Year: 1870




The discussions of the tariff ques-
ton in Congress develop very
great diversity OF opinion, and
would seems to indicate the dawn
Of that day SO earnestly wished for
by many, when party lines and
party drill shall yield to the manly
independence of earnest conviction


We like this independence Of
thought and action, because we be-
lieve it will bring parties UP 70 a
higher plane and purer purpose,
not because we hope for the ad.
vancement of party altogether.


1t was affirmed by our opponents
when the Republican party was or
ganized, that its platform was too
broad, and when the pressure of
public danger was removed it would
disintergrate; that having had its
origin in the necessity to save the
country from the designs of traitors.
when this duty was accomplished,
the organization would expire by
limitation. That this gloomy end
ing was not destiny, the grand sue
cess since the suppression of the
rebellion abundantly show, and We
are happy in the belief that a long
and successful future is yet before
the great party which did its first
work so we'll. rG


In is in full harmony with its
original organization, and that there
is no authorized exponent or trib-
unal to which may be referred the
question as to what is tbs pnrest
Republican doctrine on such ques-
tions as tariff, banks, currency, pub
lie debt and internal improvement.


In the Republican ranks, all in
good and regular standing arc to
found the ultra protectioaists, the
ultra free traders, and those who
look chiefly TO revenue on the tariff
question; the advocates of an ex-
elusive bank currency, of an exclu-
sive greenback currency; the friend
and the opponent of immediate re-
sumption; he who believes the debt
should be paid in gold, and he who
believes it may be paid in currency !;
the supporter and the opposel of
| railway and other internal improve
men,s, together with variety of
other questions of policy, all of
great importance, and yet which
hitherto have not been made tests
in the organization of the dominant
iparty. ar -rs


During these years of the supre-
macy of the Republican party, the
Democracy, with no responsibility
for legislation, have had little to do,
and have grown very thin with
their weary, hungry watchings, and
the perpetual cry of ''throw mud,
throw mud. throwanud, and per
haps some will stick"


The present indications are that
they will grow thinner and hungrier
still, as the years Of their hopeless
minority lengthen. & -r. ~s..a


The special oint, however, which
we have in this article is, that in
future as in the past there shall be
no party tests on the matters. local
or sectional, and that our national
organization shall continue on the
broad and liberal principles of its
first formation.


1t is eminently proper to be right
on all questions, but it may not be
expedient to make questions, but it
may not be expedient to make ques-
tions of local importance
parts of national issues, and even in
questions of national politics we
see no reason why the shipbuilder
of Maine, the iron manufacturer OF
Pennsylvania or Ohio, and the grain
or stock raiser of Indiana or Him
ois. may not be allowed to differ in
opinion on tariff rates, and yet be
in full harmony on the fundamental
doctrines of the Republican party.


The same differences are found
in the ranks of our opponents, and
unless we take new departure with
new organization and new compan-
| ionships these differences must be
allo wed, and yet not suffered to af
feet our present relations. We do
not doubt that large majority OF
the Western members from both
parties favor such re adjustment
and reduction Of our tariff as will
tend to revive commerce, and our
desire is that without regard to
party lines. they unite on such mea-
sures as will command the support
of all, and then press these measures
to an issue in Congress. Such con-
cert of action will insure success.
| In the same list We would place
the improvements, so long needed
and yet asked for in vain, of naviga-
ton on the Ohio and other Western
rivers. The earnest and active eff
forts Of the members from any sec
tlon must secure favorable results
for measures, right in themselves
yet of comparatively local impor-
| tance. -....-.....


The close line Of distinction be-
tween party and no party measures
may not be easily or perfectly indi-
Gated, yet it is not difficult usually
to decide when any subject is spe-
cifically presented. ..a


~ The Democratic members OF
of the House of Representatives al
Columbus voted against the recep-
tion OF resolutions Of respect for