A WEEKLY JOURNAL,
DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF THE
REPUBLICAN PARTY
c OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
T. HURLEY,.Publisher,
No. 68 Meeting Street
COL. C D. DUVAL,-Editor.
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THE FREE PRESS.
Office Ho. 68 Meeting St 2 doors south of Queen st
CHARLESTON, S. C.
POST-OFFICE BOX, 496
ELECTIONOF 1868.
for president:
ULYSSES S. GEANT,
op illinois.
for vice-president:
REUBEN E. FENTON,
of new york.
Subject to the decision of the Union Re
publican National Convention, to be held at
Chicago on the 20th day of May next.
" This Government is a Republic where
the Will of the People is the Law of the
Land." U. S. GRANT.
OUR STATE TICKET.
for governor :
GEN. R. K. SCOTT.
for lieut. governor :
HON. LEMUEL BOOZER.
for adjt. & insp. general
F. J. MOSES, Jr.
for secretary of state :
F. L. CARDOZA.
for comptroller general
Dr. J. L. NEAGLE.
for treasurer :
N. G. PARKER.
for attorney general :
D. H. CHAMBERLAIN.
for supt. of education :
J. K. JILLSON.
for congressmen :
B. F. Whittemore, First District.
C. C Bowen, Second "
S. Corley, Third "
J. H. Goss, Fourth "
J. P. M. Epping, At large
Elias Dixon,
)7
delegates to chicago convention
B. F. Whittemore,
F. J. Moses, Jr., J- First District.
*H. E. Hayne,
F. A. Sawyer,
*Capt. Smalls, ^ Second District.
*J. H. Jenks,
B. O. Duncan,
C. M. Wilder, \> Third District.
*W, B. Nash,
Wm. E. Rose,
*Y. J. P. Owens, \> Fourth District.
*Wilson Cook,
* Alternates.
for the general assembly,
Charleston County:
senate,
D. T. Corbin, R. H. Cain;
house of representatives,
R. C DeLarge, A. J. Ransier,
R. Thomlinson, W. H. W. Gray,
B. A. Bosemon, George Lee,
B. F. Jackson, J. H. Jenks,
Wm. McKinlay, F. J. Moses, Jr.,
W. J. Brodie, J. B. Dennis,
A. Smith, J. B. Wright,
Wm. Jervey, S. Johnson,
S. Brown, Edward Mickey.
STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT.
The enemies of Republicanism are organi
zing their forces all over our State. They
will leave no stone unturned to find means to
overthrow our party. They will not only
attempt to prevent the ratification of the new
Constitution, but will endeavor to vilify and
abase our candidates in every way likely to
secure their defeat. In this condition, it
becomes us to be up and doing. Organize
in every locality ; bring out every vote ; let
no obstacle deter any Republican, from cast
ing a ballot in favor of the Constitution, Jus
tice and Equal Rights.
COLLETON NOMINATIONS.
We understand certain interested parties
are endeavoring to overthrow the regular
Republican nominations in CoUeton. The
men doing this dirty work have an idea
that they have a right to dictate whom the
people shall elect. We tell them that they
had better consider whether their own foot
ing is sure before they attempt to displace
their betters. The Republican party be
longs to tht people, not to any "ring."
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1868.
THE TICKET.
The Nominating Convention has done its
work. Candidates for the varions State of
fices are in the field. In something less
than twenty days they will have ceased to
be candidates and become officers elect. Bnt
let us go to work to secure for the ticket a
handsome majority. Let every true Repub
lican come up and deposit his ballot for the
"Constitution ;" and let those words be sup
plemented by the names of the tried men,
who, when elected, will do all in their
power to administer that Constitution in its
true spirit.
We must put the new machine in the
hands of its friends ; of those who believe
in the potency of its arrangements for the
well-being of the State. We must run no
risk of having the new State officers men
who are opposed to the new Constitution.
