extent that it may |
be pointed out as an unquestioned attribute |
of the party. 1t has fosiered hate. The ma
lignancy that shaped the reconstruction leg
islation was more bitter than ever visited by |
any nation before on rebelling portions of
territory in settling internal strife. This
same spirit is diligently cultivated to the
present day, and is one of the strongest
beverages used by Republican orators in
exciting TO party unity. 1t is the stock In
trade of such men as Morton, Chandler,
Butler and Edmunds. and they have
stamped their malignancy upon the party
In characters that will not be effaced.
The Republicans have fostered extrava-
gance in public expense, so much so that
the prodigality OF the party is striking
This has bscome so reckless that
the nation can never expect to recover
from the general extravaganza in public
and private life until the party ceases to
have sway.
The party has another striking feature as
developed in the conduct of the leaders and
In its legislation-it is intensely selfish. The
perpetuation Of party rule is preferred above
the public good. They would rather succeed
than be right. In every measure, on
finance, commerce or revenue, there under
lies the text some covert policy that is
framed in the interest of the |
party, or to benefit some party
leader, or conciliate some power,
or corporation, that would in
return be useful to the party. This is the
spirit that leads to Capitalization, to oil
garcby, and ruins republican FERNS of gov
eminent and republican institutions.
There are many other features that go to
make up the character of the dominant
party which show conclusively that its ex-
istence and longer sway will only prolong
the hour when the true interests of the peo-
pie, rather than that of party and party
leaders, shall be conserved. It's spirit is
opposed to good government, and for the
!. God of the nation it should die.