The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-05-17


Our Political Dimouities- Solution.
We begin to realize what legacy Of
troubles our civil war has left us in the South.
The New Orleans riot, the Memphis riot, the
Mobile riot, the Richmond riot, and the dis
turbed elements Of society in most OF the
cities, ~ we'll as in some parts Of the country,
all show very disordered state Of things and
point to danger in the future. The only excep-
ton is found In the rural and plantation dis
trics away from the towns, where political
agitations have not reached. The cause OF all
this is found in the struggle for political power.
The question at bottom is, what party shall
gain the ascendancy or who shall govern the
country The negro vote, therefore, is the
object in view /; for that Is regarded as an i'm
portant balance of power. That is what led
Wilson, Kelley and other radical orators from
the North to the South. The peace and har-
mony of the South, its restoration, the indus
trial and commercial interests Of both North
politicians before this ell absorbing object. To
obtain that they would foment a war of races,
inaugurate over again the dreadful scenes OF
San Domingo, destroy the productivcness Of
the South and the commerce Of the North, and
burden the loyal States with a vast additional
standing army.
From our correspondence and other sources
of information from all parts Of the South 1t is
evident the political agitators are sowing the
storm through which we are likely to reap .
whirlwind. The negroes would have been
would have gone to work cultivating thu soil
and improving their condition, had they been
let alone. Now that their passions and cupid
ity have been aroused, they are looking for con-
fiscation and distribution of the lands among
them, exemption from labor and elevation to
positions they are totally unprepared to
occupy. Hostility between the blacks and
whites is the natural consequence; hence we
see the former congregating in the towns,
making violent and armed demonstrations, and
the latter alarmed and excited. Can we
wonder, then, that such riots as we have referred
to occur? Or should we be surprised II
worse were to follow! We saw in the
case of Kansas what trouble the rivalry for
political ascen dancy created but the bloody
drama there, with all its disturbing conse-
quences throughout the rest Of the country, was
q small affair compared with what we may
expect to see in the South If q solution be not
found for the difficulties of that section.
What should be done to neutralise or stop
this agitation for political power, which is
fraught with go much disaster Settle the
question Of the next Presidential election at
once. That y the first and most important
step. Let the people Of the loyal States, yes,
Of the Southern States, too, take mp this ques-
ton in earnest and without delay. In eighteen
months the election win take place; in year
the nominating conventions OF the different
parties and factions will be held (; and next
winter Congress will be more occupied with
that subject than any other. We call upon the
people, then, TO head on the rival parties, fac
tons and candidates, with all their plots and
schemes, in and ont Of Congress, and take up
General Grant. He is the man for the times
head and shoulders above all others, both in
popularity and ability. II the voice of the
people could be heard to-day it would be over
whelmingly in favor Of him. Competitors in the
race with him, if any should be SO presump-
tuous as to run, would be left behind far out of
sight Why, then, should the people wait for
the action Of juggling, irresponsible conven-
tons of politiciansf The convention system is
corrupt, unknown to the laws and constitution,
and ought to be abolished. The way to abolish
it efectually and to inaugurate new and the
only proper mode Of nomination agreeable to
our republican institutions, is for the people
primarily to put forward their candidate. Let
them do so now, and let that candidate be the
man who saved the country in the war. and
who, Of all Others, is the man to save it again
from the difficulties that surround us.
The extreme factions, the radical faction, of
which Wendell Phillips b the avoM courier,
and the copperhead faction are already alarmed
at the name Of Grant They are denouncing
and plotting against him in advance. But that
is only kicking against the pricks-that will
serve him. The million Of soldiers whom he
led to conquest and glory, and the millions
with whom they are connected will make this
greatest General and hero of modern times the
President. A grateful country will delight in
SO rewarding him for his great services. The
conservative masses will see in him q safe
leader out Of our sectional difficulties With
his name early taken up in every town, village
and hamlet, the politicians would succumb, the
conventions may be dispensed with, Congress
would be elected on the Grant platform, the
executive and legislative branches Of the gov
eminent would work harmoniously, full and
complete restoration would be accomplished,
be established, and an era of unexampled pros
perity would lie before us. By all means, then.
let the people take the initiative and nominate
General Grant for next President, independent
Of political parties, factions, caucuses or con-