The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1875-03-24

country would know that it was not
the fair aud free expression of the
wish of the party, and all those vo-
tiers of 1872 Of whom we speak, with
an immense addition, would refuse
to vote, or would Sustain the Demo-
cratic candidate, or would vote for a
third man. The Republican party,
we repeat, would be dissolved by the
denomination of General Grant; and
if we were asked whether, in view of
the present condition of the Southern
States, of the menace of the White
League, and of possible civil confu-
sion, he would not be sustained and
elected, we say without hesitation
that we believe the country, by an
immense majority, would prefer to
take the risks of his defeat rather
than his election. The President
has had it in his power for many
months to do an immense service to
his party and to the wishes of all pa
triotic men in the country by dis
tinctly declaring that he would not
accept denomination. His silence
has furnished one of the most pow
erful arguments against the Force
bill, which he favored. Every day
that he had declined to answer has
dealt blow at the party by encour-
aging the suspicion that he tolerated
the idea. And since, either becatse
he does or does not entertain the
thought, the President declines to
declare himself, the Republican par
ty must speak. Let its press give
no uncertain sound, and let every Re-
publican State Convention Of the
year echo the resolution of the New
Hampshire Republicans, that it is
"unalterably opposed to third
term.
This, of course, is but removing an
obstruction. Every delegate to eve
| nv convention shonld he man whose
views upon the tendencies which have
brought the party into discredit
should be clearly known, and his cou-
rage should also be approved. 1t is
not enough to differ from the general
tendency indicated by the Force bill,
and supported by those in Congress,
who do not command the respect of
intelligent men; there must also be
bravery enough to declare that differ
ence audibly and with effect. Moth
ing has been more disheartening du-
ring the late session than the timid
silence of those who it was known
did not approve the tendency of af-
fairs. Before the adjournment let us
hope that some adequate expression
may be given to that dissent, some
expression which shall be in the name
of the party itself peremptory chal-
lengc to this tendency, and declara-
ton that the party control and direc-
ton will be vigorously contested
For that is precisely what we pro-
pose, that instead of trying to build
q new vessel which can not be fin
ished in time for the voyage, the old
one be remanded, and headed for the
port of justice and liberty under the
Constitution, which all Republicans
profess to seek. Shall we say it can
not be done? But why not2 The par
ty is everywhere discontinued and di-
vided. 1t is the latter-day policy
which has made it so. Yet no Re-
publican, however protesting and dis
satisfied, wishes the Democrats to
succeed. Let us therefore change
the policy and unite, for Republican
union is victory in 1876 Harper's
Weekly.
AN INDIAN IN LOVE WITH WINNIE
REAM.-There is certain Colonel
here who represents the Cherokee
Nation in the lobby. He is certainly