New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-01-07
IF TIE HORST. 1'HATi


"But suppose both parties behave badly
.wlat can we do Z" Not infrequently this
question is asked by some sincere but anxious
independent He sees that the independents
have power to defeat a Democratic initiation
ist or Bourbon, if the Republicans put up
man fit to be supported He sees that they
have power to defeat Grant or any representa-
tive of his element, if the Democrats put up
man fit to be supported He understands, also,
that the knowledge of these facts will impel
the managers of each party to avoid sure defeat
by the selection Of decent candidate--prOylded
the other party has not already made bad
nomination. But, he reasons, suppose that
Republican convention should be held first, and
should be controlled by mere creatures of
Grant-men who have nothing to lose but his
favor, and no chance of a political future under
n respectable Republican Administration. Sup
pose that they, in sheer reckessness or despe-
ration, should put up Grant Or Morton, or some
candidate equally Objectionable. Democratic
managers might then fancy that they could
succeed with any candidate. The inilatlonists,
repudiationists, corruptionists, and Bourbons,
would rush in with yell, and put up a man
representing tho worst and most dangerous
elements. What then3
This is an improbable but not an impossible
contingency. 1t would not be improbable if
the majority of Republican voters should fail
TO make proper efforts to save their organiza-
ton from disgrace and destruction For it
must be conceded that the temper of Demo-
Gratis at the West and South is not such as to
inspire the highest degree of confidence In
their wisdom. If tho Republican Convention
is held first, and is captured by Grants Office
holders, there is no telling what folly subse-
ouent Democratic Convention may not COM
nit. But suppose the worst, Grant against
some candidate with whom inilationists are
contented, what can then be doneR
A candidate could be nominated who would
represent the best element Of both parties. and
hard-money Democrats and reform Republic
cans be invited to support him. " But what
good would that dol 7" it will be asked.
Would not the inflationist then be elected 7"
Not certainly, but if he should be those would
he responsible who desiring sound currency.
should throw away their votes on Grant.
Moreover, the people would blunder grossly if,
in face of the possibility that such Prcsi-
dent might he chosen, they should neglect to.
choose q thoroughly trustworthy Congress to
restrain him. But would such three-cornered
contest result in the election of the Democrat
4 little while ago we saw that the Demo-
Gratis could not hope to win without the vote
of New-York But what proportion of the
Democratic vote of this State would be cast
for an inilationist Not One-half, if the Dem
ocrats of this State have any regard for their
principles. The contest would lie between
Grant and the independent candidate in thls
and other hard-money States. But how many
Republicans would support Grant, How many
would support any candidate identified with
Grantisn as against an independent Is 1t
by any means impossible that an independent
ticket could be nominated which would carry
Ncw-York, New-Jcrsey, Massachusetts,, Con-
necticut, California, and Orcgonf In the
West, on the other hand where the imitation
element is strong, would not the contest be
obviously between the innationist and the in
DEPENDENT Would any Republican hope to
carry Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, or Michigan,
for Grant, Would it not be possible to name
an independent who would carry those States
against imitation
II ia quite possible that such three -cOrnered
contest might throw the election into the
House. In that case seven hard-money Demo-
Gratis from the States of New-1ork, New
Jersey, Connecticut, California, and Delaware
would have power TO prevent the election OF
an infationi.t, to say nothing OF Mr.. Kerr ana
one other in Indiana, Mr.. Morrison and two
Others in Illinois, or three members from Mary
land. Is it altogether certain who would then
be chosen3