The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1880-05-06
PUT THE BEST MAN FORWARD.

Democrats seem determined to render
every blunder of the republican party
imperative so far as it affects success
next fall. The republican party has be-
come 50 intoxicated with success that
audacity has become one of its leading
characteristics. Had that party not had
a series of uninterrupted successes for
twenty years, had il not when fairly de-
feated at the last presidential election
managed to secure the fruits as well as
the glory of victory, it would not now
have the hardihood to defy tradition,
public opinion and national decency In
presenting es its two leading candidates
one of whom custom more sacred than
written law has made ineligible, and the
other who as public officer betrayed his
trust in the interests of wealthy corpora
tons. But party that could success
fully defy a popular majority OF one
quarter of million, which could count
nineteen electoral votes for candidate
against whom they were cast, may with
reason plead former success for present
defiance of prudence.
Is it SO with the democrats? They won
victory and accepted defeat. With
right and justice on their side, they have
invariably been worsted. Their very at
tempts to secure salutary legislation
have been branded as vicious purpose
to abet lawlessness. Their every motive
has been misconstrued until the nation
rings with the disloyalty of the party.
Misrepresentation has weakened them;
calumny has blackened them and sue
cessive defeats are bringing them into
contempt. The splendid audacity of an
aggressive and unprincipled party has
scrupled to employ no means to break
down the Democrats before the country.
The charge of disloyalty has been urged
with such voclferous industry that quiet
people have begun to question whether
there is not some ground for such vehe-
ment denunciation. The republicans
have painted Tilden's portrait and have
made the people believe that it is the only
true and original one." Tilden himself
furnished some of the black color. Admit
ing all that is charged against Tilden, his
deeds are as sunlight compared with the
infany which secured those nineteen
electoral votes for Hayes. Still he IS paint
ed the blacklist of any man who figured
in these events, and that color will be
communicated to the party which nomi-
mates him. Had we but the prestige of
success we might defy vili6ction as the
opposite party does public opinion. But
we are not in position to assume the
role of indicators. We are not in posi-
ton to descend into the valley of humilia-
ton to rescue Mr.. Tilden. 1t is not cow
ardice to leave him to his fate, because to
do otherwise would be to wreck the party
without giving any material assistance to
the man who lies crushed under load of
abuse.
Let the democratic party nominate Til
den and the odium which rests upon h'--.
will 49,. - =. At will give color TO the
charges of corruption with which the
enemy has SO necessarily charged us.
rnd~.'S ,o0O,u Wiz UuoV---~ .i.~. of thn
party. If In order to repudiate that re-
! cord it be necessary to cast off Mr. Til
| den, let the sacrifice be made. We cannot
afford TO play the part of knight-errant
in succoring distressed humanity.
! We want q man with whom we can win.
That is the great need OF the party. The
republicans are giving US an opportunity
/ IN Blaine or in Grant, which We cannot
! improve with Tilden. We want q man as
leader with whom we can make an often
siye campaign. Why should an advantage
be thrown away from sentimental no.
ton Of doing justice to Mr.. Tilden
When in adversely it does not pay to
invest in sentiment. The democratic par
ty was defeated in 1876 as well as Mr..
Tilden. 1t has wrongs of its own to right
and should choose the best instrument.
With Grant or Blaine as the republican
nominee, and Field, Bayard, Davis, Han
cock,-almost any man other than Til
den the success of the democratic party
is assured. 1t is wise, to pay little at
tention to popular prejudice and this runs
strong against Tilien.