The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-04-28
The Situation.

| . 4-s
The famous work Of Machiavel, entitled
sThe Prince" derives its value, not go much
from what it teaches as from what it implies
1t represents the policy of the Italian princes
1t reveals the spirit Of the age in which it
originated, and unlocks many dark and
otherwise imprisoned secret of history. We
can measure statesmen justly, when we have
in hand the principles and rules. which they
accepted as the maxims OF craftsmanship.
Some of these days the Radicals of the
republic must submit to similar ordeal.
The aXioms of recent American diplomacy
| will be recorded, and beside the ancient scroll
which shows how mobiles once destroyed the
liberties of the people, will be laid the tear
stained and blood-stained volume which
explains how beggars destroyed the life OF
States.
If treason is revolt against organized
government, what other band OF cons pira-
tors against public right has ever equalled
in disloyal aims and achievements the lead
ers of the Radical party? The right OF a
State held up before Radical maddens him
as never bull was maddened by the red flag
whatever hazard, it must so down.
The fundamental principle OF the republ-
can form OF government which Congress is
constitutionally bound to guarantee to the
States, is, beyond all question, the right of
the people to rule through representatives
of their own appointment. Under the new
regime, that right is loudly vindicated in
theory and shamelessly denied in practice.
Into almost every gubernatorial chair OF the
Southern States, into almost every position
of Importance, whether in regard to profit
or influence, it has set an alien or time
serving renegade. We are weary of naming
the strangers who are crowned with the hon
ors, and fat with the substance, OF our humili-
ated and outraged States.
It is necessary for our prosperity that the
population Of these States should live to-
gether in harmony. And there are none
who utter more frequently than the Radicals
General Grants campaign bulletin: 'Let US
'have peace" Such is the profession; but
the rule OF practice requires different
Misunderstanding like this: "Divide and
conquer orlike this: "Create desolation
''and call it peace" Discussions and feuds
are the appliances Of Radicalism. 1t is con-
stantly creating and provoking outrages.
1t is interfering with the quiet and salutary
processes Of industry upon every Southern
acre. 1t is boastingly armng one class OF
the community against another, and supplies
the departing bayonets of the Union with
the Winchester rifles Of the militia and the
mob. So that to-day Georgia pleads for the
poor privilege Of having gentlemen, instead
of Bullock and Blodgett, as her military
despots.
Finally, it is necessary to the welfare Of
people that those who hold office should be
accountable to their constituency. Without
some restraint upon the ruler, what liberty
or safety remains to the ruled? But under
the present system, the ruler intrigues with
out shame, plumbers without check, and in
every emergency bribes with his plunder
The State is overspread by oath-bound
leagues, who blindly follow the call OF cor
rupt political leaders, and who sustain party,
right or wrong. The scales Of leviathan arc
linked together.
Now it is against evils Of this so:t-por-
tcntous and terrible-that we strive to array
our forces. just representation, public
peace, political integrity-these are aims
worthy of the highest enthusiasm and the
most earnest effort. We wish TO secure for
ourselves and our posterity that republican
form Of government which Radicalism does
not and will not guarantee, We fain would
save the State, and in this great and difficult
undertaking Nc cordially invite all good cit
izens to unite with US. There are two OK
tremes VIC need to guard against: a want
OF heart on the one hand, q want Of pru-
dence on the other-the despair which folds
IFS hands, the impaticnce which grasps after
the fruit before it is ripe