Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-06-24

break up OF pattleS, anu are UdIsnailinB
the omens significant and otherwise that
persuade them to their belief. One not
infatuated with the peculiar tenets of
Radicalism and familiar with its record
of dogmatic intolerance, colossal usurpa-
ton and open depravity, would have no
hesitancy in admitting that it could well
be consigned to the common resting
place of the disturbing agencies that have
entailed harm and sorrow on the race.
The philosophic mind that shall set itself
the task of writing the history Of the
American Republic may devote volumes
to the record of Radicalism, but all that
may be written of it may be summed up
IN a single seDtence--it had its birth 10
greed, grew upon corruption, and per
ished of its selishness.
With all its boosted achievements it
can point to none that were honorable.
none that are abiding, that were not
won under false colors. Its browning
performance, in which it trades most
largely, the Acknowledgement of the ne
gro, was more a consequence of the
stubborn defense of the Constitution
than the execution of Radical purpose.
As an agent Of destruction it has sue
ceeded but too well. AS a servant of
the people in its administration of af-
fairs it has done more to advertise the
wonderful resources of America than
the press of the world could have &C.
complished, simply by display of
waste and corruption that would have
swamped the strongest nations of Eu-
rope.
One searches in vain for any reason
why it should be allowed to continue,
but many evident reasons are at hand
that explain its lengthy lease of power.
While it crushed the masses it built up
supports for itself until, by the strength
of the phalanx of monopolies it has
mustered under its standard, it bids de-
fiance to all attacks that are made upon
it. 1t gained its last triumph by direct
appeal to the corporations and playing
on the fears and prejudices of the rank
and file. 1t has little more to accom-
plish in the way of destruction. The
school, the press, the public records are
filed with its pernicious teachings and
false interpretations of the nature and
scope of the functions of the Federal
Government.
Humiliatlng as it is, the surest safe.
guard of the life of the States is the self
ishness of the men, who, singly, would
delight to sway them, but cannot bear
to sacrifice their personal attainment of
common object Grant was slaugh
tered at Chicago, not because Blaine or
Sherman were committed to the autono
my of the States or the traditions of the
republic, but because Grants success
then meant life tenure and transforms
tons in the character of the government
that would make his influence para
mount.
The seed sown at Chicago has borne
fruit in the quarrels that now disturb
the party, and it begins TO look as
though the time for the disruption of
Radicalism had arrived. Whatever one
of the giants of RadicalIsm might do
were he in the White House now, Gar
field cannot restore harmony if he would,
and, probably. ct this stage. would not
if he could. These dissensions may be
magnifed, but they are so numerous at
this early stage of Garfield's term that
they bid fair to be legion ere its close.
1t may be assuming too much to say
that anything like Republican harmony
is ultimately impossible, but it is
clear that the party can never be as pow
erful as it has been, and the signs of dis.
solution are far from discouraging A
naked fight for centralism, clearly de-
fined, would rot rally third of the
supporters Of Radicalism for the reason
that the average Republican looks too
carefully for the main chance to let his
neighbor fatten and himself grow poor.
There is no effective issue, not embraced
in present political creeds, that prom
ises to marshal prominent party in its
support.
Indeed. with the disruption of Radi
calism, a reaction to the teachings of old
would follow, as we'll from their novelty.
if manfuliy propagated, as from the fact
that powerful party, stronger now than
ever in its army of voters, would be at
hand ready TO enforce those teachings.
The Democratic party saw the birth of
the republic. guided its infancy, watched
over its youth. and would have pro-
cured for it a glorious manhood had its
counsels been needed Its principles are
grounded on the inalienable rights of
mankind, they have been tried as fine
gold, and they will endure while a
vestige of the republic remains The
party has been grand in its triamPs hand
heroic in defeat. 1t has championed the
cause of the people since its birth, and
will yet see the Republic in its green and
happy old age.