Year: 1861

We observe, with equal indignation and
pain, q sneaking paragraph going the
rounds Of certain. Democratic papers, sug-
gesting that since the Union Democrats,
(those elected by the aid of Republican
votes) and the secession Democrats, have
together got majority of the lower branch
of the Ohio Legislature, now is the accepted
time to get rid of Ben Wade, whose sena-
torisl term has nearly expired. We will
not believe that so base q suggestion is Sc
riously entertained by those Democrats
who were elected on the Union ticket, but
the fact that such a "feeler" has been
thrown out by the rebel sympsthizers de-
mand some notice. What is the moral
character of the proposed transaction The
Republicans of Ohio, with 8 majority of
more than 10000 votes in the State, pro-
posed Union with the patriotic Democrats,
and Voluntarily gave them the head of the
ticket. In other words, the Republicans
donated to their old-time adversaries the
only Governor they have had since 1856.
The person selected had been perhaps their
most inveterate antagonist Last year he
was selected to preside over the Douglas
wing of the Baltimore Convention. With
entire forgetfulness Of the past, and with
generosity which was fully appreciated by
Gov. Tod's Democratic friends before the
election, the Republicans threw their solid
vote for him, and not only so, but they gave
the Democrats fully one-hslf of the seats in
the Legislature. Having got their half of
the loaf secured beyond contingency, it is
now limited that they had better take the
other half, or if they cannot take it them
- ~
allies from taking it. Such proposition,
if made in an ordinary affair Of business,
would be pronounced swindling and would
be punished as such, and the Judgment of
society would add to it the additional YER
dict of ingrstitude. It is as thOugha gen.
tlemsn should invite a former antagonist
to partake of the hospitalities of his house,
and to prove his sincerity, should give him
The head of the table and the best room in
the mansion; Whereupon the invited guest
coolly proceeds to expel the proprietor. If
we look st the politics of Ohio in a purely
selfish and partisan light we shall see that
the Republicans were the proprietors of the
State Government, having maintained their
supremacy, without a single defeat, for
seven consecutive years. 1t may be safely
asserted that Benjamin F. Wade could
carry three fourths of the Legislature any
time the issue should be made against him.


There is another point to be considered.
Senator Wade is Objectionable to the rebel
sympathizers in Ohio solely because he has
been distinguished as an anti-slave1y man.
His hostility TO the thing which has brought
on the war-the thing without which we
should have had no warts the only ground
Of objection to him. We have arrived at an
interesting stage of the conflict if persons
elected on the issue of vigorous and earnest
war against the pro-slavery rebellion are
TO turn around and prescribe those whose
fidelity to freedom has incurred the dead
lest emnity of the rebels, and to do so be-
cause Of their fidelity to freedom. If this is
to be the net result of Union for the sake
of the Union, there will be no more Demo
cratic Governors elected by Republican
votes, and if this is the measure Of Demo-
cratic sincerity in the Union movement,
it will be found that the people, always
grateful, always appreciative of what is
generous and noble, always Just when the
facts are intelligibly laid before them-will
take care that second opportunity for
such baseness does not OCCUR Chicago Tri-
J bune