The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-02-26
The President and the Union.

From the Times
The demonstration on Thursday in support of
the Presidents policy was, perhaps, the most
notable political assent blage since the opening
of the sectional conflict five years ago. There
was a remarkable fitness in the coincidence of
Washington's birthday having been designated
for such a demonstration. The occasion-apart
from the immediate interest of current political
action-was one for the suppression of every
thing like mere party or partisan feeling. And,
unless we greatly misapprehend the temper
which marked the vast gathering at Cooper In
stitute, only the most single minded purpose on
the part OF those whose countenance and speech
were invoked for the occasion. Mr.. Seward and
Mr.. Dennison left their posts TO be present at
this Union gathering, at sacrifice which iT
would be impossb BILE for those not familiar with
the exactions of official life to estimate.
The Secretary OF State could only have been
present in obedience to call Tar higher than
any mere party obligations impose; and the
whole bearing of his temperate and iudicious
speech will convince even the most blgoted OF
partisan opponents that nothing is further from
his thoughts than party triumph, on ques'
ton where the integrity of the Union and the
rational adjustment OF the rights and liberties of
all classes within the Union are concerned.
"Say what you will or what you may" are Mr.
Stewards words "the States are already organized
in perfect harmony with our amended Constitu-
tion, and are in earnest cooperation with the
Federal Government" These are not words
IgnClY OF ueSulSSSly spOkeu. Iuey are Iu6
words of a statesman whose record is so clear
before his countrymen and before the world on
all that appertains to the Vlndlcation OF right
and justice, without regard 10 creed, or race, or
section, that there is no one Today In the ranks
of sober and intelligent men to impugn it.
What object has Mr.. Seward to gain in coming
here to tell us that the President is acting
thoroughly and unflnchingly vita the friends OF
freedom and equal Justice? Mr.. Seward has
nothing to win In the shape or popular favor
from the citizens OF his own SCate-noth1ng to
dep1ecate in the way OF popular rebuke. he
came here because the people, withent distinc-
ton of party, desired to hear from him directly
upon questions on which his voice, as fret
minister, according to our constitutional forms,
is not otherwise heard. He came here with his
colleague, the ostmaster-General to announce
the essential agreement OF the principal advisers
OF the President on the great practical points Of
the policy thus far pursued by the Executive.
And he came here to assure those who may
have been inclined to distrust the Presidents
kindly Intentions towards the freedmen, how
thoroughly protected the emancipated class at
the South already are under the existing Bureau
Law and how eihcient chat law may be in the
hands OF such President as Andrew johnson.
In all these points of view the presence OF
members OF the Government on Thursday was
public benefit of incalculable value. In other
respects the demonstration was an almost un-
paralleled success. The people were there in
overwhelming numbers eager earnest, decided
| in their enthusiasm for the President and the
| Union. The Intelligence of New York was, per.
haps, better represented than it has been since
| the great gatherings which enlisted the North
as body for the Union five years ago. Then,
| as now, there was neither party trick nor party
| spirit to summon the people to their duty. Then,
as now, the question was not ,cho should gov
ern, but wheGher there should be country to
| be governed. Inen as now, the sound, sober,
| solid judgment OF the people was evoked, and
| Congressional devices were bio wa to the winds.
The great soul OF tho world is just. And the
oftener its sympathies hnd expression the better
fer those who govern aud those who are
| governed.