National Republican., 1883-12-14

Wise Action OF the National Committee
Mr.. Frye's proposition for radical change
in the method of representation in the repub-
lcan national convention was not adopted,
but was referred to the convention. In their
action we think tho committee did wisely.
Tho southern republicans will have the same
share in tho councils of their party that has
always been awarded them, and we believe
the sober second thought of their northern
brethren will continue to award it to them.
Wo do not shut our eyes to the arguments
thought an equivalent measure to the one
advocated by him should be put in force.
On the surface 1t seems an injustice that the
state of Georgia, with its hopeless bourbon
majority, should have an equal voice in tho
councils of the republican party with such
states as Iowa or Massachusetts,. There is n
seeming equity in the proposition that those
who are depended upon to elect should have
such preponderance of tho nominating
power as is aimed at in the resolution offered
and advocated by Mr.. Frye.
But reflection will, we think, convince the
party north that this seeming injustice is
superficial, and that the best interests of the
party in the future will be served by the
action of the committee.
The republican party is now q sectional
,orthn.o ,orty Itu copJ do tas ,,,ust rnouaa.
tionably be elected by northern republicans.
But, while admitting this evident truth, no
ono who has the best interest of his country
at heart can fail to'wish it was otherwise.
The strength of the party is in the north by
reason of its exclusion from the south by
violence and force. But this is an artificial
condition that cannot last.
There are thousands of good, earnest repub.
licans in the south. At present they can
not make their influences felt as they will
do in the future if they are wisely fostered
and sustained. They have an absolute ma
jority in several southern states that is now
suppressed and kept from the polls because to
assert their rights is to court the fate meted
out to Matthews at Hazlehurst, or tho colored
readjusters at Danville.
We believe these men, who are republicans
at the risk Of their lives, are entitled to every
consideration from their northern brethren,
who exercise their rights without question.
1t should not be forgotten that We carried
tho presidency in 1876 through the dauntless
devotion of southern republicans Instead
of conforming and disparaging southern re-
publicans, we submit that 1t would
we'll repay tho party to consider
closely whether it is not moro to our interest
to give them all possible backing and en-
couragement with view to reclaiming what
clearly belongs1to us. There are states in
the north that VIC carry only by hercuian
effort. There are states in tho south that
half the exertion would make republican by
substantial maorities.
We arc ready to support such action as the
wisdom of tho majority of the party shall
deem appropriate, but we think the repub-
lican party need not remain sectional party
if vigorous action is takon looking to re-
vival of the dormant republican majorities in
several of the southern states, and to this end
we think, instead of discouraging them, il
will be found the height of political wisdom
to strengthen and recognize southern repub
licanism in every practicable way.