We would gladly have placed upon the State
ticket more of the old South Carolina names,
if their possessors had shown any sympathy
with Republicanism?but they are yet be
fogged in the clouds of a falsely called Con
servatism ; they stick in the rubbish and
twallow in the mud of a rotten Democracy ;
they cherish the hope that help will yet
come to the Jause of monopoly and privi
j lege from the Northern copperheads ; they
forget that the Northern Democracy have
never done them any good ; that, however
pliant tools they may have been in the olden
days of the Southern slavocracy?when the
pinch came they always deserted ; they for
get that the day has passed when the
Democracy of the North was made up of a
fair proportion of the honest, true and in
telligent men of that section ; and has now
its chief strength in the slums of cities,
the environs of pot-houses and brothels. A
few men of education and ability show them
selves as leaders, but without exception
such men are thorough aristocrats in their
tastes, their theories and their habits, ex
cept when they have a party object to gain.
While therefore, we would have been glad
to welcome to our ranks those of the old re
gime of South Carolina, into whom a new
life-blood has been infused, it is not our
fault that we have been unable to do so.
They are determined to b? deceived once
more, and the singular spectacle has been
presented of that portion of the people of a
State who have professed to bear it unparal
lelled love and devotion, abstaining in an
important crisis from all participation in
creating a new government, and trusting
its interests in the hands of those whom
they affect to consider, not only unworthy
to make a Constitution, but unworthy to
vote.
We have, however, presented to the peo
ple for their suffrages not a man who if
elected, will not do credit to South Carolina
in his office. All are highly respectable
gentlemen. Most have peculiar qualifica
tions for the post they will occupy.
The extensive experience of Gen. R. K.
Scott, in military affairs, and his large
! knowledge of the condition, wants and in
j terests of the State, obtained by his posi
tion of Assistant Commissioner of the
Freedmen's Bureau, eminently fit him for
Governor. But to that experience and that
knowledge, must be added as worthy of
consideration, his integrity, his thorough
sympathy with the cause of equal rights
and justice, and his well known conciliatory
temper. We must give him a large majori
ty, and show the country that we do not
ask where a man was born ; whether he
comes of an old family or a new one ; but
what he is, what he has done for the coun
try, what he is capable of still doing, and
whether he is the right man for our use in
this crisis.
The candidates for the other offices on
the State ticket, are well able to sustain its
character. They all deserve our suffrages
and our esteem. Let us see to it, that a full
vote is polled for the constitution and for
its friends on the State ticket.
PUBLIC MEETINGS.
We hope efforts will be made to secure
public meetings at prominent points in the
State, prior to the election.
There are thousands of while people who
might be aroused from their lethargy and
enlisted in the cause of Republicanism if its
doctrines and its theories were place before
I them. They have never heard of Republi
I caniem except through a press which car
ricatures its exponents, misrepresents its
ideas, vilifies its practices. It is our mis
sion to muster into the Republican party
' that large mass of white men who were
made to do the dirty work of the old pro
slavery politicians, without sharing in the
slightest degree the fruits of the slave sys
I tern ; men whose every interest is with the
Republican party, who can hope through
its policy only, to become men indeed,
but who formed the rank and file of the
rebel army, while the masters were its of
ficers.
Let us have as many public meetings as
possible, and send as many good speakers
out as can be spared from other work.
THE MAYOR.
It is somewhat remarkable to note what
the energy and vigor of a really competent
man in the Mayor's chair can do for the
city. Tnere is hardly any point where
Mayor Cogswell's hand cannot be seen do
ing good. And while expressions of ap
probation are heard on all sides, the value
of city securities to-day, as compared with
their value sixty days since, tells the story
in an unmistakable way.
BOTH SIDES ?f' THE QUESTION,
One hundred and fifty individuals ; seven
ty-five geniuses?two men?three female
women?two male men?one goat?two cows
and one lamp-post advocate were before the
Mayor this week. Cause ;?effect of the rise
in the price of cotton,
THE WORLD MOVES.
The annual examination of the schools
under the charge of the Board of Cenmis
sioners of the Free Schools of the parishes
of St Philip and St. Michael took plie on
Wednesday, 1st instant.
