Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-05-18
Ia General.
ISIS

RepubicanIsm. in its truth and essence
Is about as necessary at the present time
and for the future IS it was fifteen or
twenty years ago. Universal freedom.
general education. and broad. impartial
citizenship are By no means accomplished
facts. Public opinion in many sections
OF the Union is still unsettled on these
fundamental principles OF self govern
ment. Perfect harmony on these ques-
lions is hardly 10 be expected during the
present century.
Freedom, citizenship and education,
sre more likely 10 receive proper alien
ton and encouragement from the Repub-
hcan than from the Democratic party.
Personal rights have been held more
sacred by the former than by the latter.
The principle that every man had sou !
OF MS own. as well as muscles of his own !;
and that he should have the privilege OF
directing the energies OF both, in accord.
ance with his will, while he respected me
rights OF others is an American Repub
lican doctrine. Its true development
depends on its friends who can promote
and sustain IL, while It's enemies would
crush and extinguiSh Il The nights OF
citizenship and the right TO general edu
Gallon are equally irpportant.and loT their
success and enjoyment They depend upon
the Republicanism OF the people.
As general rule the Republican party
where it has possessed The power has ex
Aibi,ed the disposition to adopt and cary
eus these principles. An honest and de-
tsTniHed PHIPose has been shown 10
extend the right Of Suffrage. 10 relieve
every class from oppressive laws. sad 70
stsoEa every rank in life good sduealionai
opportunities These are great and noble
parposes They Involve The good OF
society aud the ENDS Of government.
Blu, it IS often asserted by the enemies
OF the Republican party that it has failed
to carry out is principles. Il is asserted
tha, il is party OF broken promises. Of
violated honor. and Of unparalleled cor
ruption. Il is charged with nepolisin,
extravaganza and general ineompstency.
To the charge that the Republican party
So party had failed 10 carry out is great
principles OF freedom, OF union. OF uni
yersal education and OF citizenship. one
general denial is amply sufficient to set at
rest forever so groundless 50 allegation.
As TO nepo,ism. it will compare iavorably
with the Wing or Democratic parties as
they have existed 10 the past. As 70 ex-
travaganee or corruption, it may in
individual cases be accused of them in
some degree, but by no means can the
accusation be sustained as a party.
Swartwout, as a single individual case Of
irsnd and corruption under Gen. Jack.
sons administration, would exceed any
score OF similar cases under Grant.
Notwithstanding, the principles oil the
Republican party have within them the
elements OF Justice and political beneli-
eence. there are some things OF which its
best members have right TO complain.
There are individuals, who have already
in some cases, been able to control
political action for selfish purposes, and
have called around them a following
which il persisted in, must end in defeat.
The people are too intelligent not TO see
this. and although they are not prepared
10 help the Democracy to power, they
are equally unprepared to co operate and
assist TO place the bad elemen, OF Re-
publicanism in the front.