Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1866-06-02
TIE LEADER LEADS.
The Rule or Ruin Policy Of The John
son Party.


The Rule or Ruin Policy OF the John.
sOn Party.
The opponents of the Congressional
policy of reconstruction are much elsted
with the questionable unanimity which
prevails in the Presidents Cabinet in ia
Vor of their chiefs policy-@my policy
as itis correctly named by the chief him
! self, though some of his subordinates en-
deavor to smooth away that rather object
! ionable term and oRe asserts it to be a
plan that grew up as the irrepressible
Topsy grew, out Of the unavoidable,
predestined change from war to peace'
Topsy1s growth, we all know, was attend
ed with great difficulties and did not de-
velop traits that would recommend a like
product as the chosen type of either a
moral OF political system; but advocating
great freedom of choice in things specu-
lative, we have no objection to those who
believe in q "Topsian development" bas-
ing their faith upon it. We must say,
however, we see not much choice between
"my policy" and the Topsian one.
But these separatists assert the Hrule or
ruin" principle, so it becomesA question
of some interest as to the possibilities of
the successful formation of a HThird
Party upon such a basis, its probable
strength and its consequences.
Executive patronage" seems to be the
skeleton upon which it is formed. There
are one or two considerations that seem
30 render this a patchwork, rotten, soft
structure, worthy of its chief. Selhshness
and greed are two powerful inducements,
but against patriotism and principle \
can hardly think they will stand the
ghost Of chance. Circumstances, how
ever, do alter cases so at times that we can
but recognize the power exalted upon the
unfortunate" who, finding himself in
the enjoyment of, say seven thousand q
year, is suddenly "invited by a a,swash-
buckler7 to "stand and deliver his per-
g~uisites or principles" A grievous situ-
alton to be placed in; but there is the con-
soling fact that our principles may be
wrong-we are suddenly open to con
"viction-we always had a doubt as TO
"the 'expediency' of some-others are
"iimmSterial,' or 'impraoticable.' Some
Railways sat lightly-in truth, all may be
"mere inpediments. On the Other hand,
"greenbacks are goOd-plAce and perqui-
ESTES are powerful-lfa is short-bread
ais sweet. To doubt is to be displaced.
So, under such a pressure, the poor ineum-
bent with his hand on his-pocket-bows
to fate and gives in his doubtful allegi-
ance to one whom he will hate eTer after,
IS a disturber Of his reposei a troubler of
his conscience and viii be ready to sell
him out at the first propitious moment.
Such are some Of the weaknesses at
tending converts to a party formed under
Executive pstronsge'-aon compulsion
as it were, A chief and organizer of such
a party can feel little confidence in his
supporters. Then, too, in the case in ques-
ton, the chief is under the oppressive
consciousness that he starts his new party
with the odium of a desertion from his
old one clinging to him. Poor Tyler's
fate should be r~emembered-a troubled
reign, to obscurity profoundl He may
promise speedy restoration of amicable
relations, and a prompt return 10 material
prosperity; and give assurances without
end, that the late insurgents were the
loyal ones-the disloyal exist at this end of
line only But the North can't see it.
some sanguine one with the wish
father to tho thought may be-
lieve him, and follow whittier he
may lesd-but the ~incredulous mass
who have suffered so much in times past
for their hopefulness, are disposed to exact
constitutional guarantees for their future
peace and quiet, and the good faith of
their late bitter enemies. 1t is a small mat
ter for reconstructed rebels 10 confirm
principles they pretend to recognize, by
lasting guarantee We have sacr;-
feed much at their bidding, why cannot
they sacrifice their Prejudiees to the
freedom of the Republic j
We have the assurances of the Pre-
mier that cost what it may, "my {,
policy must prevsil-"that there is no
other policy pOssible7-henee the n~ecessi- !
ty for the sacrifice of a party that has de-
generated into promoters of discord. ,
He has ssid it and undoubtedly means {
-
it. What mus be his expectations ? {
do not WELD the destinies 3
of the party that has carried the Union .
through four years of civil war and :
brought the country out intact and puri- t
lied from n of the greatest stains a free 9
nation can have upon it-placed her on !
the highest pinnacle of fame, and render :
ed her politically and financially the ex- !
of the civilized world. So the |
must seek for allies. There :
is a powerful minority known as the De :
mocracy, embracing several tribe-the l
War the Peace or CoPperhead, and the I
Doubtful Democrsts-they, under proper 6
manipulation, are sdroitly adopting the q
features of @mY policy" They c
10 not say, 'come s~epsratist," for they Q
lnow they must come and on such terms a
S are dictated to item, or go under, but
re ~provokingly clinging to the good old n
lame Of Democrat and biding their b
ime, which, thanks to Aforesaid separatist g
hey thiak they see coming. The u
epsrstist fights shy of the name f.
heugh he would welcome the votes. c