The exercise of the schools in St. Jhilip
Street were attended by about the ksual
number of visitors, and exhibited evidence
of the faithfulness with which the teachers
and the pupils had performed their respec
tive duties, indeed the public of Charles
ton have in the condition of those schools
abundant reason for congratulation. It is
well that in these times of poverty ^e have
free schools in which the instructim and
the discipline are in no way inferior those
of the best private schools we havp ever
had ; nay, schools where, all things Consid
ered, the necessary branches of an English
education may be even more thoroughly
and satisfactorily acquired than in fay of
our private schools.
But the noticeable event of the y^ar in
the school examinations, is the fuct that a
large and prosperous school containing
colored children only, now comes into the
field as a competitor for public notice.
The "Morris Street School," has several
hundred pupils, all colored. They hate for
six months or* more been enjoying aU the
advantages of education, given by the ifcard
of Commissioners to any school in the city.
There is no charge for tuition, and tie in'
struction is of the best kind. This was
made manifest by the examination. The
pupils were without exception neatly Press
ed, attentive and prompt in their exercises,
and evidently well versed in the studies to
which their attention had been directed.
Had our eyes been shut, we certainly syuld
not have known that we were not listening I
to the exercise of a very good school of j
children of the hitherto more favored race, 1
We were forced to admit, and we think the j
veriest stickler for the superiority of the
white race must have admitted, that the re- I
suits of the examination were a stumbling [
block in the way of him who denies the
practibalily of making an intelligent and
educated people of the blacks.
We were glad to see that the examination
was attended by a goodly number of. the j
parents of the children, and by F. A. Saw- I
yer, Esq. and J. D. Geddings, Esq. Both I
these gentlemen by their large experience j
in educational matters, are well qualified to
give an opinion on the condition of the
School. The Principal, Mr. T. W. Glen,
requested them to present the several prizes I
which had been awarded to the most merit- I
orious pupils in the several classes. Ac- I
cordingly Mr. Geddings performed this
pleasant duty in the Primary Department,
and made some felicitous and appropriate
remarks, in which he expressed his great
satisfaction.
Mr. Sawyer addressed briefly the pupils
of the male and female Departments, endea- I
voring to impress upon them the importance I
of their education, expressing his sense of j
the fidelity with which teachers and pupils I
had labored to make the school successful, J
and encouraging both to press on the work j
so well begun. J
John Russell, Esq., who as well as Mr- j
Sawyer, is one of the Board of Commission- I
ere, was also present and evidently much
pleased with the appearance of the school. I
With the exception of the reporters, these I
were all the white visitors we observed. I
We regret that there could not have been a
larger attendance, as we think it desirable
that the community should become better I
acquainted with what is doing, and what j
can be done, for our colored population. j
-M> j
VOTE RIGHT,
Vote when the time comes, so that you j
and your children ehall be forever free. !
Vote when the the rime comes for the new I
Constitution, that secures your Homesteads j
to you for all time to come. j
? Vote when the time comes for that Con- I
etitution that gives a free Education to every
man's child in the State. |
Vote for that Constitution that gives the j
people a right to select their own rulers. j
Let your answer on the 16th of this j
month be to your enemes, we ask nothing J
but what is right, and our votes to-day tell I
you, we will not submit to anything wrong. I
Loyal men of South Carolina, as your ene- j
mes fired the first gun on the 14th of April, I
1861, to destroy this Country, see to it, that j
you fire the first gun on the 14th of April, !
1868, to forever place it beyond the power of I
any man to dissolve this Union. j
Republicans of South Carolina, the Loyal |
millions of this Country, expect that you I
will do your duty on the 14th, 15th and 16th I
of this month. Shall they expect in vain ?
Free men of new South Carolina, will
you let the Loyal Scott be defeated by the
disloyal Hampton, let your registering an
swer, no.
Men of South Carolina, be ready on the
14th, 15th and 16th days of this month to
send word to Massachusetts that your soil
is forever free ; and that no son of hers shall
be compelled to leave your State, because he
is a friend of the poor and oppressed ; go
and register, now is the time.
