New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-01-08
COY. FENTONS MESSAGE.

There has been many o longer, but no more
complete or convincing, vindication OF the Re
construction acts and policy OF Congress, than
that embodied i'll the Message of our Governor,
herewith submitted. Much moro might be said
to the Same eflect-sOme cavils have been
raised by adversaries which this statement does
not touch; yet we would confidently rest the
case on tho Governors statement against any
one of five times its length that could be pitted
against it, provided the decision were left with
any tribunal really favorable to the Union cause
in our late struggle. Men who were in arms or in
heart on the side of the Rebellion, ard who still
mourn over "The Lost Cause will, of course,
object and find fault; but we defy even them
to read Gov. Fenton's statement and not feel
that, if they stood in our shoes, and wero sub
ject to our responsibilities. they would do sub
stantially as Congress and the Republicans
have done. That we may be defeated and
broken down in our efforts to make the South
n land of Equal Rights and Equal Laws is just
possible; but defeat is not disgrace and it
were far better to be broken down in trying to
do right than to gain an illusory and fiecting
success by pusillanimity and bad faith.
The Governors survey of the affairs of our
State is very full, and is carefully written.
We believe its exhibit of our Financial con-
dition more lucid and far more truthful than
that with which Mr.. S. E. Church appalled, our
tax-payers last Summer. Our War Debts and
Taxes are heavy, but they are steadily becom-
ing lighter, not only by the increase of popu-
! lation and wealth. but by the payment of
portions of the principal Our counties, cities,
| and townships, are paying off their bounty
| IL Lna foir nnn1 tba
same salutary operation; her Canals are yield
ing q generous Revenue, and Though tho cost
of Repairs is far too high) there is good sur
plus TO apply toward the reduction of
| the debt incurred for their enlargement We
have only to keep right on, and very few
wears will see our responsibilities greatly re-
duced while our ability to meet them will have
been largely augmented. In short, we have but
TO bear the load manfully, and it will soon have
ceased to gall our sturdy shoulders. We do
not believe there is any sOunder craftsmanship
We trust Congress may, as the Governor sug-
gests, abolish many taxes which are vexatious,
without being productive; but we trust it ,c't
not wholly arrest the payment of the principal
of the National Debt. Every dollar thus saved
to our taxpayers will cost them two or three
Let them feel that they are lsteadily reducing
the load, and they will bear it more hopefully
and patiently.
As to our future Canal policy, we are Op
posed to taxing the people another dollar tC
construct, extend, enlarge, or complete, any
Canal or Railroad which will not repay The
outlay. Whatever work gives reasonable as
surance that it will pay, we shall favor, ant
no other.
We heartily concur in the Governors sug
gestion that the minimum number of our Ma
tional Guard uniformed militia) may safely
and wisely be reduced.
He is eminently right in demonstrating
against the multiplicity of acts passed by recen
Legislatures to effect local and personal ends
which might have been subserved more cheaply
and less exceptionally. We only apprehend tina
the remonstrance will pass UNDECIDED or b.
soon forgotten and disregarded If the Gov