Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-06-03
Political Prospects.
Harper's wesaly.

| Harper's WeeAly.
The political observer will not fail
to mark the signs of a most healthful
i Republican reaction since the disas-
ters OF last autumn. Not least
among them is the frank and forci-
BILE criticism and condemnation by
the best and most representative Re-
publican journals of certain tenden-
cies of the party, and the arrest of
those tendencies. In estimating the
probabilities of the future it will be
agreed that party which, as in the
case of General Butler, defeats its
own candidates when they ought to
be defeated is party not hopelessly
abandoned 10 evil courses, nor given
over to the mastery Of dishonesty
and craft. Indeed, in reviewing the
history of year, no sincere Repub.
lican, and no man who prefers Re-
publican ascendency, can doubt that
the intelligence and character of the
party ar swiftly obtaining the con-
troll, and that the abuses and stains
which have excited Indignation and
shame are really disappearing. The
scandals of official conduct in the
Southern States, the shame OF the
salary grab and of the Credit Mo
| bilier, the frauds i'm the District Of
Columbia, the betrayal Of the Civil
Service reform, the apparent wan
| tonness OF power which seemed some
time since to show that the Republi-
can party was madly destroying IT.
self, have been succeeded by very
different conduct, which has always
been the demand and the purpose OF
the very best element Of the party.
and the appearance Of which shows
that that element is coming into the
control.
This Frightening prospect includes
the latest cabinet appointments. No
one will contend that the nomina-
tion Of slessrs. Bristow, Jawell, and
pierrepont shows preference OF per-
sonal aims to the public advantage.
They are all men of the highest
character, OF the most admirable
ability and experience, and known
to be opposed to the project Of a third
term, by whomsoever entertained.
The rejection of certain conspicuous
party candidates by Republicans in
various States shows the independ-
ence and resolution from which a
thorough party regeneration Is to he
expected. The prompt disavow al
by the President OF any authority
! for the action in New Orleans in Jan
uary, and the peace secured to Lou.
isiana by the adjustment Of the Re
publican, Congressional committee,
showing the just and peaceful spirit
Of representative Republican leaders,
are all indications Of the good ten
dency Of which we speak. The de-
feat Of the Force Bill by Republi-
can Congress, and the opposition to
lit plainly expressed by men like
Speaker Blaine and General Hawley
are sufficient answer to the charge
that Republican sentiment Is vindic-
tive, and, Republican policy revenge
ful. The Republican administration
of Governor Chamberlain, in South
Carolina, which compels tho praise
Of the Democratic opposition, and
the frank Republican platform in
New Hampshire, followed by victory
IN the beginning Of the year, can not
be construed as indicative Of hope
less fauity or blindness; and the sd
gacious and vigorous prosecution OF
the vast and widely extended frauds
upon the internal revenue by the
Secretary Of the Treasury shows no
| reluctance to reveal wrongs done
/ under Republican administration,
| but the most signal and strenuous
| determination to purify the public
service aud protect the public treas
ure.
These are not all the good signs Of
year, nor do we deny, on the other
hand that many things have been
done by the Republican party which
are to he regretted. No party - al
ways to be commended, and DO sem
sible American defends through
thick and thin the party with which
he acts. The important and vital
question. as every month brings us
nearer TO 1876, IL this, whether the
Republican organization Is 40 plain
ly and hopelessly controlled by dan
gerous tendencies and corrupt men
or by leaders Of low tone that pat
rIofic man must support the Demo-