New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-05-04
"LET Us HAVE PEACE"


and significant; every way worthy of the
| great soldier who had successfully led the
armies of the republic, and crushed q
| gigantic rebellion. 1t is humane, because
addressed to the people of the United
States through their representatives in
Congress assembled, without distinction
Of party; simple because unadorned by
claptrap, and significant because it in
voked and gave assurance OF peace TO a
people who had experienced the horrors
of war, and were now anxious for the
blessings of productive labor. It is safe
to say that two-thirds of the people of the
country desired peace, prayed for peace.
And if one-third did not pray for it, they
preyed upon the country; they sought by
violence to control the presidential cleo
ton; to control the government.
In many of the States organized vio-
lence succeeded in defeating the will OF
the majority of voters; succeeded in de-
feating the Republican electoral ticket
| electoral vote for Grant and Colfax.
| With the memories of the rebellion aud
the outrages that were perpetrated in the
| last presidential election fresh in his
mind, President Grant entered upon his
new duties with an evident desire to con-
ciliate all who were in favor of peace,
and through it full restoration Of the
material interests of the people and the
country. He may have felt that punish
ment was due to those who had led in
rebellion, and to those who afterward
were concerned in the attempt to foist
by violence q Democratic President upon
the country; but entertaining a sincere
desire for peace, and being of a generous
nature, he said in his first inaugural to
his countrymen, "Let US have peace.
1t was a most beautiful offering made
at the altar of country by one who had
just been clothed by the people with
chief executive authority. But it has
not been met by all in the same manly
and generous spirit that prompted it; in
a spirit that implies faithful obedience to
the laws. And as the time approaches
for another presidential election, evil
dence accumulates to satisfy the peace
ably disposed that unless measures are
taken to prevent a repetition of the out
RACES that were enacted in 1868 the
country will suffer from like causes in
1872.
1t is plain to the most commonplace
observer, that this would be most injurious
to our country at a time when we are look
ing forward to a large accession to our
population from foreign immigration.
The condition of Europe is very unsettled.
The war between France ard Germany has
been most disastrous to the people of
those countries, and many of them, tired
of the expense and harassments of war,
are looking to our own country with view
of making their future homes here, hoping
to find thatTepose which is denied them
where they are. Poor France has not only
an immense war debt saddled upon her by
the treaty concluded with Prussia, but her
people are now engaged in civil war ofthe
most fearful nature. BIutterings are also
heard in England where the condition of
the poor is sad indeed. 1t is impossible
to say what day may bring forth in
Europe, so uncertain are political affairs
there. Spain is reported to be on the eve
Of another revolution, and the new king
with dethronement.
When it is remembered that the i'm
mense expense incurred by these wars
and rumors Of wars has to come out of |
the productive classes-the 1aboring |
people of Europe we wonder at the |
that are said to be making
% emigrate from countries where labor
S not only regarded as undignifed, but |
S ground down by immense public debts
incurred by wars waged in defense of
lynasties?
The condition of Europe is indeed
and thousands of people who
IAN get away will no doubt do so within
he next few years, and immigrate to this
country, if they can be assured that they
IAN live in peace here. We have mil
ions of acres of untitled lands that
only need working to make them pro-
iuctive to the country and those who
work them. Population-an industrious
md peaceable populations all that is
equired to fully develop the States and
Territories of the American Union.
We can have this if our government
loes its duty, If, in the words
If President Grant, it will '.let US have
peace" Congress, the President and the
people are in accord upon the subject,
md it only requires faithful administra-
ion of the laws in all the States of the
Union to satisfy foreigners that this is not
,nly land of liberty, but a land of law
md order.
Within the next two years our country
will pass through the excitement of an
other presidential election. 1t is but
natural that our people should manifest
IN interest in the choice of President,
but it is not right that any portion should
De permitted to manifest personal inter-
EST antagonistic to the public interest,
md by being permitted to do SO leopard
re the peace of society. Within the next