The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-10-13
Prohibitionists as Republicans.

To the Editor OF the Indianapolis Journal;
1t is no use for men disappointed in the re-
suit of the Ohio election to rail at those who
have honestly and earnestly favored the pro-
hibition amendment. To encourage such
sentiment as that of Col. Frank Burr. in the
Philadelphia Press, and others quoted in the
Journal of yesterday, will cause still worse
defeat for the Republican party. Probably
the fool-killer might find work among Pro-
hibitionists, but the mass of those who are
squarely opposed to the liquor iniquity have
about as keen and clear perceptions as any
others who profess to have principles.
They are not likely to vote against their
friends if they know it, and it is practical
folly to charge them with more than the
average stupidity.
The truth is, that the expression of such
opinions as are now uttered by some of those
smarting under the recent defeat, is driving
away or making Indifferent to party success
large number OF citizens who have been
true and original Republicans. Many of the
Republican party regard it as the party of
principles not that of politicians merely
seeking for office; and when its chief pur-
pose seems to be to hold the offices, a very
respectable section will support only such
candidates as appear to defend or MAINTAIN
principle. The office-hoders are very small
their sole interest Some will feel free
to vote as they please, if there
no great issues to be advocated.
Third parties are not organized for success at
the hastings, but by way of protest. A
right smart defeat will sometimes bring the
election men to their senses. Such heroic
measures are painful, but they are some
times necessary.
Men will! vote this or that ticket as it best
represents their views on political measures
They will not be driven into line. ust to
elect few aspirants who are ready to COM
promise with anv faction that will furnish
them ballots. If the Republican party car
ries whisky on one shoulder and water on
the other we may depend that neither pro-
hibitionists nor saloonists will support it
/ very ardently. As party demanding unqual-
flied support it must be determined which
horn OF the dilemma it will stick to- but if to
neither very vigorously it must not whine
because it sometimes falls off between. A
party of principles will always have a load
to carry, and it is not expedient to vince at
it. Such a party cannot afford to give cow
ards and time-servers the reins The Wings
were kept out of power on account of the
| slavery question; and because they contin-
ued to temporize the organization was ulti-
mately disrupted. The existence of the Re-
publican party depends on its having come
distinct and practical issues to advocate and
maintain The intelligent class are not
frightened or lured by mere names OF cabch-
words. Men of views are not as cattle to
be roped to a party so that they
cannot get away, or to belong to it like
slaves who may not think Republicanism
must mean something, if II would hold
those who have given it prestige. 1t may as
well be said, now that another battle is over,
that those in favor of stringent legislation
on the liquor traffic will not be trihed with.
The temperance question will not down by
repellant filings, which will be remem bered
at the polls. A progressive element may be
hard to retain, but in the long run it will
do party more good than bummers The
party is in greater danger from whisky than
from cold water. A VERY SQUARE-ToED.