Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-07-26
The Democratic Breakers.

In the inepressible conflict which isnow
being waged inside the democratic party in
Congress upon the currency question: the in
ilation wing, under the dctation of Hen
bricks, have plausible ground to 60 upon,
and they seem determined to make the most
of it, at whatever cost to the party. The st.
Louis platform demands the repeal of so
much of the resumption act as fixes a date,
aud the Hendricks faction are prepared to
taunt the 'rilden men with desertion of the
national platform if they make a strenuous
opposition. On the other hand repeal
would weaken Governor 1ilden and seri-
ously impair his chances in the Eastern
states. lie is committed to the resumption act,
date and all. After its passage by Congress
the New York Legislature passed a law in
dorsing it and pledging the state TO pay all its
debts in specie on and after January /, 1879.
This bill was signed by Governor Tilden
and he will be put in an awkward predica
luent if the democrats of Congress should
ccnsure his action and condemn his record.
Moreover, such action would be gratuitous
insult to Governor Tilden, because repeal
of the act of 1875 is known to be impossi.
bic A repeating bill might possibly be car
ried through the House, but it would be GER
tainly defeated in the Republican Senate.
The attempt would only divide and weaken
the democratic party and proclaim the dis
sent between its candidate for President and
its candidate for Vice-l'resident And yet
the repeating act is being vigorously pushed,
with good prospect OF success. Surely, are
there not formidable breakers ahead
Mn. WmEELEH's LErruM-We commend
10 the careful consideration of our readers
the admirable letter Of acceptance OF Con
gresham Wheeler. Like that Of Governor
Hayes, it gives no uncertain utterance upon
the vital issues Of the day. There was no
need for our nominees 10 repair to Saratoga
and consult as TO the tenor of their letters of
acceptance. There are no feuds, no doubt
full policies and glaring Inconsistencies in
the opinions aud records Of our candidates.
They are plain and outspoken men, as their
letters indicate and their records show.
They represent, and worthily represent the
best element OF the best reform party. But
their greatest strength lies in the fact that
they were so fully in accord with each other
Still we think that no one should complain
because the democratic candidates, Tildeu
and Hendricks, should have found it very
necessary 10 compare notes before express
ing their views. 1t must be trying and deli.
cate operation for gentlemen holding such
adverse opinions TO get along without tread
ing on each others toes. Finely drawn con.
illusions, conscience, "glittering generali-
ties and platitudes, upon a groundwork OF
"reform," should doubtless be the makeup
of their letters. In order 10 let people know
what they mean, the word reform will be
reiterated as often at least as it was in the
democratic platform. Mr.. Hendricks will
probably be in favor Of hard money 80 far a,
it does not interfere with his soft money
conscience, while Mr. Tilden, with am elias
ITCHY and shrewdness peculiar to himself
viii doubtless cover the high and low lands
the firm ground and the morass, alike.