New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-09-01
REPUBLIcANISM ILLUSTRATED.

Senator Harrison, of Indiana, is steadily gain
ing in strength end in public recognition as a
Republican leader, outside the State which he
honorably represents. His speech at Indanap0-
lis on Wednesday which has been briefly report
ed appears to have been an especially honorable
presentation of the opinions OF the best elements
in the Republican party. 1t will naturally
have great influence in the campaign in In
diana, and is also of value in other States as
helping to define the position of the party upon
pending questions. Wherever local " Bosses
rule, and management Of patronage instead OF
earnest presentation of principles is relied
upon for success, the Republican voters stand
greatly in need of the moral and intellectual
sustenance which such an address as that OF
Senator Harrison gives. 1t will comfort and
cheer them to know that the real leaders OF
the Republican party in different parts OF the
country are not looking to machine-work and
bargains for support, but are appealing with
vigOr and earnestness to the reason ana the
conscience Of the people.
Senator Harrison treated the prohibtory
amendment in a manly way. The Republicans,
he maintains, do desire and ought to desire d
free, frank and full expression Of the popular
Republican party to give full opportunity to
the advocates of every social, financial or po'
litical reform TO appeal to public opinion, both
as to the principles involved and as to the par
ticular methods proposed. fthe people, atteI
sober discussion OF a subject, believe that a
proposed measure should be tested III practical
working it is the doctrine Of the Republican
party that the measure should have a fair and
full trial. In a word, the attitude of the party
is one Of frank and honest loyalty to the pop
ular will, even III respect to matters upon which
the party is not entirely unanimous. But SEN
at0r Harrison exposes with force the shallow
tricks by which the Democratic party has tried
to dodge any action on the temperance question
and TO prevent Its fair submission to the people.
In this respect that patty acts just as ii did
in regard to the abolition OF slavery or the
enfranchiscmcnt of colored citizens. 1t has no
faith in the people, allows itself to be used year
after year to defeat any expression of the
public will, and prctends that it does so in
order to prevent the people from doing harm
to themselves OF hampling upon the rights of
individuals. In reality, it courts the favor of
defenders Of every wrong, every vice and every
crime, and 1t never enters the head Ct The
average Democratic politician to vote for any
thing merely because il is right. The Repub-
licans will gam, in Indiana as well as in Ohio,
by their manly position on this question. For
the people themselves are never afraid Of hav-
iiig question Submitted 10 them for their own
decision.
Senator IIarrisOn's treatment of the River
and Harbor question was both manly and
effective. He did not approve the measure,
and does not make any apology for its errors.
But he shows with truth that neither party, as
such, was responsible for the bill passed, and
urges that the money wrongly appropriated will
at least be expended under direction of Army
officers, in works which members were led to
believe that constituents would favor Upon
the main objection, that Congress has no bust
ness to vote away public money for the local
qualification of single district, the Senator
did not need to dwell because, if that objection
is well founded, the matter may be determined
hereafter i'll the Courts.
The Senator'S remarks upon another subject
deserve serious attention. lie said: " want to
assure you tonight that am an advocate of
civil service reform. 1t is easy for theorists
TO make suggestions upon this subject which.
" in their opinion, would cure all existing ills.
d" assure you that it is more difficult to frame
"a law that shall be safe and practical in its
application" He added that experience at
| Washington had led hin to desire to be for
ever relieved OF any connection with the dis
! trbution of patronage. :" c"yct for myself
the free and unpurchascd support Of my fell
@low-citizens" he said, "and long to be able 10
q give my time and energy solely to those pub
lie affairs that lcSitimately relate to the hon
"ora6le trust committed to me- Hundreds OF
public men will most heartily echo this earnest
and nanly declaration. But it is the more to the
Senator's credit that, having this feeling, lie
! does not blind himself to the difficulty Of over