Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-08-29


hts to be derived from an amended constitution
| look naturally to those who amended it. The
country demands something more than prom
lseS,-promises easily made and easily broken.
The people require a stronger pledge than plat
form. 1t is not enough to resolve in favor OF the
fifteenth amendment, and then vote against
every act of congress to carry out its provisions.
1t is not enough TO resolve against the atrocities
of midnight assasSins, and then vote against
every act empowering the government to sup
press them. Let every Massachusetts republi-
can, then, stand by his fac; and when, for the
ostenslble purpose of reform, he is asked TO aban-
don that party which has worked out the prob
lem thus far, and Join the party of promises
alone, let him be ready with the reply-"Show
me thy faith without thy works, and will show
fhee my faith by my works, '-as he marches
still beneath the loyal banner of Lincoln and
Andrew and Grant, and keeps step TO the music
which cheered and inspired the loval hosts in
their conflicts for freedom and the Union.
But not 10 our own state alone can we turn
for gratifying and honorable administration
OF public affairs, under the rule of the republican
party. IL Is only necessary to compare the pres
ent condition of the country with that which eX-
lsted at the opening OF Gen. Grants admins
tratlon, to satisfy every candid mind, regardless
OF party distinctions, that his service ms a civil
magistrate has been as useful and important in
these years of peace, as was his great military
service during the trying years of war 1t was
IN the midst of the turmoil and confusion and
generalization OF Andrew JohnsOn's admins
tration that Gen. Grant was nominated for the
presidency and elected. Never, not even during
the war did our public affairs look more gloomy.
The country was rent by angry and contending
passions. The work of reconstruction had adj
Vanced but little; eight states were still waiting
for admission into the Union, waiting TO aScer-
tain, if possible, the principle even on which they
were TO be restored. The president spent the
chief part of his time in insulting congress; and
congress occupied the chief part of its time in
binding the hands of the president, and endeav-
oring to accomplish his impeachment and
removal from office. The loyal men of the
south were stretching out their hands to the
government for aid and protection. "Away
with carpet baggerS and negro domination"
said the president, while Senator DoOlittle, who
is now clamoring for reform, Knocked the
oppressed and suffering with the insulting prop
OsitOn that "every negro should vote who was
worth 5000, and had served in the Union army"
The blood of loyal citizens, white and black,
flowed in the streets of southern Cities shot
down by the dominant race, playing a kuklux
part in broad daylight, under the favoring
smiles OF the administration. The rights of the
American citizen were not recognized in the
constitution. In one half the country the rights
OF property were unguarded and insecure The
producing capacity of the south was so reduced
that twas largely disqualified both as a home
market and as an exporter of raw materials
Reputation of the national debt was openly
and unblushingly advocated as a national ne
cesSity and as party dogma The currency of
the country was depressed nearly 40 per cent
Official corruption was generally ditfused-the
sale of office being open and iniamous-and the
deialcationS amounting TO nearly two millions
OF dollars. The chaSm, wide enough and bloody
enough at the opening of the administration,
was wider and boodier at its close And ali
TINS was the result of coalitions, and weeping
conventions and an appeal TO the disloyal ele-
ment OF the country, and a recognition of Il
dominant race, and reconciliation based on
surrender of all the fruits of the war 1t was
the result, moreover, of Andrew Johnson's be-
trayal OF The republican party. And remember,
gentlemen, how the republican party of Massa-
chusettS rose up in its wrath, and hurled back
defiance at Andrew johnson, and gathered
round and sheltered with fnndnesS and enthu-
siasm our great leaders whom the mad president
undertook to defy and insult, because they were
true TO the party and its principles true to their
own teachings and associations.
1t was in thisI condition of affairs that Gen.
