The Morning herald., 1876-09-07
rnn nnCEHE DErIAr.

II TIE 8EUEN1 Isf
IN Democratic pSiitty on Tuesday "
beaten in Wilmington. The members
that party have derived from such n
suit not only the embarrassment Of deiea
but from out Of is gathered considerabl
that will be wholesome in the manage
ment Of the party in the future. Defeat
are oftener beneficial than they are disas
trous in the experience Of party manage
ment. 1t has taught the essence OF sue
cess'in all political campaigns. which is tn
one great virtue Of unity. This the Dem
ocratic party entered the..last fight without
There were organic differences in wards
these were serious frictiop that divide
opinion, and led to such result as tn
wisest Of the party anticipated.
1t is the last refuge Of party men, whel
their power has been surrendered to offe
excuse. We lay no claim to any such
The party was defeated and overwhelm-
insly so, and the reasons for the defea
lie at the party's own door. As we hav'
said before, there was lack of unity
The wards were seriously divided tn loca
political opinion, and we lacked in good
hard workers, who would see to it that hi
duty had been accomplished in accom-
plishing that unity needed in every cleo
ton where there is to be a sharp, decisive
contest.
llVictory had produced inactivity; re-
ward had paralyzed political life and en-
ergy. The wreaths of the conquerer were
exchanged for those Of the vanquished on
Wednesday, and with humility we accept
that which has been forced upon us by our
own follies. Out of it we can only draw
the value Of the experience, which is to
more firmly implant the vital spark of po-
litical activity, increase the magnetism Of
individual support, unchain the fssten-
ings of divided thought, search out their
causes and give them adjustment. 1t is
contended by many, we are fully aware,
that experience teachesfools, but its effect
in this instance, it is certain, will make
wiser and more careful men than have
before been in the Democratic party Of
Wilmington.
Is will serve to weed out the disruptionists
rom among those who would conduct
party affairs upon smooth, clear princi-
pie, and to fling from political presence
those who work forpersonal endsan none
other, whose aim is the seal Of preference
upon themselves withouht a thought of
results and consequences, many Of which
we now have to suffer. Let the expert
ence ofthe past guide lis in the future; let
every man give the party gain thought be-
fore private consideration, let the wisest
and ablest counsels prevail before the rash
and impetuous are clothed with the au-
thority Of leadership, and the victories of
the future will fully atone for the losses Of
the past.
The most brilliant and successful parties
are those of frequent reverses. The ablest
craftsmanship batters with the adversities
Of political fortune. No victory is 60
sweet as that which is dearly bought; no
power so great as that which snatches
itself from the grasp Of the master, and no
party has brighter prospects before it to-
day than that which has just been defeated
in this city. These prospects are to he
increased by life and energy, wisdom which
is the handmade Of harmony, and the in
valuable quality in political formation Of
thorough organization. 1t was the lack of
this which defeated us, and without it de-
feat is inevitable,