Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-12-18
True Republicans.

x
in power. q feeling OF dissatisfaction inva-
riably grows, with its years OF supremacy.
not only in the minds OF the minority and
among independent voters. bat in the
party itself. many persons whose claims
have been overlooked, or whose judgment
has been set aside, lose interest in party
measures and in party prosperity. The
Republican party has been particularly
unfortunate in this respect, not only be-
cause OF the unprecedented length OF time
during which il has controlled public
affairs, but because OF the large indePen-
dent element which it contains. lntelli
gent men, such as compose majority OF
this party, are not apt 10 feel strongly
bound by party ties, nor do they take
kindly to party discipline. There is not
opportunity in party lifetime to try all
the measures advanced by iudicious men,
and many such measures have been pre-
sented for consideration by the Repub-
lcan party. Each time one such hsS
been neglected, and each time an appli-
cant for position has been denied his ap-
plication, disafection has resulted. Tni,
feeling has been allowed to grow, ana
has furnished recruits to the opposition
until Republican supremacy has been
transferred 10 q Democratic msjOrity
To-day the Democrats have absolute con-
troi of the national house; and they ar,
about TO snatch the senate from Us. This
state OF affairs has not been brought
about so much by corrupt administrator,
as it has by disafection resulting from
the above causes.
II would be disastrous to national pros
peritY if the Democratic party were t.
obtain complete control of the govern
ment; and there is but one way TO pre-
vent this disaster. We must heal the
breaches in our party walls, and close up
our ranks. II ones pet scheme OF civil
service reform has not been attempted.
or if his views upon the subject have
been crossed. he must lay aside personal
feeling, and in view of party defeat, must
do bis utmost to retrieve what his dissst
isfaction has aided in bringing about II
his own appointment or the appointment
of bis friend has not been secured il his
patron or his protege has been neglected,
he must forget that fact, and strive to
elevate principle above pique. All the
Republican party has done during quar-
ter century may be lost by few years OF
hostile domination. We esn afford to
forget and to forgive much, to avoid such
disaster. We must do so.
II the Republican party is destined to
be in the minority. il is very necessary
that this minority should be composed OF
experienced and Intelligent men, il We
hope 20 ever regain our position as lead
ers. This is not the lime TO say such =
one has held Office long enough. II he
has been long in Office, and gained in ex-
perience thereby, he is just the man We
need at this critical period OF our political
history. We must bring our old war
horses to the front-those men in whom
the people con6de. and who have rep
utation abroad. When a party is strong.
it can educate new men, and carry much
light material upon lis tide of prosperity
bot when, as to-day. party is bearing
defeat. every member should be s worker.
II We do not gain control of the House OF
Representatives, this still holds good, for
. minority party has great responsible
hes Ii must check the srdor of those
who have new-found authority; il must
watch every motion and act OF it op-
ponents to see that no sacred rigbt il
violated. None are SO competent to Sc
cure these ends as men of legislative ex-
perience. Let US see to it, that no STRIFE
for position nor pains of personal defeat,
make Us overlook or aid in bringing
about party dissolution. This is true Re-
pubIesnism-loying party better than
self.