The weekly Oskaloosa herald. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Iowa) 1855-1885, 1876-10-12
The Two Parties.

The history Of the two parties is well known
to the country. For the past fifteen years the
history of Republicanism has been like an
open book, to be read by all men. Nothing
has been concealed. Its record is chapter of
political fidelity never before equaled. If in
the performance of its marvellous work it has
developed a few faults, they are, when COM
pared with its virtues, like the spots on the
face of the sun, too infnitesimal to excite
alarm or command attention except by the
students of science.
Double the labors and the responsibilities of
the whole history of the Government previous
to 1861, and they fall short of the work per-
formed by the Republican party. Think, for
a moment, of the magnificent results of its
policy. sound currency, safe everywhere;
public credit higher than ever before in the
markets Of the world; wise homestead sys-
tenn that has given free farms to millions; the
abolition Of slavery; the settlement of the
vexed San Juan boundary question and the
Alabama depreciation claim against England;
advantageous treaties with nearly every civil
lied nation, and humane laws, executed in
spirit of justice, are few of the results that
go to make up the grandest political record of
the country. Can any unprejudiced mind
.u,ou .his record and allow himself, for
&c " interests, that has
been so true to the peoples A.. ~otion. can
been instrumental in saving the L.. -
now prove untrue to the Republic that lives
to-day because of its fidelity and courage?
What can be said of Democracy What
good thing has 1t done during the past twenty
yearss The people know what had things Il
has done, but none of Its defenders have, as
yet, presented anything worthy of commenda-
ton. 1t has been stumbling block in the
path OF national progress. IL opposed the
war for the Union; the emancipation of the
slaves; the vital amendments to the Constitu-
ton; the protection of the freedmen; the pres
ent currency system; the collection OF the
revenue, and is on record against nearly every
measure proposed for the relief and protection
of the people and the advancement of the ma
ton, What good thing has it donei The peo-
pie wait for the answer, but they will wait
long before this question can be replied to.
The misrule of the city of New York; its enor-
NOUS debt; the millions stolen by Democratic
leaders; the ascendency of ignorance aud vice
are but the shadows of misrsle that would
characterize the nation under Democratic gov
ernmeRt We appeal to every man who loves
his country TO lay aside party prejudices In
this hour of trial, and TO pass Judgment upon
the merits of the men and the parties they
represent. In the presence of public danger
private disputes must be laid aside. The vel
fare of the nation, the peace and security of its
citizens, the public credit, the liberties of mil
lions who look to this Republic for example
and hope, depend upon the success Of the Re
publican party. Let every friend of bis coun
try respond to the call made upon him. Let
him labor rs If on his efforts depended the re-
suit. An earnest worker can accomplish
much He can convince the doubtful, strengthen
the weak, and encourage all TO work and vote.
1t needs not the gift of eloquenee to advance
good cause. An honest purpose and the
courage to advocate the right viii invite the
blessings Of Providence and win success.