Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-10-20
Patriotism or RossIsm.

II
Republicans in various quarters affec ct
to believe that the serious discord pre-
vaillng in the ranks of their party in
divers sections are propitious for future
harmony and the publication % of Radi-
calism. In New York and Pennsylvania
numerous distinguished opponents of
Radicalism go so far as to declare their
willingness to promote the election of
the Democratic ticket, to the end that
the machine" may be Overthrown.
The motives of these gentlemen are
on the surface patriotic. but when
examined closely are decidedly selfish and
practical. Radicalism has held power so
long that it has itself become gigantic
machine, much like the great Corliss
engine at the Centennial, which drove
countless shafts that in turn worked
myriad others. 1t matters not who
occupies the White House, whether
stalwart or half breed, the central power
is there located, and, though part of the
vast system, which it controls, may be
thrown out of gear by the caprice or
selfshness Of local malcontents, the bulk
of the machinery continues in motion,
filling the needs and executing the pur-
poses of the grand old party"
Granted, as it may well be, that the
administrations programmes will prove
dismal failures IN New York, Pennsyl-
vania and other States this fall, what
would its opponents within the party
propose, if they gain the opportunity,
but to attempt to replace the very bosses
they condemn Whenever supreme, no
matter what faction holds the reins, Radi-
calism is bossism pure and simple.
1t has reduced politics to a "practical"
system, and what to the theorist appears
one of the noblest of sciences, to the
average Radical statesman is trade
calling for abundant material and I'M
limited skill. Republicans may revolt,
thousands of hired voters may follow
seemingly honest leaders, but they are
led like sheep to the shambles. They
simply change butchers. There is no
healing left in Radicalism. 1t has pass
ed its sentimental age. 1t has passed the
period when it reaped reward for
its works. 1t lives now by sharp
practices and corruption funds. The
masses of the party have ceased to be
the party. Its leaders, whether in &C
cord or not, are virtually the party, for
the voters follow them as persuasion,
purchase or choice compel them. The
sole hope left to the voters of the land
who long for something better than
Radicalism has afforded or promises is
to cut loose from it and join the oppo-
sition, or found a party that promises
something better than Arthurism. Blaine
ism, Conklingism, Grantism and the
like.
The men Of the North. who have the
future of their countrY-st heart, have a
grand opportunity before them. They
behold in the dominant party vast
ermy of spoilsmen, sustained largely by
the favored sons of fortune, who can be
hired for any purpose short of defending
the rights of the people. To those who
would see these mercenaries deprived
of their sources of profit but two
courses are open Cease to countenance
Radicalism and support the opposition
the Democracy - which, whatever IFS
faults, has done justice to the masses
whenever it had the power to discharge
its obligations. If Democracy, when
given the opportunity, shall neglect its
duty, then let the patriotic Of the land
rise up and thrust it also aside.
The present campaign affords an oc-
casion such as has rarely been presented
for reforming the conduct of Federal
affairs. The dlssensions that pervade
the ranks of Radicalism put every Re-
publican TO a choice between the rival
factions. But why not go further and
repudiate both actual and would-be
bosses? Radicalism is past all cure
Democracy has yet to be tried. If it
shall be found wanting, we doubt not
that there is enough intelligence and
enough patriotism in the land to main
tain the integrity of the Republic by
some other means, and hand it down to
posterity as it came from the hands of
its founders.