Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-03-31
GBeYermont 4Benit.
BRATTLEBoRo
FRIDAY EVENING, MARCH 81, 1876.
Party Prospects.


The third-term bantling Is defunct. Re-
cent events, eliminating in the crime and
disgrace Of Belknap, the return of Minister
Schenck from England, the dismissal of
Babcock, and the general turbid aspect OF
the political waters in the vicinity of tho
capital, leave no doubt in the minds Of SEN
slble Republicans-apart from their dislike
of the thrd-term principle-that the only
way TO party success in the coming presi-
dental election lies in change OF admin
istration. There are multitudes of Repub-
lcans-and the number has increased rap
idly within the last few weeks-who are
dissatisfied with the administration of
President Grant Though admiring his
many sterling qualities, and proud of his
general record, they deplore the condition
into which he has helped TO bring the par
ty by bis many unfit appointments and
unworthy associations. They feel sad at
finding the party which had so brilliant
history in its early years, and which has
made SO glorious record, besmeared with
official filth, and its name linked with
scandal of various kinds.
We confess to a feeling of sympathy with
this class. We know, indeed, that Presi-
dent Grant is not to be held responsible for
all the rascality and corruption which sur
rounds him we know that previous adj
illustrations, both Republican and Demo-
cratic, have been surrounded, permeated,
and to some extent controlled, by the same
dangerous element we know that PIesi-
dents, like other mortals, are liable to err
in judgment and In the choice of agents
and friends. But we cannot convince our
selves that President Grant is wholly
blameless. The truth is undeniable that
ten years ago the Republican party had
the fairest opportunity that was ever offered
10 political organization. 1t is no less
true that to-day its only chance of success
lies in its power TO pursuade the country
that it is not hopelessly corrupt. The Pres
i'd ent must bear his share Of the RESPONSE
bility for this lamentsble result. And yet,
we believe in the uprightness of his inten-
tions. The trouble has been, he has enter
tanned a mistaken view of his position, of
the obligations of personal friendship, and
of his political responsibility. The Presi-
dent has had sincerely patriotic desire to
do his duty, but his conception of it has
been confused and obscure. 1t is this good
purpose, of which there are constant indi-
cations-the permanent one being the pres
ence of Mr.. Fish at the head of the cabinet,
and the steady friendship of men like
Judge Hoar-which made Charles Sum-
ner's unqualified denunciation of the Pres
ident essentially unjust, and which has
ina de those who had personal knowledge
of him unwilling to join in the undiscrim-
mating cry against him. His recent APP
pointment of Judge Taft to the place made
vacant by Belknap, his nomination of Mr..
Da ma in place of Schenck, and his firmneSs
in upholding Bristow, are evidence of the
excellency OF his Intentions which cannot
be gansaid. The errors 10 which we have
al luded, however, together with the knav
cry of many of his appointees and support
ers, and-more than all else-ialsity TO
principle ON the part of Republican leaders,
both in Congress and out, have well-nigh
brought ruin on the Republican party.
But If the Republican party is not what
it should be, the Democratic party is in
still worse condition. It's record OF frauds
and corruptions is startling. The Tweed
fra uds in New York city were monstrous,
by the side of which the of1enses of Bel
KNAPP, Joyce, Mcdonald & Co., bad as they
are, appear tame and almost respectable.
The frauds and usurpations under Buchan-
ans administration, unearthed by an in
We stigating committee Of Congress, were of
The most abominable character. No sincere
earcher for better political party can
find satisfaction in looking at the record of
the Democracy. And what it has been it
will he, essentially. The same elements
rule it, the same spirit prevails. Seeking
power, it puts on the garb of honesty and
re form, but there is no reason TO believe it
would do any belter in the future than it
has done in the past.
The Democrats are now laboring under
two very great burdens. In the first place,
they have no financial policy. The party
is divided on The currency-the East is for
hard money, the West and South are main
ly for in flation. 1t cannot decide for the
one or the other, and TO be non-commitlal
is TO confess its incompetency to deal with
great and vital question of public policy.
In the second place, the Democracy Is
ruled by lis worst elements. The South is
its strength, and there ii looks for votes.
The South will control its national policy,
as in times past, and we know well enough
what that policy will be-pensions for ex-
rebel soldiers, their widows and orphans,
the recognition of rebol war-clainls, the
assn mption OF the rebel debt, and the vir-
tual disfranchisement and Reimbursement
of the negroes.
Tho plain duty of honest Republicans,
then, Is still TO remain with the party so
long as there il hope of controlling it in
the interest of honesty and good govern
ment. That hope still remains with the
masses, as is evinced by the recent New
Hampshire election and by the general
tone Of public sentiment throughout the
country. We have faith to believe that the
shadow now resting upon tho Republican
party will soon be dispelled that The cry
for reform will be needed in the pending
nominations, both State and national; that
the honest element of the party will come
to the front, and by sending the traitors
and BURNERS to the rear will redeem the
party from its present disgrace, and inau-
gurate-what the people are SO loudly de-
manding-an honest mans government.
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The spIing campaign in Connecticut is
ding carried on in a most lively manner,