DEBATE.
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know to be moral. And what is the consequence? Numbers of our best citizens do not vote at all because they are not satisfied with the character of either candidate; and the reins of government would soon be given over to the worse class of citizens.
I do not say that we should pay no attention to the morals of the candidates; but I do say, and I hope that I have proven my statement to be true, that party fealty not only embraces all there is good in the consideration of character and leaves out the bad, for consideration of character may be immoral as well as moral, but it goes farther; and is a guide through many intricate places in which there is no occasion to ask the character of any one.
There are times, crises in a nation, when a man's fidelity to his party, his ability as a statesman, and the political issue, should alone be considered; when it would be madness to desert your party because a man whom you know to be vicious is nominated.
The storm cloud has already risen above the horizon. It's mutterings have long been heard. The ship trembles as if conscious of her troubles. The sailors are divided. Part favor deserting the ship. The others swear they will save her or perish with her. It is agreed to elect a captain, and the party that wins is to rule. Every one knows the issue at stake, and votes for or against leaving the ship. There is no thought as to the character of the men. To elect this one gives a chance for life. To elect the other they know means death. For if the ship is unsafe how can they hope to weather the hurricane in their tiny boats! You all know the result. Lincoln, the unknown rail-splitter of Illinois, took his stand at the helm. And when he called for volunteers to work the ship, there are men here to-night, who,without a thought of the moral character of Abraham Lincoln, sprang to the front, and for four long, bloody years fought against the storm of rebellion in the defense of party principles.
By rare good fortune, Lincoln was as good as he was talented. But suppose that he had been of known immoral character, and his opponent a man of pure life; if considerations of character had outweighed party fealty, what would have been the result?
Honorable judges, this is but one of many instances in which men have no doubt as to which motive should influence their vote.
True, there may be no more rebellions but other issues, fully as vital, will arise.
Yet, my opponent will say, "considerations of character of the candidate should always outweigh party fealty."
To-night you must decide for one or the other. And, lest some one is yet in doubt, my opponent cause him to decide wrongly, I will say in conclusion:
Party fealty means fidelity to the party to which a man belongs.
Considerations of character means infidelity to party.
Considerations of character says: Enquire first into the personal motives of the leaders.
Considerations of character does not suppose that you have any.
Party fealty says: Attend the primaries and see that proper men are nominated.
Party fealty says: Follow your party principle.
Party fealty says: Endorse the measures taken to increase party strength and secure national welfare.
Considerations of character says: Read the newspapers and find out the character of the man after he is nominated.
Party fealty says: For the sake of the party do not nominate immoral men.