The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-09-14
The Maine Election and President john
sons Position Before the Country.

reveals no cnange III tne Poiiucoi asinooPnoho
Of that State. The result is the same that we
have annually chronicled ever since the cap
ture of that State by the republicans about ten
years ago, which was brought about by the
repeal of the Missouri Compromise during
poor Pierce's administration. The election,
however, was purely local, with no distinct is
sue on national questions-both parties having
endorsed President JohnsOn-the Republican
Convention pledging the President it's "cordial
support in the great work of securing national
union, the restoration, equality of human
rights and enduring peace" while the de-
mocracy declared, "we will cordially support
Andrew johnson in the policy he has taken
toward placing the rebel States in their proper
situation and harmonizing conflicting ques-
TONS" Thus it will be seen that they were
essentially the same on that point. 1t is true
the republicans had something to say about
holding the Southern States under provisional
governments, the removal Of all disabilities of
color, equality Of races, as well as that the
negroes should have conferred upon them all
the political rights Of freedom, in fact as well
as in name. This was put in as morsel for
the radicals to ease them down. The de-
mocracy, on the other hand. had to offer some
thing as sop to the copperhead element, which
they did by referring to the barbarous spirit of
the war and the declaration in favor of the
general government paying all the local or
town war debts. Thus they nearly Offset each
other, and went into the canvass more on local
issues than otherwise, there not being sufficient
interest in national point of view to call out
the entire vote.
From this result we judge that as long as the
republican party adhere to President johnson
and support him they will be able to retain
their supremacy in all the strong republican
States. At the same time it may be considered
certain that there will not be for the present
any change in the patronage which will sig
nifty that Mr.. Johnson is going over to the demo-
cratic party If the managers of that political
organization desire to receive the benefit of his
wise leadership they must go over to him, as
they have done in their convention in this State.
But the election in Maine is no criterion as to
the result in New York, where the parties are
more evenly balanced. The public mind
in this State under the influence Of the indie
pendent press, moves quicker and takes hold of
the questions which affect the nation sooner
than in most other States, being nearer the COM
merca centre, more directly under its control
and affected more readily by the interests OF
people endorse and approve the course and
policy of President johnson. The commercial
interests Of the nation are also identified with
the success Of his policy of estOralion, calcu-
lated. as il is, to restore peace and prosperity TO
the whole country sooner than in any other
FORM MI Johnson occupies tiymposition, and
one that makes him not only master of the sit
uation, hu, compels all parties to come to him
il they desire success. Backed, as he is, by
public opiaion, he occupies stronger posi-
ton than tina! held by Mr. Lincoln
during the progress OF the war. The party
politicians tried to break the latter down
through The undermining plans of the Chase
Treasury agents and the Cleveland COnven-
ton but the public good was deeply inter
ested in the success Of the war and the preser-
walton OF the Union. This enabled Mr. Lincoln
to battle all the necromancy Of this class of poll
tcians, and secure his triumphant reelection.
The war being over and the rebellion sup
pressed, the paramount interests Of the country
now demand the SPEEDY reorganization and
adjustment Of The questions involved, with the
early return of prosperity and order to all Sec
tons. This gives to Mr.. johnson, if anything,
stronger hold upon the public md than Mr..
Lincoln held during his term. This feeling in
his favor is daily Increasing, and is accelerated
by the development OF events.
President johnson, i'm coming into power at
the close OF the war-a war destructive and
devastating in its results-and just as it had
proved everywhere successful found the politi-
cal affairs of the country in chaotic state. II
soon became essential for him to form policy
which would cement the victories of war, heal
the wounds and harmOnize the discOrdani ee-
ments. His position before the country is
total y unlike that occupied by either Tyler OF
Fillmore. The former undertook TO control
events in manner that would place himself
at the head OF the democratic party. But both
parties were then thoroughly organized and in.
tact. The democracy, confident in their own
strength, repealed him. Fillmore, on the other
hand, endeavored TO manipulate the wing party
but found its managers too powerful for him
and failed Mr.. johnson has none OF these
barriers in his way. Both political parties, by
the success of the war and the suppression Of
the rebellion, have lost their distinctive char
acter. The restoration OF the country being
the only question, he has the formation OF the
issues in his hand. In this respect his position
is nearer parallel with that occupied by Jeder
son and Jackson when they assumed the duties
of the Chief Magistrate of the nation than any
other. Like them his advent to power is at q
time when the country required an exhibition
Of bold and wise craftsmanship. Like them he
has the opportunity to inaugurate the policy
which will govern the country for a quarter O