Year: 1876

The Republicans tave laid down
their platform. chosen their leader.
and taken the field. 1t seems to us
that Notwithstanding the blowing of
trumpets, beating of drums and firing
of cannon, they have as yet uttered no
very taking war cry, and are far more
likely, from present appearances, 70 be
placed on the defense than 10 make
any strong aggressive movement.


The platform is heterogeneous
collocation of glittering generalities
and vapid platitudes Of the. stalest
character. There is not a downright
vigorous ntterance in it from begin
ming to end. 1t strikes not single
blow at any of the glaring errors of
the present administration. 1t CON-
tains no hearty promise of reform, but
deals literally in political twaddle of
the most unmeaning description. 1t
must have been wearisome reading to
the true. men of the dominant party,
who have looked forward with some
hope to the gathering at Cincinnati as
the point OF a new departure and the
beginning Of a more creditable record
for their organization. 1t is vague,
weak and time serving in its illusions
to all the vital issues of the day, and
falls flat on the public ear, which was
waiting eagerly for the ring of truer
metal. There never was grand op-
portunity so miserably wasted.


The nomination is far more COM
mendable. OF all the candidates
named in the convention for President
, Rutherford B. Hayes is, on the whole,
the wisest choice. If he has less abil-
l ity than Blaine, he has not damaged
reputation; If he ia less sagacious than
Conkling, he is free from the low cum
ming and trickery of the mere politi-
clan; if he is not as we'll known
throughout the Union as Morton, he
has given no exhibition of bitter sec
tlonal hate; if he is less positive and
decided than Bristow, he is not so un-
: scrupulous Nnd faithless to his promi-
! ses. 1t is true that the negative side
of his character constitutes his greatest
availability; but in these days of poll
tical dishonesty and corruption, that
in itself is no little praise. There is
nothing brilliant or startling In his
history; but plain, plodding honest
man, who has been in various public
positions during the last dozen years,
aud maintained his honor unsullied lis
certainly more acceptable candidate
even for the highest Office, than an &C.
complished politician who has served
his own ambition regardless of the
public welfare. But while he Is the
best of the lot out OF which he. was
taken, it seems to us that he falls be-
low the standard at which the conven'
tion should have aimed.


The choice for the second place will
create less enthusiasm. William A.
Wheeler has not national reputation
that will help the ticket, nor local
standing that will strengthen it in this
State. although we suppose he was
chosen chiefly for the latter purpose,
He will carry with him the "raiiroad
Interest," with which he has been
largely identified, but it remains to be
seen if that willnot tell more in weight
than speed. His selection may draw
out large contributions for the cam,
paign from certain corporations who
hope to serve themselves by his eleva.
tion, but his name has no associations
that will stir the hearts of the people.


With such a platform and candidates
the dominant party must fight chiefly
within its own intrenchments. 1t can
only hope to beat off its assailants, to
hold fast to its position. and to con-
tinue for the four years to come the
policy of the past. This is a very
disheartening prospect for the coun>
try, as it completely extinguishes all
hope of reformation in public affairs