New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-02-26

We are Republicans in national sense IN
contradistinction to despotism. We simply
adhere to the principles of our platform;
we do not wish to be identified with the
policy of the past-the past is dead! let 1t
be buried with all its ancient animosities,
and on the grave we will plant the olive
and the poplar, emblems of peace and
liberty. Under their shade we will pursue
the work of regenefating our State. There
is doubtless happy future in store for us,
but be assured it is only by united effort
that we can be rescued from the present
gloomy condition.
The great questions Of reform that
ought to be considered in the halls of our
Legislature are paralyzed because they
conflict with party interests. The one
side would like to inflict injuries on the
other side, and destroy patronage, only it
is foreseen by the outs that it may clip
their own wings, and so the time is frit-
tered away quarreling over the evils that
exist, or have existed, instead of legis-
lating to destroy them. We have agita-
tons, outdoor meetings and caucuses
repeated until we are sick OF the
very names of them; debates, resolU-
tons, bills and amendments nause-
ate US; nothing of character or of great
utility has been done; the supineness OF
parties and their pretended virtues have
fairly tired US out. All this must end a re-
action must come; the crisis is at hand.
We demand as a salvation the solidarity
Of the people. and ardent minds to form
party that will weed out from our midst
those corrupt and effete politicians that
have hitherto monopolized the present
decrepid and bed-ridden combinations.
We have been enveloped IN darkness;
night seems long to our fevecish IN
patience for the light of day. We have
faith. and trusttllly look for the dawn,
for it is vouchsafed. Citizens of Louial-
ana Sons Of louisiana! How long VIII
YOU permit your patriotism to lie dor
mant? How long is our State to be
plunged in the slough of despond
The remedy lies II cur hands. Let Us
not be discouraged. We turn to the pages
of history and there find that al coin-
tries have passed through similar epochs
O. political degradation. We need no. go
very far back to find venality and corrup-
ton riding rampant among the English
rulers, and Walpole himself declaring
openly that every man had his price, and
he knew the price of each. Since that pc
Rod change has come over the British
people, and subsequent administrations
have gathered laureis by deeds of honor
and virtue It may be said with truth
that England is governed to-day with re-
markabie zeal and rectitude. If, then, q
monarcLical government can wade Sue
cessfully through vice and infamy to reach
a haven of probity, why need we in re-
publican government despair Of q similar
result.
Let us rather work hopefully il the be-
lief that We are on the threshold OF a
new era.
The one Lundredth anniversary Of the
birth OF freedom IS at hand. Let 1t COM
memorate our regeneration; let the nations
of the earth bring forth their treasures.
what nobler offering need we produce than
that of people rescued by their own ef-
forts from degradation. Let Us prove our
selves worthy of the lofty minds who first
constructed this wonderful emporium Of
the rights of man, and when the science,
art and intellect of the entire universe are
laid at our feet, let us not feel that We
have forfeited our right to sit enthroned
on high, living monument of lasting
freedom