New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-09-03
FycURE-HE1DS NOT SUFFICIENT.

FJGURE HEADS NOT SUFFICIENT.
To some Democrats it seems very lmpor-
tant matter whether one man or announcer
becomes their candidate for the Presidency.
II il often said by them that the nomination
Of the right man, in their opinion, will insure
success, or that the nomination OF the wrong
man will involve defeat. These persons would
be a great deal wiser, and possibly more sue
cessful, if they would pay less attention 10 the
personal aspects of the question. VI the men
who voted for General Hancock, propaoiy
nine tenths would have voted for any o'her
candidate labelled Democratic. VI the men
who voted for General Garfield, also. probably
nine-tenths cared for the aims and principles
of the party rather than for the personal ex-
cellence of the candidate, which was realized
by but few. The intermediate and possibly
movable force, not more than one III ten oi
the whole number of voters, is called more OF
less independent, and it usually turns the
scale; but can any Democrat name candidate
whose nomination will secure one-half, or
even one quarter of this forceY
Most of these independent voters have
definite aims. They choose one party
rather than the other as they choose a
some fgure-head, but because 1t is going
where they want 20 go. As TO the tarlH' the
currency, the reform of the Civil Service. or
the protection of the rights OF citizens, they
want to know where the party is gong Inc
nomination of a candidate who does no.
represent his party on such questions VIII
have no influence with these voters They
knew, for example, that General Hancock dId
not represent his party as to the tariii, ana
therefore voted against him. What candidate
is it possible for the Democrats TO name whose
personal favor, with voters of this class, VIII
outweigh whatever they deem obJectonaoie
in the record and tendencies of the Democratic
party? The qu stion, thus strictly stated, Is
one which intelligent Democrats can answer
only in one way. They have no candidate
whose nomination can materially help them
The marty has to stand or fall on its own
merits or dement's. We may be quite sure
that it will not ride into power on the popu-
lar appreciation of any candidate whose noni-
nation by the .mocrats is possible.
The Republicans have still less difficulty IN
making a choice There are many men who
fairly represent those tendencies of the party
which give it majority in National elections.
publicans could not hit upon one who has the
ability, the character and the personal confidence
to command success. No doubt Republican
nomination could be made wnich would aiiront
theindependent class of voters. But the Demo-
crat who counts upon the opportunity which
such a nomination would give is likely to be
sorely disappointed. The Republicans will find
somebody who represents their principles, and
they know that those principles are approved by
a majority of the people.
The Democrats have but one chance of secur-
ing the confidence of those voters whose votes
will turn the scale. There is a Democratic ma
iouty in the next House. IL is possible TOR them,
by wise and patriotic action or refusal to act, to
establish some basis for the claim that the party
has changed it's character and purpose with re-
spect to vital questions. Such transformation
is not at all probable; true. But II effected IL
would make some change in the votes of indie
pendent citizens while no nomination that tue
marty can make Is likely to influence votes
materially If, for example, the Democratic
marty should pass in the House this winter
bills calculated to make the tariff more effcc-
tive as a measure for the protection of indus
try, and should resolutely suppress all free
trade or =" revenue only agltdClOD, tno Cidiu
that it had changed It's purpose and tendency
could be made with some effect. Otherwise.
such claim will only seem to be evidence Of
ipsincerity and dishonesty, and the party wilt
be Judged by it's long record OF hostility to
protection. In that case, no nomination that
can possibly be made will outweigh that rec
ord, or win the confidence of any considerable
number of the friends of protection. If 1t be
answered that such a change in conduct Is
not to be expected from any party, 1t only
remains to add that revolution in purpose
and character would he still more improbable,
and unless manifested In a change OF conduct
would be simply incredible.
So of other matters. The country is not
going to believe that the Democratic party
has ceased to desire partisan Civil Service,
or q debaucbed currency, or fraudulent cleo
tons, merely because of professions and prom
ises, or the nomination OF well-meaniDg can
didate, so long as its change of purpose is
not shown by q complete revolution in the
Congressional action of the party II we arc
to believe that the leopard has changed his
spots there must be some proof that he no
longer eats people when be has a chance.
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BRUTALITY IN UNIFORM