The Portland daily press., 1884-04-16

Whoever supposes that the American people
can in the year 1884 be captured by any
meaningless cry, or one which means only
personal devotion Or idolatry, is in our judg-
ment greatly deceived,
Let us recall scene which will 1t will be
profitable to reflect upon calmly at this
time. In the Chicago convention of 1880
there were two attempts to carry the con-
vention by an exhibition of enthusiasm.
For about three quarters of an hour the
friends of General Grant interrupted the
proceedings by a continuing found Of cheer
ing, shouting, singing, stamping, banker
chief waving, hat tossing, and every other
device of noise and display to typify the
wildDess of the enthusiasm which his NOM
alton would cause. 1t seemed as if every
one of the 10000 people in the hall, if there
were SO many, had gone crazy. At last they
exhausted themselves, whereUpon the
friends of Mr., Blaine gave an exhibition of
their enthusiasm which was at least equal in
volume and duration to that provoked by
General Grant. But neither of these caudi-
dates were nominated.
General Garfield, when he arose to nomi-
nate John Sherman, spoke the wise and
just words which recalled the convention to
the seriousness of its duty. He reminded
its members that the issues of the election
would be decided by the votes of men who
had no expectation of Office or advantage
beyond what every citizen would enjoy I'M
der good government, and who would make
up their minds as to how they ought to
vote by calm thinking in their own homes.
He spoke what everybody must have felt to
be true, and what all wise men will take in
to consideration in the nomination of
candidate. The candidate who was nomi-
mated by that convention was elected be-
cause the majority of the people, calmly
considering his character and public record,
were willing to honor him with their most
responsible trust. He was not the best
known, not the most popular when nomi-
mated, but he became known and the more
his record was examined the clearer the
conviction of his patriotism, wisdom and
unselfishness grew, and 1t is at least doubt
full whether either of the 9TH ~"nuiuaVeS'
under the circumstances tnen eAiS'ins'
would have poe~s---.--~ many votes.
Inc enthusiasm that may he relied upon,
to last through the wear and tear of pres
idential campaign must be founded upon
something more substantial than personal
liking. It must be enthusiasm for princi-
pies, and it will hold persons of slight ac-
count, save as it can be demonstrated that
they are sincere, trustworthy and devoted
representatives of the broadcast aud highest
aims of the people. The Republican party
cannot hope to carry this election unless by
its platform and its candidates it gives I'M
questionable evidence to the country of its
earnestness to advance what is just and pure
and regenerating. 1t needs 10 give promise
that it will improve its own record. A suspi-
cien that it will not go forward, whether the
cause of the suspicion be owing to its dec
larations or its candidates, will be ia
tai. 1t will not be enough that it
shall promise fidelity to its earlier
policy; it must also guarantee the mo-
tiVes and aspirations of the younger recruits
and show itself in earnest concerning the
modern issues which engage mems thoughts
and determine their action in politics. 1t
has no strength to waste in explanations or
defences, nor will it be safe for it to be
obliged to prove that its candidate has ex-
perienced change of heart since he was an
advocate of exploded policies, or guilty of
political indiscretions. The convention
should place the party in position itself
impregnabe to attack and commanding the
position of the enemy.