The Leavenworth weekly times., 1878-06-13

The Political Situation IN the First
BsstriC:.

Z he Political Situation IN the First
District.
CoS0oRDIA, Kan, June 10, 1878.
EDITOR TINEs:-I notice the Empire of
this place copies from IN exchange an arti-
Gle purporting to be conversation between
a correspondent OF the paper referred to
and an individual in reference to the
chances Of Hon. William A. Phillips for
denomination to Congress from the First
District.
As the article is but the impression OF an
individual, it would not be necessary to no.
tice il, were it not for the fact that local pa
pers opposed to Col. Phillips, are using it
TO feel the public mind" and ii possible
to stir up opposition among the good tenn
perance people Of the District. The ques-
ton
WHO SHALL REPRESENT Us IN CONGRESs
is Of less importance than the question,
whether the Republican party OF this dis
trict shall be dirided in the coming elec-
ton; and whether the cause Of temperance,
dear to thousands, shall have its keenest
weapon blunted and weakened by using it
in political crusade? A letter will not
allow extended discussion on these points.
Two great issues are virtually before the
people OF this State and this Congressional
District.
First. A great, grsnd and benefcent
temperance tidal wave has been sweeping
onward and over almost every obstacle that
intemperance and its allies could interpose.
The other, is the question, whether We shall
place IN Congress, at an hour when a
Democratic Committee" is in session plot
ting treason and doing all they can to un-
settle the very principles and confidence on
which our form OF government rests, men
OF known ability and experience to meet
the great national questions Of the hour?
Great national questions demand a COM
pact, strong party, and surely no man of
intelligence need be told that such a party
cannot exist, except On the principle Of mu-
tual concession. If the Republican party
is to be entrusted with the government, and
is to be used As means TO aid in solving
the difficult problems of finance, taxation
debt, and many other questions which will
deeply affect the
PEACE AND PROSPERITY
OF the nation, then it will not be denied
that true patriotism dema ands all that con.
cession, on minor issues, that is indspensa.
bic to the integrity, strength and efiicienc,
OF the party. But how is this to be done
if the Temperance clubs" of this district
insist that only known temperance mel
must be selected as the standard bearers o
the party? Practically and theoretically
! allow no man to stand in advance Of III,
in opposition TO any and all Intoxicating
liquors which poison, ruin and destroy
man. wear the blue ribbon not as a par
ty badge but as an emblem Of my interes,
in man. But on the question Of govern
ment, and pirty action, indispensable t.
the peace, purity and prosperity of the Ma
ton, 1 ask no man TO stand with me OF
questions of religion or temperance befor,
l am willing TO recognize him as a goot
Republican. A moments reflection viii
convince the most careless thinkers thai
without cheerful recognition of the prin
ciple OF mutual concession, here laid down
that party action, so indispensable in Re
publican form Of government, cannot b,
made efficient.
THE CROwNING POWER
and glory of the murphy temperate,
movement" lies in this, that it comes to u
with the simple cling and stone of truth,
comes as the MISTER came, with malice TO
ward none and charity for all :" comss on
mission Of mercy and good will to lift weak
erring humanity into the sunlight of a bet
ter, higher life. Its object is divine. IT
keenest arrow is the christian spirit o
kindness and good will. With its quivel
filled with only three arrows, it goes fortf
conquering and to conquer. The veal
man is encouraged as he sees the temple
filled with the spirit of love, and the strong
man bows himself As his mind is made I,
contemplate the transcendant power anC
glory OF "simple truth" when welded in 4
christian spirit.
But let temperance men and temperate,
"clubs" lay aside these simple weapons oi
truth" and Use their individual and or
ganized power to crush individual Repub
licans, guide ,rty, and fix the standard oI
party action, and We shall soon find our.
selves, ~ temperance men, like sampson
shorn of his locks" our strength will ht
gone. Bnt one motive must guide Us IL
our war on intemperance, otherwise eshall
find ourselves as David did when cnmbered
with the ponderous armor of Saul. And
We shall find that instead of beneiiting
party action, We have paraljzed and de
stroyed the party needed to, correct abuse.
and preserve the Government. ''Indiyid-
ual fitness" Is the only true way TO measure
any candidate that may come before us for
our support. Let Col. Phillips and every
other man be thus measured, and not by
some "Shiboleth" of party.
have known Col. Phillips for twenty
three years and a truer man does not live
HIS sYMPATHIEs ARE WITH THE PEOPLE.
He is capable, experienced, honest, earn
est, and energetic in all he does The petty
charges made against him are not worthy
of notice. His personal integrity and
knowledge Of government, and its necessi-
ties, are fast pressing him into the front
rank OF statesmen. And he is strong over
the middle aud western portions of his dis
trict. His defeat, could it be accomplished,
would be calamity to the State. the people
of his district and the Nation. The eastern
portion OF the district has several gentle
men who are competent to make good mem
bers Of Congress, ani the west would cheer
fully gravitate towards Hon. T. J. Jenkins,
but the friends of the latter are, at present,
we'll satisfied with the brilliant record Of
Hon. VIM. A. Phillips and will support
him at the coming struggle.
Respectfully,