The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-09-19
The People.
r. ON Ae ". Y Tribune.

r. ON 0ie NJ Y. Tribune
Beneath all the political excitement, the dan
gers which we fear, and the evils which we
know, there is profound element of perma-
nent security upon which the country rests.
The Presidents threats shake the surface, but
the depths are undisturbed. The lawful me-
thod of reconstruction is met by proclamations
intended to restore plans repeatedly repudi-
ated by the country gold rises to l44. Sheri-
dan and Sickles are removed and the act is
answered by the indignation of the people.
But no panic follows no doubt of the result is
felt. Our bonds are not deprecated, and in
Europe the demand for them is as steady
as the demand for breadstuffs. The farmer
pauses in the furrow to hear of new Presi-
Dental usurpatiOns, aud then lays his hand
again to the plough. The mills and factories do
not pause; everywhere is the hum of industry;
new railroads are projected, commerce ebbs
and flows with the tides; the crops are gar
nered, and the fields titled anew. The bust
ness of the country is affected by its political
dangers, but the injury is slight in compari-
son. The blow is heavy, but it falls lightly.
Yet this general peace and serenity of the
people exist while the country is threatened
with a new revolution. The politics of the
United States are to day in a more dangerous
state than those OF any other nation in the
world. If in any South American State, or
even in France, the executive officer should
dare to do what Mr.. Johnson has DONE and
the elements of disorder should be as strong
and active as they are here, two weeks would
not pass before dozen armies, headed each
by self-proclaimed dictator. would be march
ing upon the capital. Bat Mr.. Johnson's ex-
ample arouses no arme opposition; half
million OF soldiers have melted into the popu-
lation, but no power but that of the Govern
ment can make them soldiers again. This
absolute peace is not the result of indifference
or ignorance; the people know the dangers of
the country, but also know how they are to
be met.
That Mr. Johnson opposes their will and
seeks to overthrow their principles, the people
perfectly understand, and they feel all the evils
that his course produces; but they have
learned that their principles are indestructible
and that their will is irresistible. They
calm because they are strong. They
never dream of resorting to an ar
bitrary exercise of power, because
they know that by constitutional and
peaceful methods everything can be accom-
plished. General Grant has recently been
praised for his moderation in not making him.
self Dictator, but doubtless no one knows bet
ter than he that that is the one office which it
is impossible to reach in our republic. II
exists only in the visions of lunatic. We all
understand that any usurpation of the Presi-
dent any conspiracy, can be su6dued by the
civil or military powers lodged in the Govern
ment by the Constitution. We have put down
the Rebellion, and can deal with its results.
The people have earned their faith in them
s-lves, and never had better right to believe
in the strength of the republic. Democracy
has been tested, and needs no other test for
centuries. 1t has been prosperous in peace
OF seventy years, and has triumphed over its
! greatest danger-the war of brothers against
brothers. Our victory was gained by terrible
sacrifices; 1t is used with unexampled modera-
tlon; we believe that under no other form Of
government could four millions of slaves have
been liberated by force, the rebellion of five
hundred thousand citizens subdued without
resulting in despOtism or an Oligarchy.
The quiet and confidence of the people is
the best proof of the security of the country
IL may suit some men to predict panic and
financial ruin, but there is no fear that the
future will be worse than the past and every
reason to believe that in ridding ourselves of
slavery we have established the Republic upon
foundations which nothing but the slow
changes OF centuries can affect. The peOnla
/ will proceed to ultimate victory through
! peaceful means; the laws of Congress will he
enforced; If any officer military or civil dis
obeys them, he will be punished We have
only to continue to be firm and moderate 70
OBTAIN the full triumph of our principles. and
the defeat of every man or measure that on
poses them. "