The Waynesburg Republican. [volume] (Waynesburg, Pa.) 1867-18??, 1868-07-15

tired to the Hermitage, the political
heresy he had combatted was revived
and hourished with greater vigor than
before. The Shareholders had resolved
to revolutionize the government, so as
to make its political form harmonize
with the peculiar insitution," and for
reasons since demonstrated to be CO.
gent, determined to make the Demo-
cratic party the instrument for ac-
complislAng this momentous revolu-
tion. Democracy was to be betrayed
in the name of democracy. No insn-
perable difficulties were found in work.
ing the mass of Democrats over from
the position of jackson to that Of CAL
houn; and for the simple fact that they
were moved not by Judgment but by
prejudice. Having been converted to
the false theory of the government out
of which the rebellion was born, and
having either justified or excused the
revolt from its inception to the present
hour on that basis, it is not a matter of
astonishment that the Democrats stick
to there false ideas, against, the deci-
sions of Congress and the Supreme
Court, and the sterner arbitrament of
battle to which they have been SUBJ
Ijected. ah.l,
2. We cannot, however, admit that
no other element mingles in their opi
position to the Congressional plan of
Reconstruction, the consummation Of
which has already begun. Other and
selfish considerations enter into their
calculations. Before the Southern
States embarked in the revolt, they
were Democratic. If they had not
been, they would have remained in the
I Union. The Democrats naturally do
sire that in coming back the Demo-
cratic ascendency in them shall not be
shaken else the principles for which
the revolt was made will stand no
chance of resurrection. g0.s9s
But, it will be remembered that
these States were made Democratic by
allowing only about one-half of tho
population to share in the suffrage.
NominaIly, the line of distinction ran
on color, but really ON conception of
aristocracy, not clearly defined, but
operating with remarkable certainty.
If the rcvoltel States could berestor-
ed on that basis, Mr.. Pendlcton, Or
whoever shall be nominated for Pres
idcnt by the Democratic National
Convention, would be passably sure Of
getting all the electoral votes of these
States, and might have at least pos
sibility of obtaining enough more to be
chosen.
As it did not seem possible to secure
Reconstruction Oh this plan, the Dem
ocrats set out to "court the blacks"
They prosecuted this enterprise vigor-
ously tor awhile, though not with the
dcicacy and sincerity essential to en-
sure success. The job was so clumsIy
managad that it failed. The penetra-
ton OF the blacks proved greater than
the Democratic capacity for dissimula-
tion.
IIereupon, the Democrats reverted
to their former position that this was
"a white mans governments" that the
revolted States had lost none Of their
rights and fallen under no disabilities
by their reasonable conduct; and that
they should be unconditionally restor-
ed TO their original stains. As the
Democrats saw 10 way in which they
could be sure to get the electoral votes
of these States, they preferred to still
have them held in allegiance, and not
allowed to vote at all, rather than
incur the hazard of having them all,
or nearly all, vote for Grant and Col.
fax.
Fortunately, however, they are pow
crlcss in the premises, and the South
ern States will all be restored upon
enient and just conditions, clearly
indicating the magnanimity of the
Republican party, in accordance with
the rights of all classes of the inhabi.
tatons Of the country, and tending
powerfully to guard against the recur-
renee of other rcvolts, because settling
permanently the rights of the Fedora
government and the responsibilities Of
the respective States. es.-Pfts. Gazette
AN APPALLING SIGHT.