Vote for Gen. Scott, the poor man's
friend, the choice of the Loyal Convention of
South Carolina. A man from the ranks of
the people, and whose heart is in the work,
and who will care for the result, who will
not forget the humane man in the office
holder.
THE TICKETS.
It has been asserted that freedmen were
swindled in some localities into paying
from ten to twenty-five cents for their bal
lots at the last election.
Let all voters understand' that any, man
who attempts to collect any money to pay
for ballots is a swindler. The ballots will
be furnished free of all cost to the voter.
Let every true man mark those who attempt
to fill their own pockets with money from
such ft seur?e.
THE POWER OF THE PRESS.
We are on the ere of a political canvass
of great importance to our State. Questions
involving the very existence of the Gov
ernment and the freedom of Humanity are
to be decided by the Loyal Voters of South
Carolina. Political opponents are muster
ing, their adherents to the conflict of opinion
at the ballot-box. In the intelligence and
firmness of the people rests the sure hope of
the country. The call now sounding in the
ears of Republicans is "To action."?It
means work for all?calm, earnest, and de
termined effort in behalf of the principles
and measures of the Republican party.
In this campaign the Free Press will labor
with zeal and earnestness. Having readers
in every town in the State, it must be felt
shaping by the intelligence it communicates
and the arguments it presents, those matur
ed and solid convictions, which all the clam
or and clap trap of political demagogues
cannot shake or modify. Moulding; calm"
ly, patiently, and with the end full in view ;
the impulses, hopes, and aspirations of the
public heart, storing the mind with informa*
tion, training the brain to thought, and in"
spiring our readers for the coming fight*
with the earnest conviction which springs
from their well considered appreciation of
the arguments and facts presented to their
superior intelligence through our columns.
The newspaper Press may not be as dem
onstrative as the load mouthed and ranting
stump orator in the exciting campaign, yet
it does more than all else to determine the
result of the canvas. It penetrates every
where with an active, enterprising, able, and
though silent, yet an irresistible power to
every corner of the land.
The people who control government, and
shape its destinies, are those who read
newspapers. The intelligent voter forms
his opinion upon facts and arguments pre
sented by, and through them. Then to se
cure a triumph of correct principles, circu
late Republican papers?here in South Car
olina let all the loyal people circulate the
Free Presst it is the only Republican paper
in this State, and all must sustain it, the
publishers were the first to fling to the
breeze the banner of liberty, justice and
equality before the law, they ask that all
will do their part remembering that our
cause is that of truth, justice, and liberty,
and let every one who wishes to advance it,
remember that a free unfettered Press is
the most potent weapon that can be em
ployed.
THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL.
The signs in the political heavens are
multifarious and problematical. There may
be, to the visular organs of some, a few
thin vapors or flying clouds which they
may imagine indicates a Hatteras squall or
a Cape Horn catastrophe, but to our eye
there is little or nothing that portends a
serious or speedy conflict of the political
elements. The recent registering of 149
white voters and 13 colored, in this city,
may mean something that is yet invisible
to the naked eye. Some profess to see the
germ of a reactionary storm, the indications
of a strong head wind in the late muster
ing of the Democratic clans at Columbia,
and the nominations that were made, head
ed by the Harry Hotspur of the State,
the impetuous and chilvaric Hampton.
Those on the lookout at the mast head may
see a cloud to the leeward larger than a
man's hand in the rapid and extensive for
mation of Democratic clubs throughout the
State, and the clarion notes of the bugle
blast that calls to the rescue. There may
be something in all this, but some think
that its only effect will be to rally the Re
publican hosts, and keep them in line.
RELIEF OF DISABILITY.
It is very often the wisest policy to ac
cept repentance as a sufficient atonement
for political offences. The men who have
inflicted deepest injury, can often do the
most to repair it. The reconstruction com
mittee in the House have reported a list of
a few men prominent in the ranks of the
rebellion in arms and civil life, from whom
it recommends that the political disabilities
consequent upon their course be removed.
