The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-12-11

the East generally, ana see Wnat tho rroncns
English and RusSians were doing In that inn
portant part Of the world. We publish to-day
series of letters frcm this correspondent OF
more than usual interest
The President's Course Plainly Marked
Out.
Whatever Congress may do, President john
son has but one course to pursue to restore
harmony to the country and to preserve the
principles Of our government, and that Is the
one he started upon. We have better opinion
of the majority Of the conservative men, both
in the Senate and House, than to think they
will follow the lead Of the Jacobins who jumped
up and cracked their whip so triumphantly the
first day Of the session. We cannot believe
they will betray their constituencies and the
best interests of the country in such manner.
They know how universally tho Presidents
restoration policy was aud Is approved The
people everywhere endorse 1t. During the
Congressional elections no one dared to raise
his voice against Il, except lew crazy
or cynical radicals, and they only In
murmurs. Nearly all were elected -
avowed supporters Of the President and
his policy-a policy that was we'll under
stood and which looks to the earliest restora-
ton of the Southern States to their normal con-
dition in the Union. To follow Stevens, Sumner,
and the few other Jacobins now in opposition
TO this policy, to spurn and kick away the plat
form by which they reached their seats, would
be on the part of members an act OF unparal-
leled treachery toward the people. We cannot
believe the majority would be guilty of such
fraud or that, for mistaken political or party
ends, they wish to keep the country in an un-
settled and agitated state. There are evident
indications that the conservative portion are
dissatisfied with their own conduct, and the
position they were spurred into the first hours
of the session. II is to be hoped, therefore,
they will speedily cut loose from those cynical,
fanatical and revolutionary disorganizers. who
endeavor to drive them into opposition to the
President
Should we be disappointed, however,
and Congress adopt the proscriptive
programme laid down by Stevens in the
House and Sumner in the Senate, Mr..
Johnson ought not to change his pur-
pose or alter his course. It is very desira-
BILE that the executive and legislative branches
Of the government should act In harmony, and
particularly at the present time, when such inn
portant questions require attention and CO.
operation. God knows we have had strife
enough-sectional strife far too much-and
the country prays for repose, for oblivion of
lie past as far as possible, and for an era OF
better feeling. To bring this about it asks for
concert of action between Congress and the
Executive to heal the wounds Of civil war; and
it expects the happiest results from the broad,
liberal and conciliatory policy Of the Presi-
dent. Harmony, then, is most desirable be-
tween the different branches of the government.
But not harmony in mischievous and destruc-
tive coursc-not harmony in violating promises
to The country and cheating 1t in the expecta-
tons that have been raised. Better opposition
than this Some Of our radical contemporaries
begin to speak Of harmony. The Tribune even
urges il. Since the Presidents Message APP
pearcd and some of the conservative republic
cans in Congress have evnced disposition TO
oppose the disorganizing measures introduced
by the ultra leaders on Monday, the polite
radical press speaks Of harmony. II appears
to DO alarmed at the effect the presumption and
extreme measures of It's friends have produced.
The meaning Of all this is that they will drive
tho President if they cam into their destructive
measures, and if they cannot they will endea-
vor to cajole him. Harmony means with them
using the President to the utmost they can to
carry out their views If they should not be able
to force him. Mr.. johnson is remarkable for
certain qualities upon which II might be well
for these radicals 10 reflect We will just men,
ton them for the benefit Of those gentle
men. Every one who knows his history
Ii aware that he is an astute politician. We
believe he never failed In any political
contest he ever undertook. His whole career
and the developments of bis character through
long public life show him to be remarka-
bly, firm man. His honesty is proverbal
Such msN is not likely to DO moved from his
purpose or defeated. Tho ground he has
taken for the restoration Of the Southern States
was thoroughly examined. He proceeded upon
broad, statesmanIike views and sound princi-
pies. With the constitution as his guide, he
says the rebel States never have been out of
the Union, and could not be, whatever indi-
vidusls In those States may have declared or
done. Then, looking at the principles and
feelings that govern human nature, and at the
history Of other countries which have had civil
wars, he sees that the most effectual remedy
for the wounds that have been made, and to
restore fraternal relations, is by magnani-
nous policy. We are homogeneous people,
and we should soon become firmly united in
feeling and interests, Notwithstanding the In