New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-10-04
ORDER OR ANARCHY.


II ia the misfortune Of many public men, with the
President at the head of them, that they have no
idea of radical and general change Of national opin
ion. Twenty-Five years ago, an Abolitonist was de-
nounced as fanatic in the most respectable quarters
in Courts Of Justice. Legislatures Congresses and
churches, not to mention the political conventions
and the porterbouses; while nine commercial men
out Of ten united to swell the chorus of censure.
Such petulance not then absolutely foolish for 1t
had real object and genuine though indefensible
purpose; but il is somewhat Of a tax upon our pa
thence to listen now to the untimey repetition of
ncknames applied with ludicrous solemnity or undig-
nfed anger to a large majority of the inhabitants OF
the country. Slavery is abolished. An intelligent
man like Mr. Peter Cooper whose letter to Mr.. john
son we were glad the other day to publish, accepts
the fact takes bis stand upon IT, and makes no attempt
TO get round IT, under it, over it. He Is content TO
ask himself and others what new public and private
duties are to be inferred from this fundamental social
change; while towards shreking their apprehen-
sions while COpperhead politicians are bewailing The
alteration while ndomitable Southern arstocrats are
seeking TO save fragment Of irresponsible au-
thorty out Of the fire. this honorable New-York mer-
chant-we hope that we have many like him-begns
Immediately and conscientiously to inquire what leg
islation is needed TO render these freedmen In name
really and truly freedmen in fact We make note
of this, because we a. that the prosperity and
safety of the country demand a general and hearty
acauescence in the vital change which the violence of
secession rendered it impossible longer to postpone.
Now the question comes up, in naked simplicity,
whether to be apostates to those principles oil
democracy which We profess to revere, or whether
we shall courageousy carry them out to their fullest
extent. To do this, we admit, requires little
bravery Already the aarmists are bringing out their
largest and most ingeniously horrible bug-bears.
Mayor Wood rides this monster and Senator Dooitte
that; Gen. Dix has bis doubtsi and while Mr.. Weed
mods as grayey as Lord Bureigh, The Times and The
World great newspapers and little ones, proud to
nod in such excellent company. These gentlemen
and these journals will not that treasonous hos
ty 10 the United States has varied its tactics and Is
now seeking TO postpone peace in the hope that some-
thing diabocal may turn up by grand and petty per
seeutjon of the freedman. The advantage Of ths is
Valuable Just so long there is anything to dispute
about they keep up q quasi condition as superior
class they keep down the vital principle Of social
equality and Of equality before the law; they color
legislation to suit their purposes and they can
always whenever they ready for another rebellion
have subject of dispute with the intelligent and
really Republican masses of the North. While they
| keep " the social power" which Mr. johnson once
said Unjust be destroyed" they can at any time put
their States into position Of antagonim to the Gen.
eral Government, voting always in cliques and in
famies by their votes swaying the destines of their
respective States and making chronic the quarrel be-
tween truth and fasehood, equity ndnjustce actual
and merely nominal freedom. 1t is useless to talk Of
anything ss settled" while Southern society Is in
this unfxed and abnormal condition. Settled" Is
beautiful word; but we have heard it too often 10 be
deceived by 1t now. Things were settled" when
Congress threw out the ant-Slayery petitons-vhen
l tho Fugitive Slave Law was psssed-when the Com.