New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-08-19
D1sCuss1oN BEroRE THE PEOPLE.

and Democratic doctrines, has met with
the approval of the whole Republican
party, and volunteers will be found ready
to fall in and do battle under their reso-
lutte leader.
The substitution of some intelligent
argument for the vindictive obloquy OF
the Democratic press, and the stupid and
brutal slang of the quarrelsome clubs,
will be hailed with delight by the great
business interests suspended on the cleo
ton issue.
The invitation of Mr.. Packard will in
volve much difficulty and perhaps per-
sonal danger to those who may dare main
tain the Republican cause. It will be
brave undertaking on the part Of Mr..
Packard. The Democratic canvass is
headed and conducted by lawyers. The
nominee for Governor is an attorney. We
believe all the candidates for Congress
are attorneys. An elector or two belong
to the same profession, while the candi-
date for Attorney General is casuist Of
such skill that his services are sought by
many citizens whose interests are in jeop-
ardy.
These astute gentlemen move into ac-
ton supported by press which always
heralds Democratic victory and denies
defeat. What's oever these attorneys say
this press will applaud, whatsoever may
be said in response this press may be ex-
pected to ridicule or to ignore.
Yet we are of opinion that course of
free discussion will do infinite service to
the Republican party.
l. 1t will insure an opportunity for the
whole people to hear something more
than an OK parte advocacy of either side.
2. 1t will give the Republican party the
means of appea ring before and among
the people for hearing and judgment.
We infer that the central committees
of each party would arrange the meetings
and exchange guarantees of respectful
and orderly attendance. It may be
hoped there is so much chivalry and
courtesy among us as will permit the
people to do here what they may do
everywhere else in the United States-ex-
cept, perhaps, in Utah.
But if the Republican invitation-we
do not choose to call it challenge-be
accepted it will become proper that Mr..
Packard shall PROFOUND his issues and
choose his staff of speakers with delibera-
ton. In both particulars the Republican
party should maintain the aggressive.
The issues should assert positive imputa-
tons of Democratic incompetency to rule
either the Federal or State governments.
In assigning the champions for this
campaign, the central committee should
keep steadily in view the fact that it is
the fight Of the party and not of the par
tisan.
Mr.. Packard goes before the people
with character, official and private, per-
fectly unspotted. He can then devote his
speeches to arraigning the policy of his
opponents, and indicating that of his
own party. The central committee should,
as far as may be practicable, guard against
intrusting this campaign to men who may
be obnoxious to popular censure for
their own personal acts or omissions. The
Republican cause wants advocates who
can asseil its enemies or defend its acts,
not those who may be SO much embar-
raised in the vindication of their own per-
sonal record or in retorting upon the per-
sonal shortcomings of their Democratic
antagonists that they have no time left for
the party or its principles. The Repub-
lican party has set the great example in
its principal nominations. The personal
and official record of Hayes and Wheeler
has been canvassed by the scandal mon
gers, and found impregnable.
The State nominations of the Republic
ans have been made with the same pro-
priety. In going into this fight the weak
and wounded are sent to the rear. Any
political warrior who needs help to bear
his armor, is an incumbrance.
The men most efficient in a country
campaign are men known to and relied on
by their neighbors. The most efectual
public speakers have been men who COM
prehend, because they participate in, the
wants of the people. It is Joseph Arch,
a poor -laborer, who is leading Eng
land to recognize the rights and reward
the labor of the poorer classes. It is the
bold Bradlaugh who holds the mirror up
to proud aristocracy, and makes them
contemplate the deformity of their own
doctrines. One of the most effective CAM
paign speakers in favor of protection to
American industry was 'the Buckeye
Blacksmith" This man was sent far and
near to explain to tie people the true con-
nection between the industries of manu-
features and agriculture. Of large and
powerful frame, he would take off his
coat, unbutton his collar and proceed to
make plain his doctrine in language
which all could comprehend, but which
none could criticise in its unpretending
directness. His argument was cogent, his
illustrations as felicitous as so many para
bles. He taught the farmer that the fac
tory brought money from distance to
expend in vegetables, milk, fruits and