Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1882-11-22
UNION URGED.

The following communication writ
ten by q gentleman of our borough
for the Commercial Gazette, and pub
lished in that paper Of the 10th inst,
we commend and republish. 1t con.
t4ins recollections of past events in this
State, but their application to the pres
ent, and the spirit in which it is
written, should be accepted by all Re-
publicans.
ain the late election we have ex-
perienced the truth of the motto:
UNITED we stand, divided we fall"
The vote shows that Governor-elect
Pattison has not a majority of the
whole vote, and if the combined vote
of General Beaver and Senator Stew
art would unite, the Republican ma
iority in tho State would be over 49,
600. What is to be done to harmon
ize conflicting elements that have, we
may hope, caused only a temporary
estrangement? Past events may throw
| some light on our pathway towards q
permanent and satisfactory reunion.
| " len the Democratic party was rent
| in twain in 1885 by one OF the most
serious discordant elements. two State
conventions were held. One presided
over by the late Chief Justice Thomp-
SON nominated George Wolf for Gov
ernor for third term. The anti-Wolf
| delegates, being minority of the
convention, protested against the nom-
| ination and at oncemet and, under the
presidency of the same gentleman. nom
| mated Henry A. Muhlenberg. The
Democratic party with their two can.
didates in the field battled bravely,
not so much with hope of su ccess as
to test the relative strength of the hos
tile factions Governor VOLTS vote
was 65,S04-Mr. Muhlenberg's 4O.5s6
The result proved disastrous to the
| Democratic party and resulted in the
election of Joseph Ritner by plurali
ty vote of 8,186. At once commenc
ed plans of reconstruction and conciliar
tion, though the elements of discord
were deep-seated and the contest was
OF the most embittered character
Both wings Of the party had to Dc
recognized as Democratic and no os
tracism by the national administration
/ against either wing of the party was tt
be tolerated. Van Buren, as Presi
dent, was appealed to by leading mer
of both parties He at once determin
ed to use the best means in his powe
to suppress antagonism, aud if posi-
BILE unite the party. He appointed
4 Muhlenberg as Minister to Vienn,
and Wolf Collector of the Port OF
Philadelphia. This recognition wen
far to restore confidence, allay bal
feeling and unite the party. Th'
: union was so far perfected that at th'
time of the Gubernatorial election il
1888 the Democratic party was unitet
and elected by large majority Davit
r. Porter over Joseph Ritner, anc
ever after has continued united par
ty. The appointments of Wolf ant
Muhlenberg gave the then Sem ators
Buchanan and Sturgeon, an opportuni
ty to show their magnanimity by con
| frmatory vote, and all differences ex
listing between them as to the dispen
sation of patronage was harmonized
At that time the Democratic party
recognized the action Of the Presiden
and of the Senators as q step in tn
right direction, and one that tended
largely to unite the party. 1t remov
ed humiliation from both wings of th'
party.
The time has passed fo- keeping uI
the strife in the Republican party i
we hope to regain the lost ground a
manifested at the late election, and tht
work should at once be commenced tt
conciliate the conflicting elements. Th'
mission Of the Republican party is no
ended. It's principles are too dear t
the American people to allow persona
dislikes to interpose in crisis that 81
eminently demands the adoption o
wise and conciliatory measures. Lee
: the work of reconciliation begin a
once, and progress on basis alik'
honorable to all; it is certain that nc
other union would promise or assure
future success. +.
Thanksgiving Proclamation O.