New-York tribune., 1878-05-10

conviction ana an aggressive sphh' 81 i"e""'
to do The other parties nave been trying to
dodge. Republicans have riyalled Democrats.
in that State, in pandering TO the preJudices
and bidding for the votes of Trades Unions
here and InflatiOnists there, until 1t has some
times been hard to Judge from public utteran-
ces which party was the most thoroughly un-
sound Dodging has had its day. Thanks to
the Nationals, men will have to answer Yes
or No, in Pennsy lvania.
Elsewhere, great impetus will be given to
the mischievOus movement by the successful
union and defiant attitude OF the Communists
of PENNSYLVANIA. The convention before bal
loting for a candidate, resolved that no man
should be nominated who was not known to
have severed publicly his connection with both
the old political parties. This is a proof of
conscious strength. At least, it will SO I'M
press sympathizers elsewhere, and we see no
reason to doubt that the leaders in Pennsyl-
vania really believe that they are strong
enough TO stand alone. Both parties have
flattered them and truckled to them. Both have
helped to prepare voters to accept readily the
teachings of the new organization. The COM
bined strength of the Greenback and Labor
factions, As shown in elections already held,
is not small The claim that it is increasing
does not seem to be refuted as yet by any
public action of Democrats or Republicans, or
their members of Congress. Divided, the two
factions were hopeless, but obstinate. They
are likely to poll more votes with union and
hope
What will the old parties do about this party
Long invited by both, it comes most unwel-
Eou mud uattpIlnU have not
served to keep voters from strayng. but have
only educated thousands to get ont OF parties
which have merely professed and to join any
party which means to do. Political common
sense, the instinct Of self-preservatOn, should
prompt each party to open an unsparng war
against the destructive doctrines of the Com
munists. But it is not probable that the Demo-
cratic party will have the conscience or the
nerve for that course. It Is afraid of its own
voters. Probably clear majority of those
who will Dc represented in Democratic Con-
vention in Pennsylvania have some leaning to-
ward the hcresies of the Nationals A weak
and paltering course is probable, though it
seems likely to make the dsintcgration Of the
Democratic party more certain and complete.
II the Communists have the strength they ex-
pect III may prove Ildl lHe DtIHOCIdCN vi Il tnu-
sylvania is the third party at the polls. But
its great discipline may still avail.
Republicans of Pennsylvania have but one
course open to them. 1t is stated that the
feeling has been rapidly growing among Penn
sylvania Republicans that IT would be ncces-
sary this year to meet these questions plainly,
and make a resolute appeal to the conservative
and intelligent elements. There is no other
power which can combat the spirit Of Commun-
ism with any vigor OF hope. Until that course is
taken, the dangerous element will grow, and
voters will drop away from the Republican as
from the Democratic party. If the Nationals
are not frankly and stOutly opposed 10y either
party, il is even possible that they may poll
more votes than either. Nor should the Re
publicans of Pennsylvania forget the duty
they owe to others. The keystone State has
its responsibility. If even there, where enOr-
nous capital has been gathered for the sup
port of vast industries, a party which threat
ems to take capital by the throat meets no
stern resistance, what other State can be ex-
pected to defend the vital interests of Penn
sylyania