New-York tribune., 1879-04-07
nrr0lnL1.c- LElntNcLE5.

The Democratic party has made another
exhibition of itself II wa shown III debate
in the clyaIcst UOsgbl" manner, by Dir. Gar
field and other Republicans, that the political
deiacemtnt Of thc Amy bill was ds fool
ish as it WAS revolutionary; that it
was an empty and futile attempt to
stIip the Pte-id ut Of his constitutional
powcr., both as Commmdcr-iu-Chicf OF the
Army, as Chief Executive OF the laws, and as
the lawful holder of tue veto. But the caucus
bad ordered, and Democrats obcycd. It was
pointed out that the bill rs offered would involve
intolerabc absuIIitieo ia It's practical workings,
bDt the caucus had ordered, aud no Democrat
felt at liberty to USE his common sense. IL
wds proposed by Republicans, if armed forces
Of the United States were not 10 be permitted
at the polls to keep the peace, that armed
forces Of "a State or party should not be at
The polls 10 break the peace. Some
Democrats, il is charitable tO suppose,
felt that it was disgracrful to vote
down such an amendment. But the caucus
had ordered, and 10 Democrat dared to prefer
his own self-respect to the dictates of party.
BY u strict party vote. the bill was advanced
one stage toward a veto, and goes to the
Senate with all It's impcrfccii0ns on its
head. 1t would be foolish, doubtless, TO
suppose that the bull OF caucus will have
leas power with Democrats OF the Senate.
The party il firmly resolved TO show that it
has neither patriotism nor decency nor COM
mon sense, and when it starts on such an erraud
II never fails. The Democracy can safely be
trusted 10 make itself as OdOus aud rcpulsiye
as possible, TO every loyal or intelligent
citizen, a. often az ii gets within reach of
success.
The Grccuback faction, with scarcely an
exception, fell INTO its proper place as tail to
the Democratic kite. The members thereof
had resolved that they would not sustain the
Democrats in their revolutionary programme,
when its stupidity had not been fully dis
closed. But how could they resist opportunity
to do a thing winch was at once bad and
stupid 7 If they had been sensible, thcy would
have voted to put an end to the sectional
issue, which Democrats are raising in order to
prevent disruption of their party on financial
questions. Il is well that the people who vote
orthesc servants OF Democracy have an oppOr-
tunity thus early OF seeing their sincerity tested
At the next election, voters who do not wish 10
Lelp rebel regulators will take care not to
vote for Democratic wolves poorly disguised
as Greeuback sheep. This faction might have
done some harm had it held a separate posi-
tion. But its members are apparently willing
10 make it plain that they are mere crmnd-
boys foI.thc Solid South, and IL that capacity
will be invited next year to get into the patty
to which they belong. As Democrats Of the
repudia,ing type, they will have to stand or
fall
The Republican party has nothing to rc-
gret in the contest thus far. Its position has
been well chosen; It's arguments have been
presented with mastery power aud il has
aroused more determined and united feeling
than has been seen at the North since the
reunion of the two wings OF Democracy after
Appomattox. The Republican party comes