Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1872-03-21
THE REMAINING DUTY.

The denial of Office holding and cleo
tive franchises to the participants in the
rebellion was imperatively demanded by
tho exigencies of a great social and po-
vgs litical revolution, and, in fact, was the
sine qxa non of a perfect and permanent
1ebrestoratien of the Union. 1t was not to
3 be supposed that men embittcrcd by 4
protracted and sanguinary contest with a
40 Government against whose authority they
had revolted. and whose luminosity was
intensified 10y the chagrin and Notifying
disappointments Of defeat would at once
abandon a position they had rainly en-
NJ dsayored to sustain by the power Of the
% sword, and take a positive and decided in
terest in the successes of q cause that had
L. robbed them of the coveted fruits Of un-
81 reserved sacrifice, severe suffering and
gallant bravery. When the heated an
q tagonisms of the war had cooled. the fer
yor Of its animosities and passions allayed.
and reason had returned with its gentle
sway of unimpassioned judgment and uD-
clouded reflection, the sunny ballot was
given to all without trammels and condi-
VI. lions. This act has done much toward
restoring tranquility to tho country and
~ destroying the baneful influence Of Sec
tionalism and party tyranny. The en-
Gghtened sense of the Republican party,
b showing a magnamimity IN victory equal
to their bravery in battle has long since
taken this noble and judicious step in the
work of restoration. But the counter
part of universal sufferage-universal
Amnesty-is still withheld. Many Re-
publicans, we are aware, earnestly pro-
test against this restoring measure, and
sincerely believe that there are certain
rebel leaders who should be forever de-
barred from all political franchises. We
answer that all the rebels are voting and
only o very small number are under Of
fee holding disability, and Congress rep
resenting the most ultra Republican SEN
timent has never failed to pardon and
fully restore all applicants. This piece
p meal Legislation for the benefit of a few
individuals is weak, pucrilo and unwor-
2 thyof a great Government. Like %univer-
sal suffrage. general amnesty and full res
t~oration will be accomplished sooner or
later, because they are in intimate accord
with the highest genius of Republican
sentiment and honor.
If President Grant would mere ear
nestly urge this policy, he would impart a
dignity and a moral strongth-and grandeur
to his Administration that would terrify
and break doGn all opposition. He
would show to the rebels, in extending to
them the confidence and good feeling of
the nation, that their resources CT infict-
ing fresh wrongs upon the country were
too limited to be worthy of grave consid-
Grafton, and an obedient and cordial citi-
Eensiip would be tho better part Of dig
erection. The adoption of this policy
would obliterate the last ugly trace Of uar
from our national politics. and the people
could turn their undivided attention to
the more important and vital concerns of
Government. We hope the President will
boldly aspire to this high vantage ground
Of political equity and wisdom, for nc are
sure that its magnetism will attract a sap.
e. port to his name in the pending election
AZ great a. the nightjcst army he ever
q marshalled.