The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1879-08-14
Plea for n limited Party.


Never in the history of the Rspubli-
can party has such strong necessity
existed for n firm, united, bold front
against its assailants a. to-day. Our
last session Of Congress was notorious
for tho very large number of avowed
enemies of tho Union ~ nation, a.
distinguished from u confederacy OF
Republican ideas; of those grand prin.
ciples Of liberty, equality before the
law and all other embodiments Of the
Declaration of Independence tor which
the loyal people of this land shod their
blood and poured out their treasure.
In our last presidential election the
contest was so close that not man in
this country was certain which candi'
date WAS elected. A commission had to
decide it.
The Democratic party has been gain
ing every year since its apparent over.
throw in 1860, and during tho years OF
the Var. Nearer and nearer has it
been approaching its Republican anita
gonists, until in 1876 it was q neck and
neck race. Whether tho strange mo-
mentum which is sending it forward
with such fearful certainty and speed
will cause it to pass its opponent and
clutch with its polluted hand again tho
roins of power, ncxt fall will toll. But
it is not for US TO stand stupidity by and
watch the amazing spectacle of dis
honored and corrupt party sweeping
down with appalling force upon our
National Capital by storm, and gain
absolute and unquesti oned control OF
the supreme legislature of our land.
1t is for Us to meet change with coun-
ter change; to hold before US in the
sight Of all men the invulnerable shields
of our principles. Upon those shields
arc written in letters Of living hight
such sentences as these: awe gave
freedom to four millions of Slaves"
ain giving freedom to tho slave, We in
sured freedom to tho tree" 1--WE are
the enemies Of disunion, and State
Rights, and tho defenders of union and
inseparable nationality 1--WE gave the
greenback to the world and resumption
to our people," ave are tho champion =
of the weak against the strong; Of lib
erty, equality, fraternity. the world
over, and especially for those of our
own country 1--WE are humane IN war.
We had no prison pens, such IA Ander-
sOnville, Libby and Salisbury With
such princi Piles and such record, that
commend themselves to the great heart
of tho world, We ought to feel invinci-
Bile. We have but one thing to fear ::
that is tho spectre Of the night which has
met the Democratic party so often on
the very brink and shOal Of success
party discOrd and, "a | am now writ
ing tor Saline county, lot every Repub-
lican in tho county reflect well and think
earnestly upon this danger. Let no
man who has borne the name of Re-
publican aud shared the glory and tri.
umphs OF his party be severed from full
allegiance by any petty issues, local
prejudices or jealousies, or any other
matters which divide men who should
ever DO banded together for that
strength which union gives. The plea
that this is an off year should have no
weight. 1t is the work Of off years that
tells upon the great campaigns which
decide which party shall govern the
Republic. Now is the time for organ
ization for cemcnting together in one
body our Republican elements. Let US
put good mon forward rs u matter of
right. Itis better to DO right outside
of any party than to be member of "a
party which apholds wrong as its Pri-
NAL object. II any man remains with
the Republican party for any other rea-
son than because it is the party cf right
be is of necessity an unworthy member.
The party Is result Of the sentiment
Of right against wrong. 1t Is the or
ganized conscience of the country. This
has been ,he:resuIt Of Republican sue
cess. By working TO this line we shall
continue to attract that class Of indie
pendents who vote tor good men to &C,
with US and VINO will work with our
party so long - Republicanism and
right principles continue TO be synono
nous. A. FoLLETT
BRoOKvILLE, Hans, Aug. llth.