Weekly Trinity journal., 1875-04-17
PARTIES AND ISSUES.

The political campaign Of 1875 may be
said to have been fairly inaugurated by
the actions Of the State Central Commit
tees of the various parties. 1t is not to
be, AS heretofore, a square fight between
the Republican and Democratic parties,
but, like Midshipman Essys duel, a
three -cdrnered affair. So, st least, we
judge from the address of the 1ndepend-
ents, which was issued to accompany the
call of their committee for State Con-
vention. We have perused the document
with interest, for the new party which
can hope to win success Of both the 9TH
ers in the present state Of political feeling,
must be prepared with urgent reasons.
And day by day the political feeling that
urges men to stand by old party afiilia-
tions become stronger as elections in 9TH
er States show that there, at least, the
contests are looked upon as fcreshsdow-
ing the result of the national contest to
come off next year. We do not purpose
TO analyze and argue against the points
this address attempts to make. 1t prom
iscs like every other party document re-
form in government matters. We shall
sienp aim to show tie influence and ef-
feet this third party IN 1vement if persist
ed in will have upon the State and the
nation.
1t will not be disputed that the third
party, the Independents, is made up in
the main Of Republicans. Three of ev-
ery four who voted for McKinstry, hello
that political faith upon national politics.
I The same was the case in the local cleo
tion, previous The lndepend ent move
originated in the Sacramento Union office
and emanated from the feelings of hostil-
ity the proprietors Of that journal enter
tanned toward the prcprietors of the Cen
trail Pacific Railroad. When Governor
/ Booth became identified with it, it took
/ strong hold upon the party which elected
| him Governor. 1t swept over the Re-
publican counties some of which it de-
4
Democratic successes where they had
| hitherto been unknown. 1t possessed but
| little strength with the Democrats and
much Of that it then possessed has gone
back to its first love. 1t would be the
| hight of folly for those who are Republic
ans on national questions, TO support an
,t,I, 4. h,,t az
the party on questions Of purely local
moment, and which to make even re-
spectacle showing in the political field,
must compass Republican defeat. If
there were none but local issues involved
the matter would bear different aspect,
| but Democratic successes in the East
awakened renewed hope in their party
here and the opportunity Of reganing
their long-lost power, State and Federal,
seems ;oJ good to be thrown away. On
every hand we hear of such Democrats
as joined the Independent movement two
years ago, returning TO their idols, and
it would bepoitcal madness ia Republic
ans not to profit by their example. Just
by way of illustration take our own coun-
ty. OF the Democrats who voted for Nc
kinstry two years ago, ow many can be
counted rs supporters Of the Independents
now? We venture the opinion not one
in ten. Some Of the Democratic Inde-
pendents then, are candidates for office at
the hands of the Democracy now.
TIE plain. truth is, that the movement
was helped to some extent by Democrats
a; offering the readiest way Of disrupting
the Republican party. That object is
now accomplished in the belief Of the
prime movers, and they are returning to
their first love. Others will keep up the
semb!ance Of Independents until ticket
is nominated and some strength commit
ted to its support. The fact is that men
have to recognize this truth-that this is
contest in which national politics are
involved and there can be no such thing
rs an Independent on national questions,
in the sense in which the term is applied
III WIS PlaIe' lhS COulSc VI pelalOi
Booth, the great head and front of the
party, upon the Louisiana resolution
voting both for and against it, is enough
to disgust any one with the name Of In
dependent as applied to national politics
The choice is before the people to give
voice to the views of California whether
Republican or Democratic rule is the
best for the country. 1t is the question
we have to answer and to which local in
terests will hold subordinate place. 1t
can be answered for the first by voting
the Republican tcket-tor the second by
acting either with the Democrats or
| Independents.