New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1877-03-30
STANDARD OF POLITICAL QUALIFIoA-
TI0N

STANDARD OF POLITICAL QUALIFIOA-
TI0N.
We have not hesitated to say that the
Republican party has been too careless in
regard to the standard of ability which it
has in most instances adopted for
the qualification of members of the
Legislature. 1t may have been in the
past that with an undisputed majority of
the voters and the prompt protection of
the Federal government a seat in the
Legislature might be bestowed upon the
most inexperienced and illiterats candi-
date. Such is, however, no longer the
case. The wealth aud intelligence of the
State demands competent representa-
ton. The Indulgence and impotence for
self-protection of the people requires q
policy of improvement, of employment,
of progress.
There are two bodies now in session in
this city. The one the lawful representa-
tives Of the people; the other, in our view,
but amateurs and Thespians, enactipg a
mimic drama Yet the world will look at
the apparent capacity of the two bodies.
We can make no boast of the measures or
discussions of the Republican House, and
must regret the unseemly disputes which
occur among members. The country ex-
poets much from the Republicans of Louis
lana. Philanthropy and patriotism are
impatient 10 show the success of the
great measure of emancipation. Need
we remind those interested, especially in
this demonstration, that upon the acts
and ability of their representatives must
depend greatly the verdict of the world,
and by consequence the existence of the
rights which are almost held in suspension
at the present?
The same observations are applicable to
executive appointments. The difference
in party principle is too small to maintain
an organization upon mere antagonism of
doctrine. The Democracy has adopted
the entire creed Of the Republicans, and
are even striving to recommend them
selves TO the people by protesting an ultra
devotion and superior capacity to exc
cute those doctrines to which they once
stood in, open defiance. 1t may have been
that while that antagonism existed the
personal character of an official incum-
bent could not have affected the support
of his party. 1t was not in the hour of
battle that the personal objections could
have been made to an officer. With the
abatement and .abrasion of all difference
in principle, it becomes indispensable
that office shall be conferred only upon
men who can, by their character and
qualities, strengthen the Republican
party. Asthe representative must be above
ridicule for senseless chatter and bad
English, the officer must possess popu,
larity. We use this term in no sense Of
demagogueism. An officer must possess
the influence which a connection with the
welfare and the sentiment of the people
can alone create. It must be obvious that
if the Democracy elect or appoint TO Office
men who own plantations, employ labor,
and have the power to bestow or withhold
that compensation and care which tn.
lowly laborer everywhere requires from
the property holder, this influence mus
ultimately attract and aggregate the de.
pendence of toll to the direction Of CAPT
tai Prejudice against those who once
held the colored lAborer in bondage, graf
itude toward those who broke this bond
terror lest it be renewed, will have an ei
feet in postponing the reunion Of capita
and labor. The power of the magne
may be for the moment impaired by th
Intervention OF neutral and non-con
ductor, but the attraction is unerring ami
eternal and must, sooner or later, resum
its sway.
Standing upon the same platform, q
least Of profession. with the Republicans
commanding such elements Of commer
dation to the popular support the d.
1aocracy must possess great advantages.
viii become the duty Of the Republicans I
compete with them on their own grcuns
They must elect legislators Of ability an
appoint officers who compare in popuIi
influence with any competitor whateyei
! With superior sincerity and with equal
! popular ineumbsnts IN legislative az
( oGhaE service the Republican party win
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