The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-11-19
THE REPUBLICAN FUTURE.

THE REPUBLICAN FUTURE.
The remark is made quite frequently now
that "the Republican party is in for twenty
years longer" and it is made almost as con-
6dently as if that question had been distinctly
involved and definitely settled by the late
election. 1t is a mistake to say or to think
so. 1t does not follow, as a matter of course,
from anything in the circumstances of the
recent election or in the present situation
that the Republican party is certain of twenty
years more of continuous power. The most
that can be said is that it may have, and that
it has, at present, a very fair prospect OF it;
but all depends on the party's action and how
it improves the opportunity. The history of
politics shows that it is not political advant-
ages that place or keep parties in power, but
political conduct. The history of the govern
ment is one of changing parties and admins
trations. Only to cite recent instances, the
Democrats were turned out Of power in 1860,
the Republicans in 1884, and now the Demo
Gratis again in 1883. The same power that
turned the Democratic party out this year can
restore them in 1892. We do not think it
will, and certainly hope it will not; but it
may. The people make and unmake parties
and administration. Where parties are as
nearly equally divided as the Republican and
Democratic parties it does not take much to
turn the scale either way. A comparatively
slight drift will do it, an almost imperceptible
change of public opinion. 1t is simply the
difference between popular approval and dis
approval. 1t follows that the party in power
must be, as it were, on its good behavior all
the time. 1t must endeavor, by an honest
and faithful administration of the govern
ment, to meet every reasonable expectation of
the people. In short, it must be prepared to
give such an account of its stewardship at
each recurring election as will challenge the
approval of a majority of intelligent, thinking
people. For this class are still a majority,
and it is they who decide the fate of admins
trations and parties. The floating vote and
the Irresponsible classes are, indeed, a factor,
and too large a factor, in our politics; but
they are not a controlling factor. The party
that bids for their approval will generally lose,
while the one that strives to WIN the approval
of honest. intelligent, thinking men will gen.
orally win, and always deserves TO.
The Republican party has not won twenty
years Of power. II has won just four years
and no more. Whether it shall have more
depends upon itself and its conduct. 1t has,
indeed, great opportunities and great pros
pective advantages. The Democratic party
has made it easy to improve the civil service
and the administration of affairs. It is an ex-
csllent party to follow. II is impossible for
the Republican party to do SO badly that it
will not be an improvement on the Democra-
cy. One of the greatest advantages the Re-
publicans have will be that of contrast. But
even that will not relieve the party from do.
ing the best it can. 1t must do. not merely
comparatively, but positively well, and if su.
perlatively, SO much the better.
We do not underrate the points of advantage
in the present situation and immediate future
of the Republican party. The revival of Re-
publican sentiment throughout the North,
the evident weakening and disintegration of
the solid South and the prospect Of the early
admission of three or four new Republican
States are signs very favorable to the c%ontinu-
ance of Republican power for more than four
years longer. They offer opportunities which,
if rightly and wisely used, ought to enable
the party to retain control of the government
during several administrations, with the
hearty approval of a majority OF the people
and to the great benefit and blessing of the
country. But the greatest opportunities are
worthless unless improved, and the best ad-
vantages may be thrown away. After all, ev-
erything depends on how the party conducts
itself in power. UNDER the wise, conservative
and patriotic leadership of General Harrison,
we expect the best results and new victories,
but it is not safe to assume that they are al
ready secure.