Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-10-25

we are advised to forget the past,
and, to show that we do not hate him and his
friends, elect him in preference to a man, other.
wise as good who has always been our fast
friend and ally. Now il would seem quite nat
ural for Mr.. Eaton to say, 'No matter about the
past" We should not be surprised to learn
that he wished it to beforgotten; but this queer
argument, thus put in his mouth, keeps alive
the memory of the past for the purpose OF
thrustine upon his old enemies the opportunity
of not only forgiving, but of rewarding bis
errors. 1t is as if an industrious but unsuccess-
full burglar should ask TO be appointed bank
Waterman in preference TO other applicants, As
a proof that the bank officers hear no malice,
although he still maintained that burglary was
a legitimate occupation, while admitting that,
as society is now constituted, he had no hope OF
making it profitable.
But aside from its general and patent absurdi-
ty some specific objections can be urged against
this view of political duty. In the first place,
the fact that Mr. Eaton was and is radically
wrong on the most important political question
that the men of our time havesbeen called to
deal with is so far certainly an impeachment of
tai bias which led him astray on that might
not affect his judgment on other questions Of
moment2 Again the questions involved in the
war are fully settled, says Mr.. Eaton, and can
never be reopened. Very well; but is it certain
that the legislation of the immediate future will
have nothing to do in modifying, adjusting or
perfecting the various relations now established
between the people, the states and the
general government? Even if we are salts
fed that everything of this kind that
is necessary or desirable has already
been done, are we sure that no effort will be
made to do something more, or to undo part
of what has already been done? And if such
an effort is possible, could we more safely en-
trust the duty of dealing with the subject to one
who has earned our confidence by helping us to
establish the relations now existing, and to give
them expression in the constitution and laws, or
one who fought with all his energy against
every step of progress, and, while admitting
that he is defeated, still maintains that our tr.
umph was undeServed, and its results unwel-
come and full of evil?
But we may say further that it is rot quite
clear that all the questions involved in the war
are finally settled, although we trust they win
be in few days. One of them, the fundament-
al one in fact, was whether this country is con-
federacy of sovereign states or nation. That
seemed, indeed, TO have been decided by the
issue Of the war, but there is an effort to reopen
it. Mr.. Greeley's views as to the right of seces-
sion are his recommendation TO those who are
engaged in this attempt 1t is idle of course, to
suppose the American people will allow this
question to be settled in any way but that in
which the war left it, or that they will be patient
with any attempt to unsettle it. The YER
dict is already made up, and will be
announced in something less than two
weeks, and this time it will probably
be accepted as final. Mr.. Eaton's views on the
question of state rights are perfectly well
known, and it is absurd to say that they are of
no practical importance. They would unques-
tionably influence his conduct as legislator on
many matters which might demand attention.
But if not, the fact that man holds an errone-
Gus theory ought not to be an argument in his
favor. Theories in politics are potent influences
and we can never anticipate when the mislcad-
ing tendency of false one will be felt.
So much for Mr.. Eaton's case. We have chosen
to take the Republicans statement of his posi-
ton, although it is more favorable than the
facts, as we understand them, will warrant, be-
cause he thus becomes fair representative of
the democrats who are asking for republican
confidence and cooperation. Whatever can be
said in behalf of Mr.. Eaton can be said for any
anti-war democrat, and the objections to trust
ing him hold good as against the rest. 1t is not
question of forgiveness or reconciliation, but of
surrender. The republican party is willing to for
give rebels and copperheads; it has forgiven
them, and has only kindly feelings towards
them; it is willing and desires that they should
vote and hold Office, if they can be elected. 1t
perfectly willing to have their cooperation for
any good purpose, but it is not indifferent to
their political principles; it is not willing to
adopt those nor to abandon its own principles
10 prove that it is reconced. In short, it recog-
nizes distinction between the principles aud
aims of the republican and democratic parties,
and is determined to hold to the former and 10
the men who thoroughly believe in them.