Omaha daily bee., 1883-01-30
A n POLICY.

publican papers are already discussing
the question, What Ia to be the party
policy In the coming campaign2 The
subject has been brought forward by
the resolution passed by the national
republican committee. That resolu-
ton, It will be remembered, gave ak
tests of party feslty, all Of which we're
we'll worn war whoups that had done
good service in past campaigns but
which will scarcely brighten the oppo-
sltion in the coming contest or awaken
any great degree of enthusiasm among
Indifferent voters.
The opinion is general that some.
thing more than commonplace plat
form declarations will be required to
carry the next election for the repub.
lican candidate. The 'bloody shirt"
oan never again figure as a leading is.
sue. protection of American in.
dustry" must be more clearly defined
before it will divide voters and
''elevatinQ and Identifying American
labor" is a high sounding phrase
which may mean nothing or much, ac.
oording to the various views taken Of
1t by stump orators. Although 1t is
too early for the formulation of a re-
publican platform, two subjects have
already acquired too great a promin-
ence to be ignored In the next
campaign. These are tax reduction
and economy In the national admlnis-
tration, and an operative and practical
civil service reform. The democratic
successes of last tall were largely due
to a belief that neither was thoroughly
Incorporated into the national policy
Of the republican party. Thousands
of republican voters In New York and
Pennsylvania cast their ballots against
the party nominees because they dis.
approved of the political methods by
which their nominations we're secured.
Not less than 40 strong republican
districts representing fully 200, 600 of
Garfield's msjorities In the north
were carried by democratic candid
ates for congress strictly upon the
tariff Issue.
The people have become tired of
the interminable political straddling
of party policy makers. Party poll
Giles have been as elastic as the con-
sciences of their trainers. They have
been all things to ell men In the can
vass, and nothing to anyone when the
congregational session gave the oppor.
tunity to put the principles of the
platform into practical operation. The
people disguised with professions and
promises scarely made before broken
have temporarily Withdrawn their
support from the republican party. 1t
remains for the leaders to win 1t back
In the only way possible and that Is by
showing that they are worthy of 1t.
One fact stands out unohallenged.
The republican majority In congress
to-day Is In great part making up the
policy Of the party for the next pres.
identiai canvass. The passage of 9
makeshift civil service reform meas.
ure was important only as showing
the pressure of q public opinion which
congress did not dare to oppose.
Still it was a step In the right direc.
ton, and whatever credit attached to
it will accrue to the majority. The
most important subject of all Is the
tariff, with which both houses
are now wrestling. The out
look Is not encouraging
for a result to which
republican leaders al point with
pride as u party achievement. Ia,
reduction, civil service reform, ant
anti-monopoly are three planks which
ought to find a place In the next part,
platform, not simply because they viii
attract votes as stimulating war cries
but because they represent the de
mand of the most advanced politioa
sentiment with which 1t has Away
been m of the boasts of the republl
can party that It has kept abreast.