New-York tribune., 1881-03-24

and urselish use of it, he will win name
for himself among the Mayors OF New Ork'
THE PRESENT ATTITUDE or PARTIES.
If ever the function of political OrganHa-
ion WAS accurately defined by what II see
fot as its principles, established as its prece-
dents and recognized as It's traditions, 1t Is
that of the Democratic party OF to-day. It's
real am is retrOgressiOn simple malt or
stagnation might content 1T; in the con-
hict of forces Its actual function is to operate
as brake upon the wheels of pro-
grcss. Frankly admitting that such II
check is wholesome and necessary, we
insist, and this is our constant polti-
cal contention, that it should be placed
properly with reference to its legitimate and
recognized uses. Its obvious function being
opposition, there can be no question that ITS
proper relation is that of minority. Its
principles, prccedents, traditions and habits
definitely lodge it in that position as its nor
nal attitude and what is more, the sickly
experiment that have been made during
the past twenty years in giving 1t
the place of motive power instead
of brake, hive completely demonstrated its un-
fitness for any other Lacking all sense or
the responsibility of power and destitute OF
the abity'tO wisely WELD it, it has shown IT.
self TO be utterly incapable of being educated
or improved by experience Its functions are
80 marked out for it by natural disposition
and constitutional temperament that no change
of condition or circumstance can obliterate, or
obscure or in any wise alter its fundamental
character.
There are indications that the leaders and
press of the party are gradually coming to sec
that this is the party's legitimate and natural
role. Without admitting it in terms, they
permit il to crop out between the lines Of their
discussions of the question just now most
current of m extra session. Mr.. Cox. whose
nlmtle intellect will have much frecr play
when unlo0sed from the witIcs with which a
vague sense bf responsibility has bound it for
the plFt six years, aud who consequently
halls the new situation with delight, makes
no coucealmcnt of the. satisfaction with
which his party regards IFS return 10 tne
minority benches, where it can indulge with
imUunIly ITS talent for obstruction anu It'
predictions for mschiel-m1king. Ex Speaker
Randall, who, unlike Mr. Cox, loses something
Of influence position and power by Tho
change, is yet quite disposed to tind cOnSola-
tion for hi, personal loss in thu sense of free
dom from restraint which resumption Of the
party's normal relations to the politics of the
country will afford. Both look forward with
much complarcncy to an early assembling
of the new Congress in extra session, and Their
change of places with the Republicans VINO
for the past three sessions have 80 persstcntly
nacgrd aud annoyed th IN. IL is with an
evident sense of relief that they anticipate
their return 10 the school-bOy freedom and
abandon Of the minority benche' Having
through nearly all their political lives had
everything to gain and nothing To lose, the
sense OF having something to lose which thry
have experienced ior the past six years has
% weighed them down that thcy return to
the old condition with something like boyish
delight.
It Is not to be expected, Of course, that they
will rest content with beng in minority and
Irresponsible II is only temporary consolation
that they find in the c0mpcnsdtiOns which free
dom from responsibility and restraint afford
for loss of power Their ultimate aim is, Of
course, to secure larger power than ever,
and the absolute control of the Govern
mcnt. Their position rs the minority party
gives them a much better vantage ground
than that they held when III possession OF
partial power in the control OF Congress.
They need do nothing now but bldc their
time and wait upon the mistakes Of their
opponents. Small wisdom is required Tor this,
to be sure. but It calls cor the exercise OF the
highest wisdom. the soundeSt judgment, tact,
carulation, foresight and slgaclty on TIE part of
the Republicans. The absolute free dom from
restraint of the minority only puts larger
restraints upon the majority. The work Of
The latter must be done; its responsibilities
must he met; its trust discharged. The
knowledge that the opposition lie i'll wait for
if : that IN ambush vlejlant for opportunities
Of mischief is established at its ytry < .tc,
should put the Republican majority upon its
HIGHEST powers and tax its best resources.
The people have shown their confidence in the
Republican party by restoring to it the control
uf all branches of the National Government
The party must show that pubic confidence is
not mspllced
Two things are to bc always kept in mind.
Filst, that the party IN power is the party ot
prorucss; 1t cannot stand still and shirk re-
spou .ibillty. Second that the opposition
is amiushed and in waiting to profit by Re-
nubIic,n mistakes. From this time forward
tine parties occupy the old relations in which
thry stood from 1850 to 1915, and each has
It's natural place.
Success or VOMET MD'S
Women physicians and the Other women who