New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-06-28
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
THE ATTITUDE OF THE INDEPENDENTS
A LETTER FROM OLIVER JOHNSON
TO the Editor or The Tribune.

To the Editor or The Tribune
SIR: Among the Independents, as they call
themselves, arc many gentlemen whom am proud TO
call my personal friends aud whose love country and
desire for good government be questioned Find
Ing my,olf at odds with such in present
paign am constrained examine with caro- the ground
npon which stand and 10 consider the reasons they
oher FOR seeking the defeat OF the Republican ticket as
well as the reasons they adopt for accomplishing THEN
purpose sympahized heartily with them In their de-
sire to nominate Edmunds but In their present attitude
Of open hostility 10 the Republican party hopecssy
corrupt and in their profers of assistance Demo
cratic party upon certain well-uuderstood conditions
constrained alike by conscience antago-
nxe them. have stu led the subject as carefully as Il
know how TO do, in the light whchhe experience OF
long life affords; and am compelled in all frankness 10
say that their action presents spectacle groesqe
anything that can remember in the history Of American
politics IL their attitude simply that of men dis
pleased with the Republican ticket and platform.
scrHpulous of supporting them should think them
titled to the utmost respect and Difference But when
their disappointment their disgust, il they like
that worn better, induces them 10 to the Democratic
party for consolation. and TO ally themselves with that
party in order to defeat their must think their
course inconsistent undgnei and irrational, the result
not of a sound Judgment, bat OF personal and party
passion.
Admitting that the Republican party has made
mistake in the selection OF its candidates what is the
Democratic party, that the Independents should ap
pfOacn III with seductive prOIcrS OF sup
port Mr. Curtis in one of his speeches at Chicago has
given portrait of that party, the accuracy of which
cannot be disputed:
We confronted with the Democratic party. very
party without single definite principle. party without
any distinct National policy which 1t dArcs to present to
the country; party which fell from power as con-
spiracy against human rights ana attempts to sneak
back to power conspiracy for plumber and spells.
Who woudhave believed. when these words fell from
Mr. Curtis's lips that he and his associates, in weeks
time would be seen profIermg their ballots to aid this
party-this conspiracy for plumber and spOils in
gaining control OF the National Government But 1t will
be sld They proGer their votes only for good man
A gcol man. forsOoth \ man who during his whole
political life has been identified. and is identified still.
with the ary which Mr. Curtis IS conspiracy for
plumber and spells" -! What business can good man
have such party what hope of changing IT. nature
and objects by getting himself elected to the Presidency
What would he could he be in Office but the creature OF
the party 10 which, by natural affinity. he belongs
And what are ~ DECISIONS Of reform worth long ~
he remains member of sued "a party ensaved by its
habits its traditions and spirit Have the lndepend-
ents made the wonderful discovery that grapes are
gathered OF thorns and hSS OF thiscS Does the worst
party produce the best candidate And Of what avail
viii be all Mr. Cleveland sgood professions When nc one
finds himself IN his little canoe wlrs around III .he
boiling surgcs OF Democratic politics IN Washington, the
centre OF conspiracy for pluuder and spoils u should
men who wish reform the Church enter into partner
NJ. Thomas Wentworth Hgginson; I,obseryc. thinks
party that has produced samuel IiIeh c1not ne
snaa record tried ny the strict standard which the In
dependents insist upon applying TO Mr. Blame TO say
nothing Of the elements of cXaggeratOn ana suspicion
witch they ready 20 use III the case OF the latter,
what sort OF man is he Certainly one OF the trckest
aud most INSCRIPTIONS known IN American pOntcs
And vet Mr. iginsOn after turning MS hack upon the
Republican party longer pure enough 10 enjoy his
s1pport falls naturally into the habit OF euogzlng
such na-one who has made his fortune a. railroad
wrccker." and Who has been mixed UP IN sone vi inc
worst political frauds of his party
the independents too very scrupulous IN regard
10 political methods when they are dealing Win the he-
publican party They will rot vote even Tor gOod can
ddate N the machine favOrs him. But III coquettlng
with the Democratic party they are less particular III
Grover Cleveland only be lde the Democratic can
ddafe no matter 10y what " deals " or birgllnS, OF
what appliances Of the Democratic machine they are
ready 10 take him and run for luck y! The unit rue rs
applied the votes OF state III kenpuc'h ,onNe-
non il their adherence. II means 10 their apreheu
sion giving the party 10 the control OF BOSSES
and il there 10 hc tolerated But the same RUIZ
In "A Democratic Convention can he male 10 WOIk III
favor of Cleveland they will throw mp Their mats ior very
tov N is very important in their estimation tat the
Rcnubc,u patv should only bc pure IN plnclle Dut
irrcproachahe In its modes OF action Dut II ,uc pnl y
which Is rs Mr.. Curtis says without sIhSv Pllnot,
,ic and only "A conspiracy for plumber ana spols.
what motives or by what means, certain chhduate,
tev are ready 10 accept him with thanks ana WORK Tor
ht. eirctioni Nay they offer their votes openly loT nm
"a ADVANCE as bfibe Aud this Is what they can REFORM
IN political methods! -, ,..,- 49,. 80, ,ihouod the
Democratic party cannot safely he trusted ~ any I've
nbIiran: and therefore the present attitude oi te III
aroeudcnt. is alike revolving and ridiculous. ,>.
Ncr- York, June 20, 1851 Oii'N' ''-'