Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-02-11

The Republican Pnrty.
Although IL is only the first week in Feb
ruary, and no one can tell what may hap
pen between now and Junc-still less be-
tween now and November-it must be
clear to all sharp-eyed observers that the
Republican party is getting into excellent
condition for the Presidential campaign.
1t is stronger and healthier than it was six
months ago. A better feeling exists among
leaders and followers. OF course, there is,
and probably always will be, large num-
Der of critics who stand outside "nagging"
at 1t that must he expected. 1t must be a
poor party which has no enemies. The
main thing TO know is that the party itself
is gaining ground rather than losing il,
and this fact will not be contested by any
body who is capable of forming an opinion
on the subject. The financial policy with
which the Republicans are identified COM
mends itself more and more TO the appro-
baton of the country. Many idle charges
against the Administration have been
swept aside. 1t was said that Secretary
Bristow, or some one connected with the
Government, would undoubtedly Interfere
ky ring from punishmont-but instead Of
any attempt of that Kind, the prosecutions
have been pushed with extraordinary en-
ergy, and terrible examples have been
made OF all the offenders whose guilt has
thus far been brought home TO them. The
fate of Mckee and others will long be re-
inembered in the history of the country.
Then, again, we have gained strength by
the weakness OF our adversaries. n more
made by great party than that which the
Democrats in Congress have presented to
the world. They have scarcely any plans,
and what few they have would be highly
mischievous in their effects upon the coun-
try. They cannot agree-they never will
be able to agree-on the subject of the fl
nances. A few want specie payments, the
majority demand imitation. But the bulk
of the party is, unfortunately, on the wrong
side. Day after day is spent in personal
controversies, in meaningless discuss
ions, in caucuses which leave every dispu-
ted question more muddled and more
hopeless Of settlement than it was before.
The party is embarrassed by some OF its
Southern members, and deeply injured by
the incurable tendency of others TO make
speeches without the slightest regard 10 the
effect they are calculated to produce. There
is no one animating principle which is
sufficiently dear TO the whole party to lead
the members TO unite upon II. 1t IS bum
die of sticks, but without a cord to tie it
together. And this is q disadvantage which
the Democrats can scarcely hope to see re-
moved during the present session. We
are in the eighth week of that session, and
each days proceedings end like all that
have gone before it. There has been am
pie time for the people TO judge what sort
of representatives aud officials the Demo-
cratic party is likely TO give them, and the
impression is anything but a favorable.
one.
Thus far, then, the Republican cause is
clearly not declining. There arc no such
irreconcilable differences prevailing in our
ranks rs those which battle and dishearten
the Democratic party. No doubt the ques-
ton as to the selection of candidates for the
chief posts will excite many a warm con-
troversy, some Observation-Disclosures, and a
few hot words here and there. There will
be great jealousy among probable candi-
dates, and. few disagreeable incidents
produced by over-eagerness 10 reach the
prize. These are the inevitable fruits of a
great political contest. But we expect to
see the question of selecting candidates de-
cided in great degree by the drift OF
events, which is often more powerful than
the best-laid schemes OF politicians. 1t is
great advantage to have the third term"
bugbear definitely thrown overheard by
common consent, even il 1t is 10 be re-
placed by rumors which are sure to stir up
bitter controversy. We have always ex-
pressed but one hope on The subject, which
Is that the strongest and most worthy men
in our party will be sent TO the people as
our candidates. In that hope we see many
reasons to have greater confidence than
ever, aud we are therefore not anxious to
mail the colors' of any particular candi-
date "to the mast" or 10 attempt TO inter-
fere with an issue which will probably in a
large degree tend TO settle itself-N. Y.
Times.