The Indianapolis journal., 1883-07-10
SOUTHERN POLITICS.
cure.

SOUTHERN POLITICS.
1t ought to be apparent TO Republicans in
the South that only the very best men
should be put forward as candidates for
Office. This in order to attract the support
and confidence of the best elements in that
portion of the country. With the prejudice
of years re-establshed against the dominant
party in the nation, it is plain that nothing
will effectually break the solid lines of the
opposition but the very best nominations
that can be made. There is also the addi-
tional argument of having Republican can
didates and Republican officials composed of
exemplary men, to serve as models for the
colored race. ANY swerving from the right,
any winking at Irregularities, can but have
bad influence where good example most is
needed. The'confusion of politics following
now prepared calmly to weigh the worth of
candidates. Claims upon the party in the
South can now be safely set aside in order to
come upon men of personal integrity. These
men should be found and brought
out, The best man in private life,
and mentally qualified, will make
the best officer. Let the active
men in the party seek out such and have
them put on the State and local tickets. Let
every candidate be well known and favorably
known to the people of all parties. Let his
character be sufficient guaranty of his pro-
bity and trustworthiness. These arguments
are good for all parts of the Union, but es-
pecally so for the South Candidates there
should be thoroughly enlisted in the bust
alive to every enterprise calculated
to advance business of every descrip-
ton. The South needs further to be
developed in all it's manufacturing
enterprises. Capital should be attracted
southwark to develop the country's re-
sources and to take advantage of its pro-
ducts. To do this the very best men should
be called to the front. No man whose
record cannot stand the test OF investga-
ton, no matter what his services for the
party, should be thought Of An unworthy
cils and make great 6utter of doing much
work. But he might make a very poor can
didate and still worse official. Send them
to the rear and promote the men of true
merit.
The argument holds good in the matter of
appointing officers for the South AS repre-
sentatves of the general government and as
exponents of Republicanism they will ma
turally be looked up to, particularly by the
colored voters. They should be men of un-
impeachable integrity, of foresight and of
sound judgment. They should be quick to
interpret the needs of the South and careful
to enlist the confidence of the people A
conscientious discharge of every official
duty will do much toward breaking down
unreasoning prejudice which can but result
to the benefit of Southern Industrial and
social interests. The South needs to be lib
eralized and redeemed from blind party
fealty that refuses to admit advantageous in
novations. Federal officials have it in their
power to do much to bring about better
state of affairs. The force of example is not
lost. If it be good, the people are bettered;
if bad, the effect will be disastrous to the
prospects of the South being led out of the
thralldom of Democratic prejudice. The
way is plain; it ought to be faithfully fol-
lowed not only as party measure but as a
patriotic duty