The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1866-05-17
The Politics of the Country.

The Political situation continues unset
tied and uncertain. The evidence OF
permanent breach between the Executive
and Legislative Departments Of the gov
eminent, is conclusive. There is no lon
ger any doubt but that the President has
separated himself finally from the party
that elected him Vice President, and tho
he has not perhaps formally united him
self with the opposition, he has practically
done so, and is at this time meditating the
employment of the vast patronage at his
com n,and to coercea many as he can to
aid him in building mp a new party, to
carry out what he called his policy. The
issue NAV therefore be regarded rs Joined
between Congress and those who approve
of the action of Congress, and the Presi-
dent and his sympathizers, consisting OF
the Democratic party of the North and the
rebels Of the South-the question at Issue
Being the policy which should be adopt
cd in regard TO the reconstruction Of the
Southern States. Congress by an over
whelming majority holding that the rebel
States should not be admitted ut once 10
representation, and that certain classes OF
rebels shonld be permanently disqualified
from holding office, the President aud his
friends holding that the Southern States
are entitled to representation at once, and
that nearly universal amnesty should be
proclaimed. .s... a-. r-.. - -... -...
II Is impossible to conceive of two Hires
OF policy more directly and pointed OPP
posed than these. They are perfect anti
podes. And they also seem TO be firm
~ drawn and technically entered into,
30 that we may understand that the polit-
fcal contest for the next Presidency. which
must soon be entered upen, will turn on
Tentative to Union men; but ifthere is no
help tor il they will accept it cheerfully
and go into the fight with the same hope
and confidence which inspired them in
other equally exciting and momeutous
contests. .#..< e..
As to the ultimate result, there can be
no shadow Of doubt, Without deprecia-
ting in the least, the power possessed by
the Executive, and the formidable infiu-
ences which he can command, consisting
Of the entire Democratic Party of the
North, and the whole rebel element Of the
South, with such auXilaries as can be d.
aorced from the Union Party-giving to
Euch a combination, all the importance
and efficiency it can claim, we can yet see
no reason to apprehend it's ultimate sue
cess, for the very good and satisfactory
reason that the masses of the people con-
troll all political issues, and the masses are
not with the President, but heart and soul
with Congress.
There is every reason to believe, judging
in all parts ofthe country, and the tone of
the Press, that the Union Party, which can
poll a majority Of the votes in every Nor
thern State, united almost to man in ia
vor of the most radical measures in recon-
structins the South That they will re-
main SO until the South is reconstructed
upon policy approved by them, we have
no doubt. There may he here and there
an otfice-holder, or an office-seeker who
will bend the plant hinges ofthe knees.
that thrift may follow fawning,' but the
number ofthese will be small, and their
power of characterization insignificant
About all Republicans who, from policy.
convictions or principle, differ with the
party upon Reconstruction" have, at
one time or another taken their depar-
tdre, and are in secret or open utilization
with the conservatives" We do not an
ticipate that many will hereafter follow
them. ....-....