Year: 1867




the National Government and throughout the
Northern States six years. Beyond oouDt IL
must prevail speedily in nearly every Southern
State. as the natural result OF universal SUI
frage. Sound in its theories from the ontset,
ifs unsyeryinc adherence to great vital truths
has placed in its hand the scepter OF power,
and made IL the party of action and achicV-
ment. 1t has abolished Slavery, subdued Ke-
bellion created into q Government Congress
which nas previously mere debating
society, and consolidated into Union
league of States which was before
held by rome of sand. 1t f0und the
country without an army, except that COM
mandcd by its enemies; without currency
that was acceptable away from the neiGhbor-
hood in which it was issued; without credit
at home or abroad on which million OF doi-
lars could be borrowed. Under the rule OF the
Republican party the country has overwhelmed
its enemies, vindicatcd the national unity, ana
adopted plan for the reconstruction OF the
Union and of the States in rebellion, ciiar-
acterized by equal magnanimity and WIS
dom. First the rebelliOus South aided
by Northern sympathizers, and afterward
q muddled. passionate. and feeble President,
have planted themselves in the way of the
country, and have been crushed in Its onward
progress. The functcu of its adversarles mas
been to precpitate action where dangers anu
difficulties required dcberatiOn, and to IN
cile delay where action was imperatiyely de-
mandcd. In all the cOngiomeratOn OF bilious
antediluyians. worn out political hacks, broken
down Rebels, ministers to vice and shame, and
from tVlID ID
leaders of the sham Democracy are taken, there
cannot be found a single Individual who has
any policy to propose, or any other poiiticai
principle than to 0'struct and prevent tue
doing of something by the Republican party.


TO prevent the collection of revenue ade-
ouate to the support of the Government is their
financial policy. TO precipitate the return OF
the Southern States into the Union when the
plan proposed for their return was illegal ana
unsafe, and now to prevent their return IN the
mode devised after due dcliberatiOn and deter
mined by law, has been their reconstruction
policy TO hinder the success OF the National
Banking system would be their mode OF pro-
vdng the people with currency as to OBJ
struct the enlistment of troops was their mode
of carrying on the war; They are not an energy,
but paralysis They inspire nothing do nothing.
Even their criticism is worthless, as it is not
critical but a mere indiscriminate carp at all
that is done. Just now their theme for grOwl-
ing is the condition of the reconstruction ques-
ton They go before the people asking power,
because the Rebel States are not yet recon-
constructed and restored to the Union. Yet
their party in every Southern State is working
to prevent the military rule from being super
seeded by State governments i'll which the loyal
have barely equal rights with the disloyal.


When plan of reconstruction was proposed
without lawful authority in manner which
promised to keep the South III state OF
chronic war between the races for the next
half century. these bilious patriots rushed to
its support When President could he found
willing to spume his maudln drunkenness be-
fore the crowd, they were enthusiastic IN his
praise At the least hint that somebody IL
numbering negroes in Memphis or New
Orleans, they admire the vigcr and extol the
magnanimity of him whose duty 1t is to en-
force the laws and preserve the peace.


What can such phase of society bc called
II is not party, for in place of Il conviction
it has merely prejudice. Instead OF policy
it has only quibble Instead Of reform it
has merely grOveiing hatred of advance
ment, like that of the Indian, whose names
and badges its leaders borrow, and whose
orgies and stupidity they initiate.


We ardcntly look forward to the time when
the Democratic party, advcsaries though they
may continue to be, shall Mt least attain 10 the
possession of Il policy, a principle. IN aim of
some kind, something worth defending, dis
cussng or at least attacking. At present, it is
n mere miasm of the marshes.


While the protEcted existence of such
party is not the highest proof of the average
Intelligence of our people its continued over
throw and prolonged incapacity to do mischief
affords a standing proof OF our aggregate fit
ness for sef-government. The approaching
elections will afford fresh continuation of this
t,nt