Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-10-06
Radical Discussions.

first make mad is a trite maxim, but
its triteness proceeds largely from its
frequent exemplifcation, and 1t has
found practical illustration in the recent
history of Radicalism. The Republican
party, flushed with its war record, nomi-
mated Grant, and soon after his elevation
entered upon its reckless career of cor
Iuption, which was at length checked by
the popular uprising of 1874. From
triumphant majority it became at this
time a modest minority in the halls OF
Congress, and economy and moderation
marked our legislation while Democ-
racy shaped it. But by the blum
ders of its opponents and the
deception and open purchase OF
voters in the campaign of 1880, Radi-
calism again obtained control of the
lower house of Congress. Prior to that
campaign the third term scheme was
Matched. Though Grant was beaten and
he and his followers did yeoman service
for Garfield, the spirit of the stalwarts
was not subdued and only awaited an
opportunity TO display itself. The New
York custom house removals laid the
train, and Guiteau's pistol caused the ex-
plosion which the stalwarts hailed with
manifest delight
Arthur, knowing the stalwart calibre,
determined to surpass Grant in welding
the patronage of the government to fur
Their his ends, and has endeavored to
build up a personal following, especially
in the South, by distributing offices
to those who would support hum.
So well has he succeeded
that the Republican party in this section
has nearly ceased to exist. Republicans
that will not fall in with his wishes are
prescribed. AT the North also matters
are drawing rapidly to like condition.
Garfield Republicans have been favored
with crumbs of patronage to avert their
hostility, but the substantials have
gone to the stalwart supporters Of the
administration. Not content, too, with
directing the party in Federal affairs,
Arthur, through his lieutenants, is also
managing the party in the several States,
with the purpose of driving the local
machines by the power of the central
machine at Washington.
For the purposes of Mr.. Arthur-who
has has little to recommend him for his
own successor-this plan Is probably the
best he could devise. But that such
management will tend to prepare the
party for the great battle of 1884, events
of to-day render extremely doubtful.
In the great States of New York and
Pennsylvania the party is split in twain,
and every day the breach is widened.
Folger accepts the nomination for Gov
ernor of the former State, while admit
ting the disgraceful means by which it
was secured to prevent the party from
going to pieces. In Pennsylvania, Came
ron faces almost certain defeat rather
than loosen his grip. Throughout the
country there is open war or silent
enmity, all of which has been provoked
by Arthur's methods
The ambition of the present occupant
of the White House has brought Radi-
callsm to its present pass, but in Blaine
he finds rival who will meet him at
every point. "Rule or ruin" is the
motto of both. The ''ins" are with
Arthur. and the ''outs" with
Blaine. 1t is simply battle
for the spoils as between them
But in vario Is Republican strongholds
there are contests waging against State
and municipal bosses whose overthrow
or triumph will inure to the benefit of
one or the other of the foremost aspir-
ants for the Presidential succession. The
iealousies, disappointments and hostility
of the present campaign cannot but en-
dure for the next two years. They bode
disaster to Radicalism at present, and
presage its overthrow when the grand
struggle occurs.
Once the Radical was party of ideas.
Now it is simply an organization for
purposes of plumber. There are men
calling themselves Republicans, who, as
between Arthur and Blaine, would choose
the latter in the hope that better things
might come from his elevation. But
Blaine, if he secured the Presidency,
would have enemies to punish and would
be quick to take his revenge. His pro-
gramme is to compass the defeat of
the administration wherever possible,
trusting that he will be called
as a Moses to lead the party to victory in
"a. Could he OF Arthur stihe their am
bition, Radicalism, with its army Of
spoilsmen and its numerous powerful
allies who open their Golfers for its
needs, might endure to plague the Re
public indefinitely. But its leaders have
gone mad, and its overthrow is nearer at
hand than its alarmed votaries suspect.