Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1873-04-26
A MAsTERLY REVIEW.
Twelve Yenrs Adrln.

Twelve Nenrs Adrin
Wemaks no apology, says the Montgom
crv Advertiser aud Mall, for laying before
our readers TO the exc fusion of much other
NATTER the following powerful article
from the New York Herald. We publish
this review of the hidoous history Of this
country for tho past twelve years, con-
eluding with It's bold and faithful state
mon, OF the present moral, political and
financial degradation Of the United STATES,
because II is all directly In the limo Of eur
own humble ,eaehings to the people. Let
every one rsad this extraordinary EXPOSE
ton, considering its SorthsrR STANDPOINT,
and further in consideration Of its being
the leading editorial of the greatest paper
in the land, and see in it the dawning OF
the light of that conservative reaction
which shall yet dissipate the radical dark
ness, and restore the country once more,
first TO its reason, and then to its old time
peace. The mighty struggle now inaugu-
rated between Democratic or true Repub-
lean conservatism, and Grant radicsiism
leading to Anarchy or Empire, will be
like that once waged between Lucifer and
the Arch Angel Michael, and their rsspsc-
tive hostsi The truth and the right will
CONQUER, We trust, now IS then. But with
out more words we present to our readers
the article in question 49,. ,
Self-reyiew. often . psinfGl, is always
. profitable task. We have been twelve
years adrift from Democratic landmarks,
Twelve years under the guidance and
discipline off party Of high moral ideas,
and it is good for us to look about us
little, see where we are, and take stock Of
our bearings and belongings, in order to
mako up intelligently the account OF
profit and loss in the national balance
sheet. 1t is confidently asserted BY the
Republican press and leaders that we
have been enormous gamers by their de-
partures from ancient party faith and
principles, both in material, social and
moral respects. The chimes have pro-
claimed it in triple bob-majors that the
loftS generous, and wise principles OF
the new-light party, the great and BENT
6cept measures that have marked our
progress under their auspices, and the
harmony which this party has shown
with the genius aud character of our in
s,iiutions--we quote the words Of an
eminent moulhpiece of advanced Radical
ism, in order that there may be no mis-
lake about it--nre much more man
enough 10 compensate MS for me trihing
little moes just now floating in our sun
beams, and the few iDcOmmoditles winch
people seem to suffer in consequence OF
these departures This may all be So
hut if 30 the statements will assuredly
stand the test of comparison and fact.
The party of high moral ideas has gen.
orally proceeded towards the achievement
of its supposed reforms by processes P'cu'
liar TO itself, aud processes not OF univer-
sal acceptance with that school of states.
manship which is founded on science and
experience. 1t has reasoned like its IA
vorito poet and philosopher when he said
that "Beauty is its own excuse for being.
Reforms, the new-Hght doctrinsires have
invariably srgued, Justify the methods
employed to btins them about. The con
stitut ional Limitation must not stand II
the way of progress. There is always
HIGHER law than the statute, and wher
these two conflict we must yield obedience
to the len non scripta, and give merely bu
man ordinance founded upon the mersly
human experiences, the go-by. In illus
tration Of the operation Of this principle
we have seen Vice President Co'fsx lstsi,
irving to oppose his mind, conscious vt III
own rectitude, to The universal law OF svl
; dence, and the par,issns Of his scot stout !,
oendoning his soleian AMI repeated per-
juries upon the ground that he had don't
service TO the cause of liberty and anion
4 This is somew hat different from the prac
tice of the fathers Of the Republic, who
when the ease of Benedict Arnsld wa
brought before them, and they were asked
what they would do with him if captured
answered at snce: "Bury the leg that wa
woundcd at Saratoga with the honors o
war and hang the rest Of him upon glib
bet T.
Under the operation of its system o
national reior nation thus metnsd'sed, TN
high moral ideas has succeeded In con
signing oil formerly current principles o
legislative expediency, National policy
State-craft; constitutional limitation, ant
individual obstructedness 10 n decent OBJ
livisu or harmless subordination in thu
conduct of affairs. Instead of these i
substituted vague sentimentality o
stout usurpaton. The substitution car
not be defended by any rule of authority
but that Of Rob Roy, that they are priv
lodged TO take who have the power; no
does the party of high moral ideas advsnc
any defence except that which
we have stated-that the en-
justifiss the means. The Republican
party. therefore, elects to be judged strict
ly by whatit has done during the pas
twelve years, and by the fruits Of thos
performances. ,.... ioa
Tho system of interference with th
States and with individuals has grown vi
out of q series Of seperate acts, eacl
of which was dene under . pretsxt o
military and political necessity in tn
period Of civil war. One result has beel
the abolition OF slavery. That result
naturally grew out Of the war and is
great and un Questionable boon, the mora
and material benefits of which coul'
scarcely be estimated. But on th
high neral idea programme that resul
could not DO seonPlished by Legitimate
processes, but must be effected through
ia grant violation Of the sancity OF tn
Constitution. This violation led TO 9th
ers. the pretext of which was still reform
still that the end justified the means, un
Gil in necessary and logical sequence
same negro suffrage and the wrstched en-
torcement bills, which are spreading an
arclIy, the reward Of tyranny, over tn
land. t,-l .f'fs- I.I.sti
The system of interference again man
,pulated in the interest of high mora
ideas gave us the protective tarif and il
conseners of subsidy and government
partnership. When the CLOAK OF Publi
necessity was torn away frem this CON
prehepsive schemr- of plumber it renewed
its claim to The shield Of high moral idea
by protesting to advance national indus
tries, create home markets, and elevate
the Nottingham. So lopg as 1t coul'
prove itself to be q high moral idea tn
I tariff cared not jot for the simple truths
Of arithmetic, nor gave itself the least con
Germ when Il was irrefrsgably demonstra
ted to he simply a scsndalous and swim
ding device to draw subsistence frou
some classes in order 10 maintain othei
classes IN a false state Of prosperity. From
the iuyidieHs distinctions thus insugurate'
resulted a frantic competition Of hsrssse'
Industries and decayipg interests to &c
themselves on the ground floor and in thu
pssitiOn of favored parties. This was the
ereat source Of powerful combinations, o
rings. Of legislative corruption, hnsll,
A If m