The New York herald., 1866-01-29
The President and tho Old Political
Parties.

1uo TebpOuSe VI IFeSlucut JOuuSOu W tue
delegation of democratic politicians from Penn
sylvania who called at the White House few
days ago has the ring of the true metal, which
distinguishes at once the statesman from the
mere trading politician. In reply to their pro-
fessions of endorsement and support of his ad-
ministration the President said:-"f you come
to me as patriots, feel l may count on the sup
port you offer; but if as pariisans only it is
more doubtful, as I shall not swerve from my
sense of duty for party men or party objects"
This is noble utterance, worthy of the patriot
and statesman who now occupies the Chief Ma
gistrate's chair of this great republic. They
are words that will cheer the hearts of and en-
courage every true American. In making that
assertion President Johnson touched chord in
the hearts Of his countrymen that will return TO
him u cordial response from the rcmotest cor
ner OF our land. We trust that upon this he
will stand, and that upon "ths line he will
fight it out if it takes his entire term"
All who have carefully watched and scr,l-
tinized the course Of Andrew johnson since he
assumed the duties of the Executive of the ma
ton must have long since realized that he was
guided solely by sense of duty. From The very
commencement OF bis administration his pub
lie acts, decisions and proclamations have all
clearly indicated that the interest of the
country, and not party, prompted his course.
To such this brief speech on Saturday was use
less, and contained nothing new. It is well,
however, that 1t was made; for the most obtuse
cannot now fail to comprehend the situation.
There is no longer room for doubt.
Taking this statement, then, as the key TO his
position, the acknowledged and proclaimed
chart Of the policy Of his administration, his
duty in the present emergency is plain and uu-
mistakable. Standing above the political
parties, and Recognizing no party hat that of
the great mass Of the American people, nc has
it in his power to so shape events that all op-
position will only brisg defeat and grief to
those who attempt 1t. But he must also bear
in mind that the cunning and artful party
leaders, both in and out of Congress, will not
be deferred by this speech from their efforts to
force him into their party meshes. They will
resort TO all manner of shifts and quibbles to
divert him from his course and make him a
tool in their hands, by none will this effort
be made more strongly than ny the radical
disorganizers In Congress. While he cannot,
In the light Of the events of history, plant him
self in the ranks of a party which rendered but
doubtful support to the administration during
the war without certain defeat, he must look
well TO the action Of the extreme men in Con-
gress, or they will tie his hands that his only
alternative will be to follow their lead and do
their bidding or TO place himself at the mercy Of
the old democratic party. Ii il here that the
great danger which now threatens his admins
tration lies. This is the rock upon which he
will drift unless he promptly and boldly uses
the means at his disposal. The history of all
nations, from time immemorial, establishes the
fact that the party which fails to render the
government cordial support during a war,
either internal or foreign, can never again
secure the confidence of the people except
through some extraordinary folly of the war
party. This fact Mr.. Johnson evidently fully
realizes; hence his response to the Pcnnsyl-
vania democratic delegation. The great re-
suits accomplished by our late war, and the
position in which IL has placed US in tho eyes
Of the nations Of the world, will make this
truth more effective in this country than ever
before known In any nation. The very fact
that this will be one of the results OF our late
struggle for existence renders the duties of
President johnson more imperative, and calls
from him determined. bold and positive deeds.
There is in Congress strong and desperate
faction, under the control of adroit leaders.
who will leave no stone unturned In their
efforts 10 encompass the defeat Of his policy
and render his administration powerless for
good or evil, unless he follows their bidding.
We have heretofore shown that the object of
this faction, under the lead of Stevens, is TO
postpone definite action, and in The meantime
gather together scraps Of one-sided informa-
tion, excluding all evidence on the side Of
the President, and at the proper time promul-
gate this TO the world under the official sane
tion of the committee. This faction, as ii now
stands, does not embrace more than one-third
OF either House Of Congress. But under their
system Of tactics, with aid and comfort from
members Of the Presidents Cabinet, they have
succeeded thus far in carrying all their points
In the lower hoiise They are gradually un-
derminng the President and unless be gives
the conservative portion Of Congress some as
surances Of support by decisive deeds, and thus
strengthens their hands, he will soon be forced
to . direct choice between following the lead
Of the radicals or that Of the democrats. When
once placed In this position he win be unable
to maintain his proud and noble place above
all parties; but by the force of necessity, be
will be compelled to adapt his course to one
or the other. In the vote Of the afty-three re-
publicans for qualified suffrage in the District
Of Columbia the President is furnished with
plain solution OF the difficulties which now
a-.alA liz, In ihia sata no x~ill Aad Aha ma