Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1876-10-13
The Issues.

II is remarkable coincidence that whilst
tue people of this conntk are celebrating the
Centennial anniversary OF free government
and emancipation FRONT excessive and unjust
taxation, that they should also be called upon
TO decide whether thosd institutions achieved
by the gallantrv and sacrifices of illustfious
ancestors shall contnut TO exist in reality as
well as in name. or whit all the evils i'm
posed or sought to be imposed upon us by an
arbitrary king should vex, impoverish, and
-LyrahnfZe over us ag,n. In other words,
whether we shall, whist Boosting of our re-
publican institutions, be in fact subjects Of
party oligarcby. tbs Romans, for long
time after they had lost their freedom and
birhrights, were permitted TO indulge in such
strains until the strong coils Of despolism had
entirely encircled then. Then il was that the
world witnessed the disgusting spectacle of
themselves 10 the ignoIninous conditions of
subjects and slaves TO ambitious men. Let us
not think that the day has passed when free
institutions will exist as a matter OF course,
and that there are no longer INSCRIPTIONS
nsen who are ever ready 20 seize the reins oil
government and rule the people with rod of
iron.
The present campaign involves the issues Of
national life or death to republican institu-
lions. We do not wish 10 lie understood us
saying that if Hayes and Wheeler and their
satellites are elected that our whole form OF
government will, in the twinklng of an eye,
be subverled. But we do say that the people
already have permitted themselves 10 be dalled
with by corrupt and overbearing rulers, and
are in the habit of overlooking and excusing
The preparation Of the most Infamous crimes
and the most unparalleled usurpations, simply
because the individuals in power claim 10 be
of the same political party. And we do say
that all history will confirm us in the state
nent that no government is safe where party
ties are stronger than love of country. There.
fore the election of Hayes and Wheeler will be
but continuation Of insiduous attempts and
designs upon our republican form of govern
ment All It is said by those who uphold
the corruption, venality, and tyranny of
0iuutlSiI, DcihhHpiShis DuutTisib, Dducoch-
ism, q I'd oane eaas, that we are the Republic
can party ,ce are the preservers of The coun-
try i, we are the defenders of the Union, &c,
&c, &c. But our readers will permit us here
TO say that the experience OF the downfall and
run Of former republics were always preceded
hy such fictitious claims. It is so hard for
the leaders who have been successful ia civil
connections, who have enriched themselves
whilst destroying their anniversaries, to rise to
that magnanimous and patriotic feeling which
characterized and will forever ennoble our
beloved Washington, who when The hearts OF
grateful countrymen were ready to proclaim
him king, or invest him with absolute author
iiy, laid down his sword and his self-exala.
tion upon the altar OF his country's liberty
Immortal Washington But let us for a
moment contrast the career Of those who so
loudly boast of being the preservers of the
Union, What one act can be pointed 10 that
can be claimed as the inspiration of patriot
ism? The war has long since ended, yet for
their own continuation in power they seek to
inhame the passions of the people and to array
the sections against each other. The war has
long since ended, yet our people are unable to
see the smallest indications to release from the
most oppressive taxation. The war has long
since ended, yet we see military cheftains
claiming exemptions from punishment and
impunity for their stealings simply because
they became prominent amid the clash of
arms and the shrieks of death. The war has
long since ended, and yet we see the people of
a large and beautiful portion of our once
happy country trod down by the most unscrup-
ulons pet-baggers and adventures, the
contemplate tools of those who now run the
Government for their own ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
The oligarchy at Washington boosted jnst as
loud of their honesty as of their patriotism,
until the faithful servants of The people in the
last House of Representatives pulled off their
Sleeps clothing and left them naked and
raveuing wolves. The time has certainly
come when the interest and welfare of the
people demand thorough and complete
change. The October elections all indicate
that that change will certainly come, and that
Samuel ]. Tilden, the Great Reformer, with
his devoted followers, will institute such u
close aud unsparing investigation into the
conduct and proceedings of those holding po-
sitions of public trust that will cause the
scales to fall from the eyes of even the meanest
and most ohdurate Radical.
May God save our country by the election
of Samuel J. Tilden and Thomas A. Hens
drirks.