New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-05-25
LrRRRALTsM.

party. strict construction of all the
powers Of the constitution, and total alb
stinence from the exercise of any doubtful
provisions, is the only criterion they are
disposed to recognise. OF these principles
the Bee sets up as an exponent In jour.
nal of its antecedents such doctrines are
surprising. Not many years ago, it held
the reverse of this strict Interpretation.
These were the doctrines Of the jackson
Democracy Jefferson taught it and Madi-
son gave it practical illustration. But the
tenets Of Clay and Webster were very diff
ferent, and the Bee was their enthusiastic
champion so was Mr.. Greeley, now, as
then, the standard-bearer Of liberalism.
The latter has in no wise changed his
views Of politics. But the Bee from one
Of the ablest champions of the old Wing
doctrines and principles from being the
advocate of a liberal Interpretation Of the
constitution = from supporting eompro-
misses, and advising concessions, has be-
come the fiery champion Of straight-laced
Democracy.
Now such a position could be incon-
cievable, were it not faculty of human
nature to change The Bee being directed
by men with large modicum of human
nature about them, has at last fallen into
this habit, and from the chrysahs has
emerged into light full-grown butterfly
of Democracy. Indeed, it is even illiberal
enough to put behind it all its former
teachings, and with surprising hardihood
announces chat the experience of all
time teaches that compromises are ever
uncertain and precarious agencies, and in
politics as well as in every other human
experiment, halfway measures have never
been adequate to inspire that enthusiasm
and devotion which are the guarantees of
success.
Now we submit to the Bee that this is
rank recantation In 1850 it thought a
political compromise" the only expedi-
ent by which hostile opinion could find a
reconcilable solution. But it is an error
to suppose that an advocacy of liberal doc
trines in the present emergency necessari-
ly involves an abandonment Of political
principles. It is, as we previously stated,
compromise merely for the sake of expe-
diency. The Democratic party are too
few in numbers, and too iIly-organized, to
elect President of itself The Republican
opposers Of General Grant are in the same
condition. Now the main object of both
Of these organizations is to effect that very
purpose. Minor differences of opinion
upon abstract issues can be put in abey-
ance for while, and concert of action ac-
complish first the great primary necessity.
Whether or not it was the policy of the
johnson or the Grant administration ''to
aid and promote the restoration of the
South to its bereft privileges and power"
neither of them did it. We are free to
confess, however, that we regard such an
event as a deSiderGtom in politics. We
want it done, and are assured that
the Liberal movement is the only reliable
expedient for its accomplishment. The
people of the entire country are heartily
Disguised with the present administration.
Its corruptions in the civil service, its in
justice to the South, its nepotism, and
worse than all, the shameful foundations
it has brought upon us through the me-
dunn of our foreign relations, have pre-
pared the masses readily to choose between
their fealty to party and pure admins
tration Of the government. That is the
one thing needful. Notwithstanding how
Mr.. Greeley may be differed with
upon ordinary issues of governmental pol
icy, no sane man doubts his honesty of
purpose. Should he be elected President,
he will be the representative of the people
He understands the force of popular opin-
on, and knows that the judgment of ma
ion is rarely in error.
But the Bee is doubtful that the success
# Liberalism, founded as it is upon prin-
,iples of reform, will not benefit this
State. Why not ? Liberalism to be sue
essful must have the support Of all the
states, The people must guide and con-
rol the movement. If they give their
support to the national cause, why can
hey not at the same time give it to the |
3tatei The power is in their hands.
They can give relief or withhold it as they |
hoose; and does not this fact offer an un-
argument in favor of all de-
iring reform, to unite in the struggle to
ender it immediate and effective? To |
AVE two ways of doing the same thing
reates division at once. 1t renders the
ther party dominant by dividing its
opponents. If all the people in the State
avorable to reform unite in support of
he Liberal movement, does it not give
hem the control? If they are in the ma
Ority, what stands in the way of their
haping the election? For our life, we
re unable to perceive the validity Of our
ontelnporarys arguments. Sincere in
ur own desires for the success Of reform,
hitch we believe can only be effected by
he Liberal Republican movement, we are
lin to ascribe motives of equal sincerity
} the Bee; but its arguments have more
he appearance of sophistry than sound
eason. 1t disregards its own teachings
,r nearly half century to make these
it changes the ground of its