New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-07-23

the solitary exception of President Grant.
Nepotism, or favoritism to family connec-
tions, was known to be detrimental, IN
der hereditary governments, to the public
interest. It served to build up priv
legged class, and was always viewed with
distrust by the liberals Of countries not
republican. The feeling was strong in
America before it became republican
against this custom OF crowned heads,
and President Washington appreciated
and respected it. He was so rigid in his
respect for the feelings of the people up
on this subject, and so well convinced
they were right, that he refused an ap-
pointment to his nephew, Bushrod Wash
ington Other Presidents, down to the
election Of Grant though not always as
rigid as Washington in this respect, never
abused the appointing power, thereby
laying themselves liable to the charge Of
nepotism. But this is not the only serious
fault of President Grants administration.
His favoritism to long list Of family
connections is Of a less serious nature
than his attempt to fix upon the country
civil service regulations that will place
men in office for life. He has been ac-
cused Of a desire to gradually change the
form of our government into that Of an
empire. We don't believe President
Grant has been silly enough to entertain
an idea of-this kind. But We know he
has changed his mind in regard to his
tenure of office. When he was first
elected President be favored the
one-term principle. He now favors two
terms, and how many more we are unable
to say; but the fact that he and his party
are perfecting civil service regulations
looking to a life tenure Of Office, inclines
some to the belief that as there is nothing
in the constitution to prevent his re-elec-
tion he might favor that gentle mode Of
remaining during his natural life in the
presidential chair. A President who ad-
vocates a life tenure of Office for others is
certainly not averse to making the princi-
pie apply to himself. He will be apt to
think that if it is a good one it should have
a general bearing. And Grant may be
borne out in this feeling by the Radical
party. We should Judge he is from the
manner in which his followers speak Of
the civil service regulations that have not
yet gone fully into force. It may be they
are only a part Of the general scheme that
is intended to perpetuate Radical power,
with Grant as its central head; a chef
d'oglrure of something that is to end in the
perfection Of that scheme Of centraliza-
ton which is to give the people strong
personal government.
There are other reasons for believing
the President and his party have been
looking in this direction, and among them
is their conduct toward the Southern
States. This has been oppressive and vex-
atious. The legislative and executive
branches of the government have con-
spired against the peace of these States,
and by a systematic interference through
federal legislation and meddling federal
officials, local affairs and political indie
pendence are seriously threatened. A
contest is sought that threatens disorder,
and the federal government IS expected to
be On hand with bayonets to settle the
matter.