The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-26
LETTERS TO YOUNG REPUBLICANS.


Written for the INDIANAPOLIS Journal
My Young Friends-Winding the watch is
simply coiling the handspring which then busily
sets about unwinding itself, thus setting in
motion the wheels communicating with the bal
ance-wheel This, by its vibratory motion, re-
strains the spring which otherwise would reck-
lessly uncoil, allowing it to steadily unwind 1t
acts as a check on a restless force This check
is necessary if we would utilize the force.
Now this check principle is recognized in
political parties. There is in every country
where voting is done. a party noted Tor not
much force of its own, but rather for the fact
that it will restrain the opposite party and Keep
it always steady-going. AS long as the opposiVe
party corrects its own faults and leads the
country to better things it is trusted and LETT IN
command The function of the check-party be-
ing that of restraint, it is never expected
to propose new questions and become motive
force in the progression of the country, II
naturally fails when it attempts to lead. bal
ance-wheel is out of place as handspring;
Though q very necessary and respectable part OF
the machine, when in its place, 1t Is but sorry
object when out of it.
Then there is in all countries aparty that Ks al
ways moving 1t is the progressive force OF the
nation. 1t pushes forward 1t is natural
leader. 1t is first in proposing new and benehc-
ial measures To that party all thinking men IN
any country look for bold reforms, looping off of
decayed institutions, and firmness in crises. 1t
must always have a good and live issue to present
to the people, that will lift them up to sounder
or better things. 1t fails when it becomes de
fensive rather than aggressive A handspring Is
ludicrous balance.
You will admit that both balance and a
spring are necessary to a watch-that 1t would
useless with either, but is valuable with ooth
But you will also agree that of the two
the spring has the position of most dignity; You
admire it most. So, though these two parties are
each necessary to the other in all countries, you
are most attracted by the bold and progressive
one. SO are most fearless and Thought
full men, Therefore, it follows that this
party often has more able men in
it than the other 1t is sometimes called
the Radical party and attracts radical men and
radical men are apt to be leaders. The other
party is often called the Conservative party, and
attracts conservative men, and they are not
likely to lead. Thus it follows that the
thorough going party has many able men to lead
it, while the other often feels the need OF them.
The name of the balance in American politics
is Democratic Party. 1t never proposes a new
thing. 1t Restraints reform just enough to allow
it to take place slowly and gradually after it is
proposed by the progressive party. 1t does we'll
as long as it contentedly does this, but it some
times seeks to lead, and it then ANONYMOUSLY
fails. The balance cannot become the
spring 1t has dearth of great leaders, for as
l said above, only radical men love to lead, and
they not attracted to so conservative an Or
ganization.
The name of the handspring in American poll
tics is Republican Party. 1t pushes forward 1t
is Independent and manlike. 1t is the advo-
cate of all advance. 1t has plenty OF
able leaders, for being radical party, it at
tracts radical men, who are bold enough to lead.
1t is the party to which we must look for the
greatest good, the best new things If you
want to watch some one else labor while you
merely look and see that it is well DONE be a
Democrat; but if you want to take part in the
nations great work, be a Republican.
CoNNERsvILLE, ind. r. M. VAN HORNE.