Chicago (IL) Tribune, "An Honest Confession," November 17, 1860

An Honest Confession.

A writer in the Chicago Times and Herald in undertaking to account for the overwhelming defeat of the Democracy, assigns, among other reasons, the following:

By far the most effective, cause of our defeat was the most alarming corruption in the Democratic party. There is no need to deny the fact. We had a most intolerable onus of corruption to weigh us down. The investigation of the Covode Committee was most terribly against us; and our opponents were exceedingly active in the use of it as a weapon. Influenced by this corruption, many, yes, very many, of our own party voted against our nominees.

In Illinois, Matteson’s operations, and the great use made of them by our opponents, injured us greatly. In fact, we were so corrupt that not an office could be filled with an honest man. From coroner up to President the most shameful wire pulling and corruption were practiced. No wonder, then, that we were defeated. It was time that our party should learn to prevent such corruption. It was time for us to purify ourselves, and it is almost lamentably true that we have not only purified ourselves, but we have allowed our enemies to purify us, by putting us where we will have to suck our thumbs in bitter disappointment, and learn in adversity what we should have learned in prosperity.

This is certainly true to the letter, so far as it goes. There were other causes of defeat, however, not less potent and no less discreditable than the one pointed out. It is to be hoped that so candid a writer will not stop short of going through the catalogue. Out with it now! An honest confession is good for the soul.