The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-03-08
rho New reconstruction Policy.


With the reinstatement Of Sheridan, In the
fresh bloom Of his new honors as Lieutenant
General, in the command OF the department
~ I.ouisiana. and the other recent changes OF
commanding officers OF military districts, fore
shadow the policy of Grants administrator
n rafsrepoe 20 the South. No trace OF bitter
ness resulting from the war will inoite the
new President to reveDgeful or oppressive
measures. He has the magnanimity of the
true soldier, and would rather serve than
ipiure those whe were once formidable foes.
The sincerity Of his wish that the rebellious
States will soon emerge into "greater pros
perity than ever before" is indisputable, and
wa do not believe that he will oppose or ne
glect any appropriate movement conducive to
this end.
His appeal to every citizen "to do his share
towards oementing happy Union," his re-
ouest for "the prayers of the nation toAlmighty
God In behalf of this consummation, and his
depreciation of sectional pride and animosity,
all indicate an earnest wish to heal old wounds
forever and to restore internal tranquility.
But while he earnestly desires the restora
ton Of Southern prosperity, he avoids the
fatal errors of Johnson's reconstruction policy.
He proposes to establish concord on a true
and lust instead of false and dishonorable
basis, and to establish everywhere throughout
the land "security of person and property
and free religious and political opinions"
The Democratic idea Of peace was based on
surrender to the Rebellion and reGnthrone-
msnt Of the leaders of the Southern Confede-
roy. 1t contemplated complete restoration
OF Rebel rule everywhere south of Mason and
Ixon's line, and sufficient infusion of Rebel
!. auence in the national councils to establish
pro Rebel party of formidable proportions.
This scheme has received death blow, and.
i's mischievous authors will be forced to sub
stitute q more patriotic and practical pro-
gramme IL they wish to continue a contest for
political supremacy.
There is deep significance in the order issued
on the 5th Of March, assigning new commands
to the generals who pandered to Johnson's
policy or who faltered in their efforts to pro-
teot the Southern Unionists. The ex-Presi-
dent consigned the soldiers who refused to
become his subservient instruments to distant
frontier posts; but, under the new regime,
General Hancock is entrusted with the task OF
Watching and fighting the savages of Dacotah,
and Sheridan is recalled from his victorious
pursuit of the Indians of the Plains to confront
once more the murderous marauders of New
Orleans.
1t will be remembered that at the Presiden
tial election the Rebels inaugurated reign of
terror in portions Of Louisiana, and that in the
metropolis Of that State men could only vote
for General Grant at the risk OF their lives.
1t is therefore eminently proper that Sheridan
should be restored to the scene of this recent
display of Rebel arrogance, not only on ac-
count OF his well known capacity to grapple
with dangerous foes, but because his restora-
tion to that command conveys an impressive
and important lesson to the entire South, and
teaches malcontents that beneath Grants
velvet glove there is an iron hand.
Inc true interests Of the South are involved
in the protection Of peaceful industry; the
encouragement of emigrationj the establish
ment OF law, order, and civilization: and the
cooperation Of Northern industry and Northern
S~kAs's - SAe NO'oAuPI1oh1 Vi pVushoih Ao-
sources. The success of Grants policy will
confer upon all honest citizens of the South,
without distinction of nativity, color, or
opinion, degree OF freedom and security they
have never hitherto enjoyed; and in doing this
he will do the best thing government eau dc
to promote the genuine welfare of any section
He will war only against efforts to gslvaniz,
Rebel politics and Rebel politicians and h,
will strive to promote the well-being of goo;
citizens of all parties