National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-02-17
PERSONAL POLITICAL CLUBS.

This is a very free country. It's people
have every privilege of free action on all
questions of public and private concern
ment not clearly inhibited in the Constitu-
ton and laws of the country. But, after
all, that which is permissible is not always
wise or expedient in action. 1t is the privi-
lege of the people TO form clubs, societies or
organizations, within the pale of the law,
for any purpose but we doubt the expodi-
ency in party relation-which is held for
the general good and to secure concert of
action in behalf of clearly defined principles
and policies in government and in opposi-
ton to other dogmas and policies which are
regarded as hostile to the public welfare
of forming clubs in personal interest within
the Republican organization. The tend
ency is TO factionize, dsintegrate and
weaken party relations and ties, and hence
our judgment is not in accord with any
such organization, no matter in whose ill.,
terest it may exist.
1t is well known that we have been and
are still strongly in favor ofthe nomination of
General GRANT, for the reason that we have
| thought and still think his nomination will
assure the success of the Republican party
and its principles in the administration of
the Government more certainly than the
preiermcnt of any other name presented
/ for public consideration. In accepting that
position and relation inside the Republican
organization, we have abated in no degree
the respect we bear for the distinguished
statesmen who are supported by others for
the honor of nomination. We yield to
them and their friends all the rights and
privileges we claim for THE NATIONAL RE-
PUBLICAN and its editor in urging the
claim of fhvorite. We think, ncverthe-
less, that the least machinery trained inside
the party to accomplish personal ends the
better. Popular sentiment should control
the selection of a standard bearer for party,
for the popular will alone must control the
election of a President at the balot-bOx
and confirm the primary action of the
people, and he who can best secure that
end should he placed at the head of the
column regardless of personal preferences
in primary action. The best good of the
Republican party is, in our view of the
case. for the best good of our common
country. This is what we seek, and no
appliances or methods that are not strictly
in accord with the accomplishment of this
end can have our hearty approval be they
used by the friends of GRANT, BLAINE OF
SHERMAN.
We would not belong to n GRANT club
prior to the decision of the National Con.
ventiOn for the reason that it is our duty to
hold THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN free
from any action that might possibly en-.
barrass its conduct in the great struggle fol
, mastery over the common enemy when the
final battle shall come. If the convention
shall decide against our individual judg'
ment and place the Republican banner il
the hands of another who had not been on
first choice, it will be our highest pleasur,
! to contest the field with the same zeal
energy and devotion as if our persona
= preference had prevailed in the action o
) the nominating convention. II we SHOULD
allow ourself to be harnessed up in per.
sonal political club during the canvas!
prior to the nomination, we might fine
THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN trAmmelled il
2 the future by influences that would impai
its action aud influence in the grand battl
} that is TO ensue, and upon which depend
: the future peace, prosperity and happines
| of our common country. For these reason
, we are not in accord with any movemen
that seeks the formation of personal club
: within the Republican party at this time
a for they bode no good to the general welfare