The Daily clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1866-1888, 1880-01-20
Mr.. Charles O'Connor's Letter on the
Presidency

Mr.. Charles OConnor, the eminent
New York lawyer, has written letter
on political subjects which has caused
considerable futter in political circles,
great deal more in fact than il merits +
The point of the letter which excites
most attention is his declaration that it
( is impossible for any Democrat to be
elected President in 1880 Mr.. OCon-
nor is a great lawyer, and pure mind
ed man, but it is evident that his Judi
cial mind IL sadly warped by his own
disappontments and conceits. His con
illusions are wholly unwarranted by the
present aspect Of political affairs. As
politician he has always been some
what cranky. It will be remember
ed that in 1872, when nne-tenths
Of the Democratic party in the desper-
ate strait to which they were then
driven held their own organization in
allegiance, formed a fusion with the lib
cral Republicans and supported Mr..
Greeley for the Presidency Mr..
IO'Connor permitted himself to be run
for the Presidency by knot of imprac-
ticabes, and came out at the end of the
race without vote in the electoral col
lege. The stroke was a masterly one,
and lis results were seen in the Demo
cratic triumph Of 1876 though its fruits
were lost in counting the vote.
1t does not follow that II party must
be defeated next year because it was
unsuccessful the present. Every OBJ
server Of political affairs knows how
the fortunes Of parties have ebbed and
flowed with each successive year. In
1878 the Republicans controlled two,
thirds Of the popular branch Of Con-
gress. When least expected reaction
set in, and in 1874 mighty tide Of
public opinion bore into the House of
Representatives II majority Of seventy
five, Take a view Of the past Presi-
Dental election in 1910. Notwthstand-
ing Gen Jackson threw the weight of
his influence in favor of Mr.. NanBuren,
the Democratic candidate, the latter
was defeated for the Presidency by
Gen Harrison, the Wing candidate,
by an astounding majority. In the very
next Presidential election the result
was the reverse. Mr.. Polk n comparative
lyobscure man was taken up by the De
mocracy and elected to the Presidency
over the illustrious Henry Clay, who in
all the attributes Of true greatness
lowered like Saul head and shoulders
above the political leaders of his day.
In the next election, there was another
reverse. The Democratic majority of
1914 melted away like frost work, and
the Wings were successful under the
lead of Zachary Taylor In 1852, the
Democrats again rallied and Franklin
Pierce Mexican War Brigadier, and
statesman Of limited experience, de-
featod Gen. Scott who was reputed as
one of the great military chieftains off
the times.
Mr.. OConner and those who concur
with him in predicting Democratic
defeat in 1880, have forgotten these
lessons of political history which teach
anything else but that party once de-
icated is always defeated. The need
of the hour is sobermindcd, clear-think-
ing men, who can rise above personal
disappointments and absurd conceits, !
and show themselves like the Roman
patriot in the moment of reverses, in
capable of despairipg of the Republic.