The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1869-06-07
Tgnm thc New York Times, Rnd.

that shDtl!u not DC Iost upoHtHe uVucates
of prospective policy. Heretofore in.
that State the republican party has cult
vatcl bitter aud an intolerant spirit.
Itlas made bla,an, "lcyal,y" the sole
conditioned political privileges, and that
loyalty" sharply defined, has usually
been found to consist of willingness to
swear by republican candidates for Office.
Victories have been won rather ly dis
franchising opponents than by reliance
upon public principle aud intelligence.
Laws have been passel certifying the
position of the party in power. The
Governor las been vested with IN author
i,y fatal to freedom OF election, and with
power over the franchise which seemed
u rcnlor reversal OF the electoral YER
dict almost impossible. The result has
bccn.preciscly what might have oeeen ex-
pectei. Passion has assumed dangcrou.
i5rms. The policy of hate inausuratcd
under the Military Governorship Of An
drew Johnson, and developed into fright
full proportions under Brnwnlow's foster
ing caro- has borne its natural fruit. The
first State to be reconstructed, and that
which extremists have e1tollcd ms model
Of reconstruction, was in many respects
much ncarera condition of anarchy than
any Of the States not then readnittcd to
representation. There was scmblance Of
reconstruction only; beneath the surface
raukfed feelings which must soouer or
later obtain expression in crime and
conflict.
Suddenly the most foremost champions
of hate, as an element Of partisan rule,
cspousc the gospel of Cancellation and
peace, Brownlow's friend and successor
in the gubcrnatorial Office; MIR. Senter, re-
allied the danger, and boldly proclaimed
the remedy. lie announced himself
favorable to the speedy cnfrancliscment
of all to whom par,isanslip had denied
the political privileges of citizenship.
1'he disabilities to which extremists
trusted as to an assurance Of republican
supremacy. lie repudiatcd as unjust and
iuexpedient. In short this man whom
the people Of the State regarded AZ
Brownlow's second sc'f, cut loose from
what had been depended upon as elements
of strength, and became the promoter Of
general Embarrassment. The marvel
was increased when Brownlow, surnaned
the Malignant, followed Scnter. The
cutlery raised by the unconverted be-
levers in prescription did not shake the
purpose Of Senter or Brownlow. TO
suppose either Of them greatly changed
principle were to ascribe to grace regen-
erative power not common in politics.
IT were better 10 attribute the change
to their admitted shrcwdness as politicians
TO their appreciation Of the unprofita-
bleness of policy which arrays a large
and influential class against the local
government, and outrages the moralsen
Of tho State and the nation by imposing
disabilities as stroke Of partisan tactics.
Whatever the motive, the fact is crafty
ing aud suggestive, it has been powerfully
operative. Politicians scarcely less nota-
bic than Brownow have acquicsied in
Scn,er's course, and the liberal element in
the republican ranks has thus quickly nc
CURED prominence and strength. Its
potency has compelled Mr.. Stokes, the
second candidate for the Governorship,
also to take ground, though III a less de-
cidcd way, against the continuance Of dis
franchisemcnt. The extremists, therefore
are without n representative in the contest.
30 Sentcr or Stokes victorious, the gain
will be substantial. Tennessee repubi
canism will no longer be typical Of mean
aims and an intolcraEt tempcr; it viii
have risen from the level that has dis
graced it, and for the first time since the
Termination Of the war will command tho
respect Of those who recognize in the re-
publican organization something much
better than contrivancc for the gratif.
cation Of cnmites aud the furtheranee oil
selfish ends. .et-.n. s.
The effect Of the advance will be fell
beyond the State, which has been re.
gardcd rs the stronghold Of prescription.
Extremists in Missouri and West Vir.
ginia have found in Tennessee u prctcxI
for persisting intheir own devices ola like
character. Extremists in Congress have
pretended to trace in the same State proofs
If the unity and yigor Of the local party
and have in some degree justified by i''
testimony the adoption of harsh measure:
by other Southern States. The plea IL
no longer tenablc. 1t is overturned by
tile experience Of the State most conf
IDENTIFY relied upon for its support. Ten,
nessee cohfcsses that MS means Of pro
noting party unity and permanent success
prescription is n failure. For period il
may be effective; but the period is brief,
and is succeeded by just that Kind Of rev.
olu,ion which has swept Brownlow's old
ground from under his feet. The party in
Virginia represented by Governor Wells
is trying to obtain foothold upon ground
which the republicans Of Tennessee are
compelled to .bandon and for that reason
alone We trust will be defeated. The only
safe policy Is that which rests upon gener.
ns;ty ,,d ;nsi;nn. n,J 49,. n s.,..n.