Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1881-03-31
The Present Attitude of Parties.

! If ever the function Of a political organi-
cation was accurately defined by what It set
forth as its principles. established as its pree-
edents and recognized a. its traditions, it is
f, that Of the Democratic part, of to-day. Its
real aim Is reirogression; a sImnle halt or
stagnation might content il; in the conflict
Of forces its actual function is to operate as
brake upon the wheels Of progress.
. Frankly admitting that such a check Is
wholesome and necessary. We insist. and this
is our constant political contention. that it
should be placed properly with reference To
its legitimate and recognized uses. Its oh
vious function being opposition, there can be
no question that its proper relation is that
of minority. Its principles. presidents,
traditions and habits definitely lodge 1t IN
that position as it, normal attitude and
what is more. the sickly experiments that
have been made during the past twenty
Years in giving it the place Of motive power
instead of brake. have completely demon
strated its untitness for any other. Lacking
all sense Of the responsibility of power and
destitute Of the ability 10 Wis Is WELD it. it
has shown itself To he utterly incapable OF
being educated or improved by experience.
Its functions are 30 marked out fur Il hy
natural disposition and constitutional tenn
permanent that no change Of condition OF cir
cumstanoe can obliteraic. 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
see that this Is the pariy'S legitimate and
natural role. Without admitting it in terms.
they permit it to crop ont between the lines
of their discussions Of the question just now
most current of an extra session. Mr. Cox,
whose nimble intellect will have much frecr
play when unlooscd from the withes with
which a vague sense Of responsibility has
bound 1t for the past six wears, and who con
sequently halls the new situation with de-
light. makes no concealfneni OF the sstisfac
ton with which his party regards its return
to the minority benches. where IL can IN
dulgc with impunit, IT, talent for obstruction
and its prediction; for mischief making
Ex-Speakcr Randall. who. unlike Mr. Cox
loses something OF influence, position and
power by the change. is Vet quite disposed
To find consolation for his personal loss in
the sense Of freedom from restraint which
resumption Of the party's normal relations
to the politics OF the country viii afford
Both look forw ard with much complaccncy
to an early assembling Of the new Congress
IN extra session. and their change Of places
with the Republicans Va h" sor The past three
sessions have 80 peTs.s;euiiy ua-scd and
ANNOYED them. II j. WIKI an evident sense
Of relief that they anticipate their return to
the school-boy freedom anl abandon OF the
minority benches Having through nearly
all their political live, had everything to
gain and nothing to lose. the sense of hay-
abb,
perienocd for the past SIX years has so
weighed them down that they rr,um "a the
old condition with something Ike hoylsh de.
light.
Il Is not to be expected. OF course. that ;hcy
will rest content With being IN a minority
and irresponsible. II = oul' tcmpnrar, con
ISOLATION that the, fad ga the enapcnsa,ious
uhlch freedom from re,pon. hilIl, ard re-
straini afford for loss Of power. Thur uiti-
mate aim Is Of course, Ia secure larger pow
cr than ever. and the absolute control Of the
Government Their position a. tho MINOR
ty party gives them a much heiier vantage
ground than that they held when IN po,ses-
SION Of partial power IN the coniro! OF Con
grc.s. They need do nothing noW bat hide
their time aud wait upon the mistakes OF
their opponents. SmaH wisdom i required
for tins. TO be SURE but II calls for the c1cr-
ci>e sf the highest wisdom. the soundes,
Judgment, tact. calculation. foresight and
sagaciiy on the part Of the Republicans
The absolute freedom from restraint Of the
minority only puts larger restraints upon
the majority. The work of the latter must
be done; its responsibilities must be met
its trus, discharged. The know ledge tina;
the opposition lies IN wait for IT ; that an |
ambush vigilan, for opportunities Of mischief |
T. established AT lis sery gate. should pot I
the Republican majority upon it, highest /
powers and tax it, best resources. The pco- |
pie have shown their confidence IA the Re /
publican party by restoring TO it the control /
Of all branches Of the National Government !
The party mus, show that public confidence
j. not misplaced.
Two things are 10 be always kept in mind /
First. that the party in power j. the party OF /
progress It cannot stand still and Shirk re-
sponsibllity. Second. that the opposition is
ambushed and IN waiting 10 profit b. Re /
publican mistakes. From this time forward 1
the parties occupy the old relations in which |
they stood from ls'j0 to 1875. and each has /
It's natural place T. Tribune.