National Republican., 1883-12-03
Tho spcnherahlp conteat.

The election of Mr. Carlisle to the speaker
ship is appropriate. Tho southern democracy
are in control of tho house, and it is but meet
and ft that they should elect southern
democrat, whose sympathies will naturally
bo with his own section. Had tho bulk of
the democratic majority been elected from
tho north Mr. Randall or Mr.. Cox would
easily have prevailed, but since the party has
no strength in the north, and for all effective
purposes is confined to the ex-confederate
states, it is we'll that, for tho first time since
the close of the war, the southern democrats
have plucked up courage enough to assert
the advantages afforded by their present
control Of ono of the great law-making
branches Of the government. In taking
possession of the important positions of
speaker, clerk, and doorkoeper the southern
members have shown that they mean to
havo tho sweets as well rs the pains of
responsibility.
OF Mr. Carlisle personally THE REPUBII-
CAN has naught but kind words to utter. His
ability is beyond question, and he will make
a capable presiding officer. He has the cour-
age of his opinions, and will not hesitate to
reflect them in the formation of his commit
teos. In his personal qualities he is as ac-
ceptable as were any Of his rivals. But it is
the influence that selected him. and what his
election represents, that will arrest tho atten-
tion Of the north.
His election presents two especially salient
ing that it clearly shows that democratic sue
cess now means southern success, and that no
matter who is put forward and elected as
| their representative, the fruits of their VIC
tory must necessarily inure to tho section
which was in rebellion twenty years ago.
This for the reason that the strength
Of the party is thore, and where the
bulk of the party is tho bulk OF
the rewards must go. Tho day has gone by
when southern democrats were content 10
stay in the background for fear of oflensc IL
| hoibhoih opiHloh, anu LILO IOEbh tlub1 lict
and consider the surety that their appropria.
tion of all the leading positions in the house
is typical of what they will do IN the event OF
a national success. IL
The second point is that it brings the
issue of protection versus free trade sharply
to tho front. Mr.. Carlsle's opinions are'welI
known, and are the average opinions of his
party south, and of the men who voted fol
him. His election carries with it the assur.
ance of attempted changes in the tariff that
will be of great consequence, greatly disturb
ing to vast interests of capital and labor, and
very obnoxious to the manufacturing north
Had THE REPUBLICAN been asked to select
that ono of the democratic candidates whose
nomination would be tho most advantageou!
to the republican party, it would have selected
Mr.. Carlisle. The precipitation of the issues
that are conceded to 60 with his election in
sures contest in 1854 that will have for it
central idea the retention or abolition of tha
system of protection which has served t,
make our prosperity and wealth as natiol
l the marvel of the world. The republican
carried Indiana upon that issue in 1880, ant
they can elect president upon the sam
issue in 1884.