It would seem a wise as well as a generous
policy to do so. The two questione that
should be all-important in regard to such
applications are simple, did the applicant
during the war commit any act contrary to
the laws of civilized warfare, and has he
since by decided action shown a desire to
amend the past, by efforts to restore the
Union to its integrity ? The country was
easily convinced that to spare all below a
certain prominence in the rebellion was the
wisest policy. Those above a certain rank,
or who, in other words, had a large share
of power and responsibility in exciting or
continuing the war, were held as examples.
The distinction was an arbitrary one, inas?
much as those of a lower rank were often
guilty in a greater degree in proportion to
their power, than these who had greater
responsibility. Therefore as occasion serves
it is proper to allow the chief's. not other
wise amenable by ill-conduct during the
struggle, to secure a pardon by repentance
and atonement. Their influence, when they
choose to exert it, cannot but be of great
value in conciliating good feeling among
their former soldiers or followers, and they
will form striking examples of the merciful
disposition of the Northern people. It will
forward the course of reconciliation at the
South, by at least one generation, if the
acknowledged leaders in station and intel
lect will set themselves to the task of con
ciliating instead of exasperating the public
feeling. Some bitter and malignant spirits
there doubtless are, who prefer to spend
their days in bewailing the "Lost Cause,"
and railing against their conquerors. Let
these indulge their natures to their utmost,
unheeded, but when men like Gen. Long
street for instance, show a desire and de
termination to amend their errors, it is a
wise policy to encourage them. What is
chiefly to be guarded against, is less insin
cere and deceitful professions be allowed to
pass for actual repentance. The reward
should not be too easy to obtain, nor yet
too hard, and should be of special, not of
general application.?Reporter.
m 9 ?
Remembbb, that you are not voting for
your friends, but for your Country, your
Children, and your Liberty.
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, D. C,
April, 1st. 1868.
Editor "Free Press :"
Great interest has been manifested here
in all the steps which South Carolina has
taken towards reconstruction.
We watched the Constitutional Conven
tion through every stage of its progress,
and after it had completed its labors, we
regarded its new Constitution as an admira
ble piece of workmanship, well suited to
the exigency, and comparing more than fa
vorably with any like instrument of the
other states. We are now equally anxious
that the Constitution be ratified by the peo
ple, and that the State start forth success
fully in its new career.
We supposed the loyal strength with you
was not too abundant, and that consequent
ly it would feel the necessity of husbanding
its resources, and concentrating all its
power in one, and the same direction. We
felt, you could not afford, in the selection
of men to carry out the spirit of your new
Constitutipn, to resort to all the trickery
and chicanery which are practiced in the
old Northern and Western states. But if
what we hear is true, we have reason to
fear for the stability, and perpetuity of
Republican principles, in the State of South
Carolina, especially as the party will neces
sarily have to encounter outside of its Or
ganization, as much of enmity, and hostility
as it can well endure, or overcome. It is
reported here that the scramble for office
has been really disgraceful among the pro
fessed friends of the Republican party ;
that the "ring" has triumphed, ruling out
men of untarnished moral, and political
faith, and dragging in others who possess
neither, but who will only constitute a bur
den, which the party, certainly now it its
weakness in yonr State, cannot afford to
sustain. We hear that the doctrine of "re
wards and punishments" has been carried
to sueh an extent, that good men have often
been ignored for your "General Assembly,"
and others have been selected, who are in
the lowest depths of ignorance, and degra
dation. It is also reported that the more
important offices, to some extent, are to be
filled by the same disgraceful demoralizing
influences. There is great commotion here
particularly over the nomination for Con
gress from the Charleston District. If one
half be true that is reported of the nominee,
you need not send him here, for it is very
certain he would not be admitted to a seat
in the House of Representatives. Thomas
from Maryland was denied a seat in the
Senate, not because his moral character
would not stand the test of a respectable
community ; nor because he had wielded
the musket, and brandished the sword
against the Government of the United
States ; but because he had rendered "aid
and comfort to the enemy," to the extent
of furnishing a moderate outfit f or the Con
federate army, to his son.
