The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-07-13
The Great Issues.


From the ~. Y, Times.
The action of the Democracy has served one
useful purpose. IL has more distinctly defined
the grounds which divide the parties, aud has
left no room for controversy as to the issues
involved in the contest between Grant and
Seymour.
Whether the mode and form Of reoonstruc-
tion are the best that might have been devised.
is less a question for consideration than
whether what has been done shall be main
tanned or reversed. We have got beyond the
stage at which criticism of the details of mea-
sures, or even their principles, might have
been advaDtageously discussed. The method
is now obscured by the result A process in
its nature rough has at least advanced us far
toward the complete restoration of the South
to the Union. Several of the States are once
more represented in Congress- and others will
be before the adjournment. Nearly the whole
South is within sight of the goal which marks
the cessation of military rule, and the reGsta-
blishment of local selfgovernment.
The question at issue is, whether what has
been done shall continue in operation, with a
certainty that it will gradually render pacifca-
tiOn complete, or whether 1t shall bs violently
overtbrewn, rights that have been conferred
taken away, guarantees that have been pro-
vided, destroyed, and the confusion and peril
incident to a vital struggle renewed. 1t is
question: on one hand, of peace with ample
opportunities of adapting the new govern
ments to local circumstances and wants, and
on the other, of strife and bloodshed, with race
arrayed against race; and the old spirit of the
Rebellion in direct hostility to the national
authority. By uphOlding what Congress has
done, and perfecting the application of the
principles it has affirmed, and the measures it
has developed, we have the assurance that
brief period will obliterate remaining causes
Of difficulty, and lay the foundation of an era
nfu uQl inAn fria al
breaking down, or by attempting to break
down, the work of reconstruction, a struggle
would be provoked hardly less terrible than
that which the loyal strength of the Republic
put down. There can be no disturbance OF
reconstruction, no invasion of the rights it
has created or the principles of government it
has developed, without contest leading to
anarchy. .. .... .
Shall the Rebel element be reinvested with
power to mould and control the South accord
ing to its pleasure Or shall the loyal forces
to which the national Government has given
shape and direction be watched, and if neces
ssry aided until their endurance be placed
beyond doubt These alternatives make up
the issue which the country must decide. 1t
is choice between order and revolution-be
tween governments born of law and anarchy
resulting from brute force; and the election
OF Grant or Seymour will indicate the national
choice. --
Equally clear Is the line drawn between the
parties on the subject OF finance. Business
interests suffer seriously from the absence of a
sound and steady financial system; and this
again, requires as an essential condition, in
telligent and we'll established confidence. A
wise and just management of the debt is the
first step on the road to confidence; and the
relative claims of the Republican and Demo
cratic parties rest upon their respective pur-
poses and principles.
The Republican policy is to abate the bur-
den of the debt by so steadfastly promoting
the public credit that the substitution of a
lower for a higher rate of interest shall be rem
| dered feasible.
The Democratic policy is to tighten the load
by paying the debt in a deprecated currency
instead of gold.
1t is a question, therefore, of good faith or
repudiation-of national honor or national
disgrace-of a confidence that will be felt in
every department of trade, or distrust that
will psralyze industry and engult trade in