The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-05-13
LOGyCAL RESULTS.

OIL the CltrkeOurH OOnVcuttOu.
LOGICAL RESULTS.
The proceedings Of the Clarksburg Be
publican Convention, which are given
elsew here by our reporter, show result
that we predicted some weeks ago-that
the West Virginia Republican party
would support BLAINE or some other
Bloody Shirt man in preference to BRIs-
TOW, or any other candidate who pos
sesses any of the elements of reform
The Cincinnati Convention will result IN
the same way, and the reasons are OBJ
vlous. There is an element IN
the Republican party composed OF
men who are honest in their
convictions, although we think mistaken
in their ideas of government policy; yet
are anxious to root out corruption, but
that element is sadly in the minority and
will not only be ruled out, but actually
run over and trodden down by the bum
mers, who have corrupted the Republic
can organization. This condition does
not exist alone here in Nest Virginia but
is true to more or less extent ~ ap-
piled ~ the party throughout the United
States. -
The old leaders, tho men who founded
the Republican party, men who were
governed by principle, although one
that was all error and iraught with dan
ger TO our institutions, these men have
either actually been driven from the ranks
or those that remain are kept in subordi-
nation to the new aedsed loyalists. A
short review OF the history of politics OF
the last quarter of a century will reveal
the causes Of this condition of affairs.
The Republican party organized in
1866 to accomplish certain distinct OBJ
ects, towit: '-.
snFirst-To prevent the extension OF
slavery.
Second-To abolish slavery in all
places of exclusive Federal jurisdiction.
Third-To annul the fugitive slave
law.
The Supreme Court Of the United
States decided that Congress had no
power to prohibit tho extension OF slavery,
and that the fugitive slave law was I'M
constitutional We thus see that the
Republican party was sectional organi-
cation on sectional questions, and in op-
position TO the Supreme law of the land.
The Southern people insisted that
this was practical abandonment
OF the Constitution, and released
them from its obligations, And
when this party came into power
they unwisely seeded and the war most
unwlsely followed. Then during the war
the Republican party changed its objects,
and insisted on the total extinction of
slavery. The result is we'll known. The
Southern people yielded, abandoned Sc
cession and every Southern State, BY
constitutional provision, abolished
slavery. The Republicans then changed
position again, and commenced the work
of reconstruction, giving to the States new
constituencies and new governments.
All this has been done-and terribly
done.
The party then has accomplished its
work, and no party can live after its
mission has been fulfilled without be-
coming corrupt
The result is natural and logical.
The statesmen and partiots will be driven
out in defense of their self respect.
Thieves and demsgogues take possession
of the party not to accomplish great
works, but to have general carousal.
The exclusion of the better element is
JUS, rs natural Ms the retirement OF a
virtuous woman frcGi house that had
been converted into brothel.
The only hope of n new lease of power
for the Republican party under its new
leaders is by influencing tho passions of
tie people BY revival OF war memories,
and thus il is that men of the BLAINE
MoKroN stripe are preferred. If that
party succeeds with such policy. it will
be a miracle if in the riot that follows our
republican system shall not perish.
The election this coming fall will be
the test for our capacity for self-goyern-
ment and the eyes of good men of all
political faiths are hopefully and sn1-
iously turned to the Democratic party as
a sure hope for better things. With this
grave responsibility resting upon US, can
the Democratic party prove recreant7
The nomination at st. Louis will deter
mine this fact