The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1871-04-26
Dangerous Weapons.

Dangerous Weapons.
There seems TO be a determined ef-
fort on the part of the majority in
both branches of Congress 10 pass the
act which places the entire South
subject to military rite ut the discre-
ton of the President. This purpose
is defended, beyond a doubt, by great
numbers Of the people in all sections
of the country although for various
REASONS. Some approve Of the measure
because they still regard the people,
lately in revolt, as enemies, and are
willing to see them treated with sever
ity without much regards to its effect
upon them or upon other portions Of
the Union Others really believe the
exaggerated accounts of Ku-Klux
murders, and other reported atrocities,
and hold that nothing but the knife
at their threats, or the bayonet at their
breasts, will suppress these disorders
and enable the people to re establish
any form of efficient civil government
at the South. 1t is probable that more
than either Of these classes are neither
so malicious nor credulous as this ;
but they see in the legislation at
Washington only an adroit party
movement, which, by providing in
terms q stringent remedy, will thus
far tend to prove the charges that have
been made against their political OPP
ponents, while it will really lead to no
actual executive injustice and oppres-
sion. They propose to give the Presi-
dent these extraordinary powers as a
testimony against the supposed spirit
Of the political opposition 10 his ad-
ministration, and as a claim to the
renewed confidence Of the people, on
the ground that if their party is super
seeded the evil thus threatened will
overtake the country. Like the shrewd
girl at the street crossings, who sweeps
the Tagging continually with a wet
broom and dare not allow it to dry lest
her vocation be gone, SO they exercise
themselves in these martial evolut!ons,
to give a fresh appearance of reality to
the assumed danger, and to persuade
some of their weary supporters that
the country is not safe if they are
thrust from power at the polls
Thus a few fanatics would gladly
see the terrors of the proposed law
duly inflicted upon every one of the
States that seeded ; and a few others
of the timid sort will feel safer when
the bill has passed; but a large part of
its supporters would think twice be-
fore they gave it their sanction if they
believed that there was either any oc-
oasion for it, or that it would ever be
put in force according to its letter and
spirit.
A word of sober ,remonstrance may
do no good in the way of restraint,
but we should like to ask this class of
if they have fully consider
ed the possible danger of placing a
terrible weapon of this sort out Of their
own power, and in reach of hards
from which it cannot be recalled at
once, no matter how rashly it may be
Many a young mar has been
furnished with q pistol or a beautiful
ly wrought dagger, has in jest at some
danger and half in earnest to
vindicate his own strength and proves,
who has been brought home a murderer
a victim from the scene of a hasty
quarrel that would not have been
provoked but for the possession of
such a dangerous weapon.
The President may be as calm, as
just, rs unselfsh, as sound of judgment
the first who ever sat in that Chair; |
but we should not like to trust any
mere man with such unlimited powers
No harm may come of it. The South
in all its borders and through every
and hamlet may see the possible
danger, and act with such marvellous
wisdom and direction as to give no
possible excuse for the use of this
menacing weapon. The President
as he approaches the close of his term
may have no w~hisperings of ambitious
and: not car to serve again;
or if he sought a reelection. may find
chance to overawe his foes and aid
himself by debating terms at the point
OF the bayonet to one-third of the
Union. But there is a possible danger
in that discretion which has not found
the voice of warning that ought to
have been uttered. When a man with
strong will and obstinate temper is
brought face to face with the alterna-
tive Of laying aside a power he would
like to retain, or renewing it by the
INSCRIPTIONS exercise of legitimate
authority fairly within his reach, it is
not difficult to foresee his probable
choice. The carrying of deadly weapons
is q fruitful source of many unpren,edi-
fated crimes: and they assume a fear
full responsibility who forge this potent
engine and place it in even the most
trusty of human hands. Many a man
thus tempted to his ruin has cursed
the confidence which, under the guise
of securing redress for the wronged or
protecting the innocent, only armed
the passions of the trusted vindicator
and champioh.-IEe Journal Of Com
merce.
JOHN SHERMAN'S DODGE.