The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-11-24
Hopeful Auguries,

The Ncw York Herald, in spite of
the regent disasters which have bcfallen
the Democratic party, finds in the re-
suits of the late elections something to
cheer their hopes, at the same time that
the dominant party. Those elections,
whilst they condemn the imitation
scheme of Western Democrats, and the
secret political organization of Tamma-
ny, have been carried by such small
majcrities as to show that profound dis,
satisfaction exists in the popular mind
against the Republican party.
To superficial view, it would appear
as if the party had regained its strength,
since it had recovered number of
States, had cut down many of the large
Democratic nlajorities of last year, had
regained the control of Legislatures in
some States. and Of the executive de-
partments in others; but ben cath the
surface there ore elements of weakness
which render the condition of the party
q precarious one.
First and foremost of these is the want
of some good principle which shall fur
nish bond of union and a rallylng cry
for the conflict. 1t has outlived the
original issues Of opposition to slavery
and antagonism to the South, and has
even outlived its original leaders, and
now its leaders, with the arrogance
which characterizes a dominant parry,
refuse to make those essential reforms
in the public service which can alone
satisfy the popular demand. 10 use the
words of the Hcrald:-
ave conclude, therefore, that the fall
elections, favorably as they appear to
have resulted for the Republicans, leave
that party IN greater danger than be-
fore, by so much as they may result in
weakening that element in the party
which is in harmony with the popular
demand for reforms. For there can be
no doubt that the people desire and i'm
peratively demand some trenchant re-
forms. They are repelled from the Re-
publican party by seeing that its leaders
countenance extravaganza and condone
and conceal corruption they see that
the worst, the most selfish and the most
dangerous elements Of the party rule in
its councils; they see with growing
aversion a constant and vehement de-
sire to shield offenders; studied con-
tempt for public opinion a determina-
ton in those who control the party to
'stck together" matter what expo
sures there may Ie,of maladministration
and corruption. The attempt to put off
the popular demand for radical reforms
next year by evasion, by hollow prom
ises or by projecting into the canvass
such false issues as the religious or
school question, will probably end in
the overthrow OF the party unless the
Democratic leaders should commit some
extraordinary follies. We repeat, there
fore, that the elections leave the Repub-
Iican party in greater danager than
before, and that to save it from defeat
next ear will require either some un-
foreseen piece of good fortune, some
dark trick of policy, or the successful
efforts of the reforming element in the
party to secure the control and leader
Ship in their own hands and make it a
true party of honesty, with head in
whom the mass of the people can have
confidence that the promises IN the
platform will be faithfully carried into
effect