Year: 1871

We have heretofore forborne any comment
upon the character or qualifications of home can
didates, whether Republican or Democratic, and
shall forbear doing so until the list is complete.
Looking at matters In philosophical light one
thing is evident The ofice-seekers belong to
the Democracy. Let everybody draw conclu-
sions. /: street-talk amounts to anything, su-
peror qualifications are not going to help an
aspirant TO place on the Democratic ticket.
Assuming with how much correctness time will
telD that the game is in their own hands and
that the Offices Of this county are at their dis
posal, the sentiment seems to prevail to con-
siderable extent among the Democracy that the
said Offices are TO be distributed solely as rewards
I for party services. With all due Difference, we
would throw out the suggestion that, under ex-
| isting circumstances, the people may take
interest in county matters outside Of politics.
1t is possible that taxpayers, having an eye to
the interests of the county, may select the best
men Now our opportunities are good and we
will state the situation thus The Republican
party has majority in this county. Neverthe-
! less, Republicans cannot afford to put up a can
didate not as well qualified as his opponent. If
we want to insure success, we must nominate
men whom the people regard honest and
capable If we do this we will win. Mere poll
tlcians are apt to regard the people as geese to
be plucked by them. Their idea is that all that


is necessary to raise the cry Blood, General
jackson, Democracy and Heather Chinee," and
the people will come rushing to the polls like
sheep to be shorn, and the man who gets the mos
wool goes to the head. Wedissent. Born and rear
ed in the United States of America and descend
ed from Revolutionary lons, we have an abiding
faith in the intelligence and honesty ofthe masses.
This is the foundation of our political calcula-
! tons. Considering the condition of parties in
this county, while the Republican party is in the
ascendency, we would not give a fig for the
chances of Republican nominee who cannot 90
before the people and satisfy them that in hon
esty and capacity he is at least the equal Of his
opponent. The same is true, in our opinion
not only of county affairs but in relation to State
and National administrations We say then to
Republicans, let the opposition demand the pro-
ducton Of the records Let them demand the
facts and figures relating to the management of
the affairs of the Nation, of the State, aye of
this county. We ask for no stronger argument
before the people. "By their fruits shall We
know them" In support of our argument, we
refer to facts within the memory of all and preg-
nant with meaning. In 1857, II. H. Haigbt, who
as the reyier Of Abraham Lincoln, could not be
deemed acceptable to Republicans, was elected
Governor by ten thousand majority over Cor
ham. Why2 Because the people felt Gorham
could not be trusted. In 1863, General Grant in
the face Of these apparently insurmountable
odds, carried the State. The inference is plain.
The people always exercise the right to choose
for themselves. We plant ourselves on the posi-
tion that they always will. Let Republicans re-
member the teachings of the past and all will be
well.