The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1878-12-26
WHAT MAKES A REPUBLICANS?

g. W. ALLES Of Milwaukee over the
nom de ltl,b,e Of Fair Play" attacks
Carpenter, ,snd.questions his orthodoxy
as republican and his soundness on
finance Had Matt Carpenter within
the last few years occupied public po-
sition, lis prominence would have nee
essitated an unequiyocal expression Of
opinion on the subject which has caused
SO much agitation in the political arena.
Silence under this condition would be
conclusive evidence that the ex-senator
was on the lookout to shout with the
largest crowd and Of course this knowl-
edge wonld ruin him with all parties.
But Carpenter has confined himself ex-
clusively to the practice of his profess
ion and has seduIously avoided politics.
How, under these circumstances silence
on the financial question can be con-
struod into sympathy with greenbackers,
it is difficult to understand.
But the narrow, illiberal cause assign
ed to justify the doubt that Carpenters
republicanism is unsoud, is unworthy
any man who lays claim to an ordinary
degree of Intelligence. Because Matt
Carpenter in the exercise of a privilege
which IS accorded to every profession,
chose to appear as Mr.. Tilden's counsel
before the electoral commission, he
must, forsooth, sever all connection with
the republican party. What a pitiful
policy that, which would require an at
torney TO ascertain the politics of client
before accepting retainer. And in
pursuance Of which politics would be
the main feature in a court Of Justice.
Beiief in Hayes honest election, on the
mere assertion of interested partisans
seems to be tenet of the republican
faith. An effort to ascertain the facts
in the case, is branded as hereticaI and
places one outside the pale of the party
which decrias inquiry. Does Allen III
pursuance of the policy which he thinks
il proper for Carpenter to adopt in the
practice of his profession, have business
relations only with those whose political
opinions are in harmony with his own?
Fancy n granger entering boot and
shoe store and refusing to purchase q
pair Of boots because the leather was
tanned in republican watts.
The people of the United States have
no interest in the success or failure of
any man III his eaerts 10 become presi-
dent of the United States. They are
interested in having the right prevail,
and should insist on the most thorough
investigation when corruption is sus-
pected. 1t was believed by the people
that the Infamous electoral commission
would seek to reveal and not to suppress
the truth. 1t was supposed that the in
vestigation would be such as to make
the title of the successful one unques-
toned. The republicans prevented this
and more than this, have ever since vent
ed their displeasure on every one who
SoughttO make the Commission a court Of
justice rather than actors in an absurd
farce. If republicans desire that only
those who sought to suppress evidence,
shall belong to their party then is it
time for every person who is not willing
10 see the country in the hands OF the
enemies Of law and principle to abandon
the infamous organization, Allen and
such like partisans may succeed in show
ing that Carpenters republicanism is
not Of the approved sort, but in so doing
they invest him with a quality which
commends him to the people.