Congress, at present cannot afford to take
on any "dead weights," and more especial
ly where living, vital material is abundant
to fill every vacant seat. The Rev. Mr.
French is here, doing great service for the
Republican party. He eminently deserves,
and I think will receive an appointment
upon some important Foreign mission.
Impeachment, after the usual embarrass
ments, and delays is progressing slowly,
but without doubt, io a successful termina
tion.
With Johnson in Tennessee, and Wade in
the Presidential chair, the country will
breathe easily, and freely.
Let South Carolina place herself in po
sition to reap her full share of advantage
from the so long desired change. Yours
respectfully, FIELDMAS.
BARNWELL INTELLIGENCE.
The Convention for nominating State
Senator and Representatives from Barn
well, met at Blackville on Thursday, April
2nd.
The nominations are as follows :
fob senatob,
CHAS. P. LESLIE.
for representatives,
J. W. MIXON, RQBT. B. ELLIOTT,
JAS. . HAYNE CHAS. D. HAYNE,
REV. . F. BERRY, JULIUS MAYER.
The above is a good ticket and will un
doubtedly be elected. After the nomina
tions a few remarks were made by N. G.
Parker, Esq., of Charleston, and an elo
quent and telling address to a large audi
ence of both races was delivered by F. A.
Sawyer, Fsq. He reviewed the policy of
the Democratic and Republican parties in
relation to the Southern States, and showed
conclusively that the true friends of the
South are in the Republican ranks.
He paid a well deserved tribute to the
character of Gen. R. K. Scott, the candi
date for Governor, and of the other gentle
men on the State ticket.
We regret that our space does not allow
us to give the address in full, as it was one
of the best yet delivered in the State.
After Mr. Sawyer concluded his remarks,
Mr. C. P. Leslie made one of his character
istic and sensible speeches, and the audience
dispersed well pleased with the days' work.
BARNWELL
POLL TAX.
It is understood that an impression pre
vails that men who have not paid their poll
or capitation tax will be deprived of the
privilege of voting. Such is not the fact.
Every man who is registered will have the
right to vote on the 14th, 15thandl6th days
of ApriL It is the duty of every good re
publican to give this information to all
within his reach.
This impression that the payment of a
poll tax is necessary to secure the right to
vote on the constitution, is one of the wiles
of the enemy.
THE BUOYANT VEGETABLE
The upward tendency of the cotton market
has made greenbacks more plentiful, and
financial matters shade or two easier. E]0lI
gated faces are relaxing into their wonted
proportions, and consumptive pockets and
dyspeptic coffers are slowly acquiring ?ome
of the former aldermanic rotundity. ^n
street, as a fashionable promenade and retail
business mart is exhibiting unmistakable
symptoms of returning activity and commer
cial life. The spring fashions aro budding
-out-modestly, of course, at first, like the rose
and tulip taking an April peep at the weather
to see if the winter has sufficiently retired to
make out-door exercise safe and agreeable.
The brusque winds of boisterous March are
coquetting with the genial sunshine and
balmy?breezes of April, yet the reign of the
ice king who has carried his hoary stand
ard this season to the verge of the tropic?, ig
rapidly drawing to a close, and the smiling
queen of May with her garland wreaths and
coronel of flowers is being escorted to the
vaeant throne by her maids of honor.
Emerging from the ruin and desolation of the
past, we are pressing upon the threshold of
a brighter day and a more prosperous era.
May heaven speed the "good time coming."
AN HONEST RBP?BLICAN REPENTS.
An ex-Republican has addressed a letter
to the editors of this paper asking whether
he can now be received into the Democratic
fold. He says that he is disgusted with the
action of the Radical party, and that, as he
loves and venerates constitutional govern
ment as established by our fathers, he finds
it necessary to change at once his political
standing.
