The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1882-08-09


The Press heroically led the In
dependents TO revolution until the
point was reached when they must
tight or surrender, and then it hero
icsHv cal'el iag sgrrsrl lc- TIC
srssS ha,ts = /. halted last wear. the
independents move on rs thev
moved ON last year, and they will
read from the Press to answer the
Press. when it attempts service for
the cause of the Boss machine
The Press "led" or fought side bv
side with the Independent Republi-
cans until the Independent Repub-
hcans secured a full concession of
all that they had demanded. And
1t will continue to fight their battles
whenever and wherever the princi-
pies OF Independent Republicanism
that is, free popular rule and COM
plete liberation from boss control
are at stake. But in waging this
contest for the broadest Republican
principles THE PRESS was laboring
to promote the unity and success.
and not the disruption and defeat
of the party.
The independent Republicans
clearly defined their purposes and
demands in the Peace Conference
prior to the Harrisburg Convention.
The Press earnestly urged their ac-
ceptance. When the split came The
Press insisted that the question in
difference should be RENTED to the
decision of the Republican masses
through new Convention clearly
based npon popular rule and upon
every principle for which the Inde-
pendent Republicans had contended.
The Independent Republicans sus-
tanned and applauded this course as
fair and Just. Many of the Regu-
lars came TO recognize it as the ra-
tional and only feasible method Of
settlement. Under the influence Of
the powerful sentiment thus created
the Republican State Conmittee Of
fered proposition embracing every
concession which the Independents
had demanded-a new Convention.
with power even to make new
ticket, chosen fresh from the people,
under the new rules, with new APP
portionment based on the Republi-
can Garfield vote and under the su-
pervlsion of an Independent Com
mittee.
Having strenuously advocated this
plan OF adjustment, and having car
ried it on the Regular side, THE
Press was bound, by every consid-
Grafton Of consistency and honor, to
urge its acceptance. Had il declined,
in the very hour of success. to sus-
tain the proposition it had steadily
supported, it would Justly have sub
jected itself to reproach and con-
demnation. Whatever view others
might take, The Press could not
consent TO stultify itself or disregard
the obligations of good faith. We
felt then, and we feel now. that the
questions Of difference might fairly
and safely be left 20 a new COnven-
ton, with such safeguards against
machine perversion rs this PROPOSE
ton provided, and we have had full
confidence that such a Convention
would agree upon a ticket on which
all Republicans could unite. There
is no surrender in accepting prof
Ter of all the concessions we have de-
manded-On the contrary, to secure
it is itself a complete triumph. The
most extreme Independent Repub-
licans do not deny that the offer of a
new Convention under the proposed
terms is fair, or that it embodies
every principle tor which they have
fought. Indeed they confess them
selves bound to accept it with the
single condition that the present
ticket shall be barred out. This is
not a question of principle, but Of
men; it is not matter of right, but
expediency; and it properly belongs
to the Convention itself. The good
Judgment of the Republican masses
would rightly settle it.
What troubles the Times is, not
that THE Press urges a surrender,
for there is no surrender, but that it
urges a settlement. That is precisely
what our esteemed cotempOrary does
not want. The Times has rendered
great public service in promoting re-
form in the city of Philadelphia. It's
vigor, courage and persistence in this
cause deserve cordial recognition.
But while the Times NAV agree with
Independent Republicans in seeking
measures of reform, it has no desire,
as they have, TO maintain the as
tendency of the Republican party.
On the contrary, it is ingeniously
laboring for Republican defeat. 1t
supported Dill for Governor in 1878
and Hancock for President in 1880.
In the present Campaign it is ably
directing all its energies to secure the
election of Pattison, and it is adj
roitly attempting to play the Inde-
pendent Republican FOR this pur-
pose. But when the Independent
Republicans, with sense and judg-
ment, can hold the future of the Re
publican party in their own hands.
it will be strange if they allow them
selves TO be used as catspaws to pull
the Democratic chestnuts ont of the
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