Grant assumed the reins of government not as
the result of his own ambitious designs, but in
obedience to an earnest and enthusiastic sum
mons from the loyal men of the land. More by
his deeds than by his words had he secured their
confidence; and the whole country waited anx.
iously for his first declaration OF the policy of
his administration. He had been nominated on
Il platform, which pledged him and his party,
so lar as platform can pledge any man, to ''the
honest payment of our deb, TO the protection
OF all citizens in their rights, and the security
OF the ballot to ALTO liberal amneSty,-to
reduction of taxation, 'that labor may be lightly
burthened, to honesty in the public service
and to the care aud protection of "the brave
soldiers and Seamen who endured the hardShips
OIL campaign and cruise, and imperilcd their
lives IN the service of the country, and also to
the widows and orphans of the gallant dead"
fou all remember how true to this platform was
ms concise and modest inaugural-a document
which removed the fears and doubts of the anx.
lous and the earnest, and gave the country an
assurance atloyalty and honesty and humanity
had come once more to the lorefront-promising
peace and reconciliation at home, and a foreign
policy calling on nations to deal with each
other as the Jaw requires individuals Now. has
any man been deceived? Has any hope been
0lastedf Has any promise been broken? But
little more than three years has Gen, Grant been
engaged in this work assigned him by the re-
publican party--and the record would be an
honorable and imposing one for lifetime.
State after state has been restored, until every
seat in congress is filed, and nothing is required
but obedience to the constitution and the pro-
iecuon OF life and property "to prevent the peo-
pie OF such states from being RENTED TO n
state of anarchy or military rule" Suffrage
has been established as the constitutional RIGHT
OF every citizen, to be destroyed OR abridged bv
V. n
dustrial development, and the financial success
OF the country, have been truly marvellous.
Secure in their rights and possessions through.
out the country, stimulated TO new and more
vigorous effort by the recognized dignity of
each man as citizen, the American people have
tolled safely and successfully to enrich them
selves, and to elevate the credit of their govern
ment. 1t is the successful industry of an honest
and thriving people which lies at the foundation
OF our financial success, an industry which has
been iostered aud protected by a wise and sa-
gaclous administration. The results are fabu.
lous. The value of our agricultural and manufac-
turing products has increased almost beyond
computation. Not only have we fed and clothed
forty millions of people, but we have increased
our exports from three hundred and fifty mil.
lions to more than five hundred and fiftv mil
lions OF dollars annually, less than seventy mil
lions OF this being in coin and bullion. We
nave reduced the rates of interest and ex-
change have appreciated our national
currency. have paid more than three hun.
dred millions Of the national debt and
stand among the first on the list of the nepotia-
TORS of loans in the markets of the world. Be.
eVlng as we do in Massachusetts, that he who
has two dollars is better able to pay his debts
man ne VINO mas one, and that the best way to
establish ones credit is to begin to pay ones
debts, l think the republicans of Massachusetts
have no reason to complain that the secretary
Of tue treasury has carried with him to Wash.
ngton the financial policy which he learned at
home. Shall the capitalist complain that his
national securities are made doubly sure? Shall
labor complain that taxation is reduced? Shall
Inc honest man complain that defalcations have
argely diminished, and the revenues are more
accurately collected2 Meanwhile, at home and
lbroad have our citizens been protected dis
Utilities have been removed, the arrogant as
umption, that "once a subject, always a sub.
eel" has been stricken down, and peaceful
has been substituted for war in the
adjustment of internationally difficulties. And
his has been done faithfully and honestly, and
o the honor Of the nation.
TO this familiar record, so honorable and SO
ntirely in accordance with the principles of the
epublcan party, that | should suppose the most
dissatisfied republican accuser Of the president
would now and then contemplate il with deep
desire to add few words from his
ecorded opinions for the benefit of those who
consider that the relormatory work of the times
les especially remote from his mind and heart.
And, first, in reply to the doubleheaded charge
If the reformers, that in exercising his authority
o suppress the ku kluX outrages of the south
le has neglected his duty toward the LOYAL men
here through dilatoriness and delay, and, on
he other hand, has usurped dangerous and I'M
powers tending toward military
dictatorship, turned to ms message of Deem
Der 5, 1871, and find the following wise, and
prudent, and vigorous statement:
There has been imposed upon the executive
branches OF the government the execution of the
lct Of congress, approved April 20, 1871, and
commonly known as the ku klux law, in q por-
ion of the state Of South Carolina The neces-
ity of the course pursued will be demonstrated
~ the report of the committee to investigate
Outlern Outrappe Hinder tho nrovisions NJ tha