Thispaper is not the organ of the Demo
cratic party, or of any other party, and it
is not in the power of its editors to extend
to an "ex-Republican" the assurance that
he will be warmly welcomed into the ranks
of the old Democracy. But. there is a par
ty now organized by name?the "Great
Conservative Party of the United States," a
party which, if not publicly organized, does
already exist in the intentions and wishes
of millions of progressive Democrats and
intelligent and moderate Republicans, and
which party an "ex-Republican" may join
with the certainty of avoiding extremes,
and the knowledge that he is co-operating
in that movement which alone can give any
lasting guarantee to right, privilege or lib
erty.?Daily News, April 2.
"A rascal lost, is an honest man gained."
AN HONEST DEMOCRAT REPENTS.
Like a vast many others at the present
time, viewing the situation of the country
after a terrible war in which it was invol
ved by slavery, and hoping for a reconstruc
tion of the Southern States upon a basis of
justice and humanity that would forever
prevent another rebellion, Mr. John P.
Spicer, a prominent Democrat of Groton,
Connecticut, feels it his duty to withdraw
from tho party, give his reasons therefor,
and join the Republican ranks. In closing,
he says :
"An honest conviction of truth and duty
constrains me to withdraw from the Demo
cratic party with which I have been connec
ted for the past twenty-five years, and iden
tify myself with the Republican party, sin
cerely believing that the principles and pol
icy of the latter are more in accordance
with humanity, justice, freedom, and a
sound public policy. And I will take this
occasion to thank my former political asso
ciates for the courtesy and confidence whieh
they have ever manifested to me, and only
ask that they will concede honesty and sin
cerity of purpose in this step as they ever
conceded to me in my associations with
them , and I earnestly hope that they
may soon be convinced that the Republican
party of this day, is the exponent of genu
ine democracy.
John P. Spicbe.
THE COMING CAMPAIGN.
We are not insensible to the fact that the
Democratic politicians are full of hope ;
that they are^aboring with a zeal and un
8crupulou8nes8 hitherto unparralelled, to
secure success in the coming Presidential
election with a view of restoring the old
order of things in our government, and giv
ing the rebel element coqgftete supremacy
as in the "good old days'" of the chivalry.
We fcnow that "eternal vigilance is the
price of liberty," and that the Republican
party must organize its forces, must arouse
to duty, must work with all j its energy to
maintain Republican institutions and assert
the supremacy of freedom. The campaign
must be an earnest one ; loyal men, and
women, too, must exert themselves with the
full power of their might to uphold the in
tegrity of the Republic. We sincerely be
lieve that the restoration of the Democratic
party to power at this time, with its Cop
perhead leadership and its affiliations and
sympathy with the rebel element at the
South would virtually destroy all that was
gained by the triumph of the Union over
the rebellion.?Exchange.
What is here said is emphatically true,
and well worthy of the serious attention of
Republicans. The approaching political
campaign will be no mere ordinary contest
It will involve issues of the very highest
moment, and principles of the most sacred
value and importance. All the fruits of the
war will be utterly lost or finally saved ac
cording as the one party or the other shall
triumph. If the Democracy eleet the Presi
dent, who does not know that the whole of
the Government will be reversed ; that the
disloyal and rebellious will be lifted into
power and place ; that the work of national
restoration will be obstructed by every pos
sible expedient, and that all the heresies
which we had hoped the flames of war had
consumed will be revived in full force aud
vigor ? Everything this party has done
since the termination of hostilities ; every
thing it hopes for or desires in the future,
commits it to the policy of reaction and the
support of the demands of the South. With
this fact before our eyes, shall we not be in
the highest degree criminal if we fail to do
everything in our power to prevent its res
toration to place. Obviously, our duty as
Republicans is to prepare at once and vigo
rously for the work of the campaign. Every
where our organization must be perfected
and our plans of battle carefully matured.
Every city, town, and plantation of the
State should have its Grant Club, and in
every School district there should be some
systematic means for diffusing information
and arousing popular attention to the ne
cessities and duties of the hour. The Dem
ocrats of the North allied with the unrepent
ant rebels of the South are making desp?
ate efforts to regain possession of the Re
public, and they must be defeated.?Ezpres*.