The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1880-07-09
Principles, Not Men,

CluCe tne hepuUllcau organs nave maue
the distressing discovery that the record of
their presidential candidate will not bear the
rigid scrutiny to which it has been subjected
they have raised the demagogic cry of "prin-
ciples, not men," After contrasting the rec.
ords of the two candidates, they conclude
that personalities and mud heaving" should
be avoided aud that the campaign should be
confined to a discussion of principles and
policy. On what question do they propose
to make an issue before the country? The
republicans will vainly attempt to raise the
old sectional controversy. That was prac-
tically disposed of before the two national
conventions met. Gen. Grant last May bore
the most emphatic testimony to the patriotic
attachment of the Southern people to'the
Union, and he is the leader OF the unbroken
right wing of the republican party at Chica-
go, who will not reject the utterance of their
chief and seek to revive the sectional jeal-
ousies of the stormy past. The Union is re-
stored not only, but the sentiment of union
is more strong and deep throughout the land
than at any time within this generation. The
party that seeks to disturb or weaken this
sentiment by raking up the ashes of for
mer controversies will surely meet wit hthe
condemnation of the people.
Do the Republicans wish to raise the issue
of the civil service reform? They have NOM
mated for vice-President man who Mr..
Hayes removed from responsible position
on the ground that he did not properly per-
form his duties. Should the republicans
succeed and some accident befall Mr. Gar.
field in the term Chester A. Arthur, who was
removed from the New York custom house
for uufitness, would become president of the
United States. The platform declares for
reform of civil service, while the agents of
the republican party are raiding all the de-
partments for contributions for campaign
purposes which are in most cases made under
fear of dismissal. The Democrats in the
session of Congress sought to pass law that
would put an end forever to this levyng of
blackmal upon government officials, but it
was defeated by the obstructed course of the
republican minority.
In this proposed campaign of principles
not men" do the republicans wish to discuss
the questions of finance ard currency
Whatever may have been the differences
among democrats in period of great fnan-
cial disturbance the party stands united on
the ancient doctrines of Jefferson and jack
son. The republican party,a party of inan-
cial empiricism, has never had any fixed
principles or policy in regard to the currency
In regard to the finances, the legislation of
the democrats in congress has reduced the
expenditure of government and the interest
on the public debt thereby greatly lessen
the burdens of the people. The work of
financial reform has not been completed but
the record made cannot be successfully as
sailed.
Do the republicans propose to discuss the
tariff question in Pennsylvania with can
didate who can be quoted with equal facility
on both sides? For the first time the protec.
tionists of Pennsylvania are asked to vote
for man with an equivocsl record on the
tariff. On the floor of congress Gen. Gar
field has taunted the protectionlsts OF this
state with the assertion that 'the tendency
of the modern thought is toward free trade"
and has sometimes voted to largely reduce,
sometimes to remove altogether, the duties
levied for the protection Of the products of
the state. This half faced free trader of Ohio
is the bitterest pill that was ever presented
to the protectionists of Pennsylvania Ifthey
swallow him they will be henceforth neither
courted nor feared.
What then remains of this proposed cam
paign Of principles not menY" In spite of
themselves the republicans are driven back
to the record of their candidate in order to
avoid discussion Of the policy of their par
ty. In whatever way they turn they meet
only with embarrsssments and perplsxities.
-Pstsoi.