Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-11-11
The Fninra Of Parties

ne Future OF Parties.
For the first time in its history the
Republican party has met with an over
whelming defeat. True, it met with
serious reverse in 1874, and received a
heavier blow in 1876. but from both these
it quickly recovered through the bad
management and timiditY of its oppo-
nents. The present crushing repu Sc has
been invited by a studied disregard of
caution. honesty and common sense,
and, with ordinary sagacitY on the part
of the Democracy, its effects must prove
lasting and permanent.
As we have already noted, there were
numerous causes at work that facilitated
the overthrow of Radicalism. The main
agency was the selhshness Of the stalwart
wing-which gained control of the pub
lie patronage upon the death of Garfield
and the spirit of dictatorship exhibited
by Cameron in Pennsylvania and Arthur
in New York and throughout the Union.
Still another factor in the general col
lapse was the settled disgust of the right
thinking Republicans throughout the land
with the record Of tine party in Congress
and the general methods of the admins
tration.
The battle has been fought, and the
once strong, coherent and disciplined
cohorts of Radicalism are weakened,
separated and demoralized. One faction
charges the other with the responsibility
for the disaster that has befallen the party,
and each lives but for revenge. Differ
elces have pervaded the party hereto
fore, but they have been easily recon
ciled in the face of the common peril.
The present gap is too wide and deep to
be closed. At the head of one faction is
Arthur, supported by the phalanx that
backed Grant. AT the head of the other
is Blaine, ambitious, disappointed and
untiIing of purpose. Arthur or his
legatee will strive for leadership ia
the next campaign, and to say that
Blaine will yield one inch to any
stalwart is to mistake the man and ig-
more the following he has at his back.
The stalwarts as dispensers of the
spoils, and remembering the treatment
they have received, will be careful to
make the best of their opportunity and
retain the patronage for themselves. The
Garfield Republicans, on the other hand,
have proven their power, and will de-
mand prominence in the near future.
And so while the present leaders of the
two factions direct them there can be no
harmony. The formation of new party,
recruited from both, is far more likely
than a rehabilitation of Radicalism.
Viewed from the present standpoint,
the outlook for good government is de-
cidedly reassuring. 'Ghe Democracy
will have direction of the lower House of
the next Congress, with the control of
the public revenues and the opportunity
to offer remedies for existing evils
1 AhOAI purpose II SOOus anu II AOCuS Jul
wise and patriotic leadership to justify
a greater share OF public confidence than
has just been accorded them. 'The re-
suit of the next campaign will depend"
says Governor elect Cleveland, ION the
conduct of the two parties in the inter
val"
The task of the Republican party is to
heal the breach in its ranks, a difficult
one at best. That of the Democracy is
to deserve well at the hands of the peo-
pie, which requires simply honest and
prudent action. That of the latter is
much the easier of the two, and if the
welfare of the Republic is not sufficient
incentive, The great reward that must
| follow its execution, will impel the
Democracy to strive for its performance.
That shrewd politician, Simon Came
ron, despairs of Republican harmony
and all but prophesies the party's col
lapse The Democrats are united, har-
monious and strong. Courageous and
honest leadership is the one thing needed
| to insure their supremacy.