Rensselaer Union, Volume 2, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 July 1870 — Work! [ARTICLE]

Work!

In Ja«p«r county the republicuu ticket ts complete, with iho weep tkm of * candidate for *nrtrcyor u»4 perhup* * few township office*. In a few more day* the democracy will h»*e made their nomination*, (what amount* to the name thing) their ‘‘recommendation*.’’— Our local ticket ia composed of men well known throughout the county, all bearing the reputation of respectability, with unblemished character, and undoubted ability. We expect to *ec the democracy nominate men ot equal private standing —men of like character pad ability. So far, then, there will dm no advantage, consequently the campaign will of necessity be confined strictly to political issues; and this is both wiso and proper.— We hold that the aim of both parties is to select the best men for office, so that principles may be truly represented and ihc public interests advanced. In this age and day of broad views and progressive principle*, individuals are the living acting representatives of ideas and when wc enter the field of political battle mere nun arc lost eight of and the contest is between right and wroug, and not between ueiglibors. This wc bold is the only honest way in which to conduct a campaign. The assertion that the election of cWOthty officers should not depend upon parties, is mere subterfuge that will not bear investigation, and which is otily resorted to by the weaker side. The politics of the State is controlled by the politics of the county aiul the administration of the general government is modified by the opinions of the States, and every snccesa or even partial succesa of the democracy in Jasper county has its influence which ia felt thonghout Indiana just as the biting of a flea annoys the whole physical body. It is these continual triumphs of individuals, of themselves insignificant, which in the end works the defeat o< a parly, and we should be ou the alert to present these annoying surprises. Then let us rise up from the two years of rest we have had in which to recuperate our flagging energies and prepare for the coming battle. Let no one be deceived by the- specious statement that it makes no difference which party triumphs in county elections, because those who talk so .know better; if they believe what they say why ip they electioneer for their own recommendations? Every man of them admits our candidates arc all good men.— There is cot one ot them who would dare attack the integrity of either of the gentlemen on our tk-ket, but they talk in this manner to secure the success of their party. We shall not question the ability of democratic candidates for we know the leaders will -take good euro not to have an incompetent man nominated, but we shall fight them as the representatives of political principles with which we are at variance, and tor which wc have no sympathy. This article has already become long enongh. It is not the intention to extend ft by a review of the most prominent measures of great public good that have had their origin in, and owe their success to, the republican party. These will be reviewed during the campaign. In conclusion we would suggest that n» attention be given to that individual who endeavors to build himself up upon the ruins of his neighbor’s reputation, but rather study which party advocates the principles and adopts the policy calculated to do the greatest good to the greatest number, and after your mind is fully decided cast your votes for its nominees. “Gen. Packard is re-nominated by a vote of 122 to 38 for all others. 78 votes would have nominated in a full A few, mostly the fricuds ot Anson Woleott, following his lead, from the convention, not willing to abide the decision of the party.”— Valparaiso Vkktte. The third sentence in this quotation is unfounded and unfair. First, the men who withdrew were not “mostly the friends of An6on Wolcott” in the sense of supporters. — The majority of them worked in., the interests of other men. Second; they were not “following bis lead.” Mr. Wolcott did not withdraw from the convention, consequently these men did not follow bins. Third, these gentlemen did not “bolt,” but, as one of them says; • “This movement is not a bolt, but a protest against a distasteful nomination. * * * We bad Sir'" *'. ■ ■

and have not any intention of bolting the nomination, but we ahallsupnort tho part/ this year from choice and not from necessity.— Oar position ia independent and consistent Looking beyond the present beyond mere men, wo sustain the principles of the party that gave freedom to the slave and preserved the nation from the assaults of traitors. Gen. Packard was not our man by a long shot, but our objections to the candidate are swallowed up in solicitude for the snoces* of the principles he advocates.” Iu the moment of triumph and in the flush of victory many hasty expressions are dropped which are not justified in the hour of mature reflection. The opponents of Gen. Packard honestly opposed him from a sense of conviction. They had no quarrel with the republican party and make no mar upon its candidates. Tlic VidcUt espoused the successful side. Its editor stands with the victorious. The triumphant can afford to be generous toward* the defeated. Let the !’•- itle not try to create bitterness, bat labor to secure harmony. Be magnanimous, Brother Gurney, bem'ise, tell tho truth and “let us have peace.”