The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-12-11

terms more vigorous than can repeat. III
under our constitution the majority OF the
electoral votes of the states had been fairly
given TO the Republican candidates,
although the popular majority Is against
them, all would have acquiesced Ia their
elections. Such results are to be regret
ted, as they do not give administrations
the moral power they should have for
their own dignity and the good of the
country. To elect men TO govern the
union against the will of the people by
unfair methods is revolution. Such plots
involve anarchy, distress, and dishonor.
Those who engage in them, when they
have taken the, first steps, must 60 on at
all hazards. They have staked their DO
litical fortunes-it may be their lives or
liberties-upon success. Fear goads them
on to darker acts Of treason. The first false
steps forced reluctant south into rebellion
In the same way they now impel
DESPERATE POLITICIANS
who upheld usurpation in Louisiana in the
past to stand by them now, regardless of
the honor and safety Of the American
union. Will free people trust such men
with the reins Of power; will they con-
sent to be dragged into danger and dis.
honor by men who are goaded on by fears
which always haunt the guilt2
The glory of this centennial year thus
fades away and darkens into national
shame and repoach. In the minds of all
men armed rebellion becomes honorable
10 comparison with the vile treason which
turks in fraud and corruption. Aroused
patriotism can crush resistance to law,
but corruption kills honor, virtue. and
patriotism, saps the foundations Of society,
and brings down the structure of states
and nations In ruin aud dlshonor.
We find ourselves confronted at the be-
ginning of the second century of our pol
itical existence with problems as grave as
those which faced our fathers at the out.
set of our government. have we their
wisdom, patriotism, and virtue2 This is
great crisis in our public affairs. Upon
the conduct of our people the world will
decide with regard to the character oil
American citizens and
AMERICAN PATRIOTISM.
The events Of this day will be recited
through the centuries. We are making
chapter in history, whicht..wiIl teach
either good or evil to those who come
after us. If we have the patriotism tC
rise above party interests and passions and
to do what honesty demands, we shall
lift our people to higher point in the
eyes of the world and in our own regard
than we have ever yet reached.
If we fail, when the lessons Of this cen
tennial year should teach US virtue; wher
the varied interests of labor, of arts, Of
commerce, and Of capital all urge to q
line of conduct which will inspire th,
world with confidence and ourselves will
the highest sentiments of honor, then oul
failure will be long step toward nationa
decay and degradation.
| While we implore all classes of citizen
to enter upon the duty of deciding wha
shall be done to
AVERT THREATENED EVILS,
we respectfully appeal to the great Reput
lean party to see if the heaviest RESPONSE.
bility for a just decision does not res
upon them? And we make this appea
with confidence that great organization
which has its full share of virtue anC
patriotism, will not, when it calmly re
view the events of the day, fail to d.
Justice to US, to themselves, and to tht
country. We do not complain that under
the excitement of the canvass, or that be-
fore the heat of the election should hay,
passed away, you may for a momen
grasp eagerly at victory without seeing
that such victory may prove a curse Il
you as we'll as to others. But we beg yoI
Concluded on next page.