New-York tribune., 1873-02-18
. GPEIT OPPORTUNITY.

In case the incoming Congress does not hold
an extra session next month, we learn that it
is the intention of the President to make an
extended Journey through the Southern States,
accompanied by several members of his Cabi-
net This forms an additional reason for de-
string that the extra session may not be held.
We think that nothing but good can result
from such journey. 1t is not possible but that
the President should gain in his progress through
the South most valuable store of facts and
impressions which will be in the future of great
benefit to the Government and to the people. lie
will of course carry with him the conscien-
tious desire to investigate as far as practicable
the causes of the trouble which still disturb
the South, and the intention to apply the
remedies which may seem to him lawful and
expedient. He will have good opportunities
of observation. He has ALWAYS been credited
with a capacity for Judging the value of men.
He can do great deal in this visit towards
thoroughly informing himself of the needs OF
the South and towards persuading Its citizens
of the power and the will of the nation to aid
them out of their difficulties in every proper
way
We earnestly hope that the people of the
South will meet this cordial and friendly ad-
vance in the spirit in which it is meant.
Nothing can be gained by any exhibition Of
coldness or hostility to the Administration.
OF course, if there were any question of prln-
ciple, or even proper sentiment, involved, we
should be the last to counsel any deviation
from the line of strict protest and abstention.
But there is nothing of the kind. Gen. Grant
is President not of party, but of the whole
country, for at least four years to come. His
best interests are identical with those of the
whole body of citizens. His fame and repute
now and always depend upon the measure OF
success which he is to attain in the COM
plete pacifcatiOn of the country and the
restoration of the former unity Of interest and
feeling among the States He has done many
things, in reference to the internal political
affairs of Southern States, which we have dis
approved and frankly criticised But the only
way to prevent recurrence of these causes
of complaint is to bring about more intel
ligent mutual understanding between the par
ties. Much ought to be accomplished in this
direction during this journey. But nothing
will be accomplished if the better class OF
Southerners avoid the President with cold
hostility and leave his reception to the care
OF the Neudl anu luttitSUtus pOSltlOu
deserves their respect. The common good re-
quires something more-a sincere and cordial
courtesy, and frank and honest interchange
of views in regard to public matters. We
think that Gen. Grant has made some
grave mistakes in his treatment of the South,
but none so grave as the South will make by
regarding him as an enemy. He was brave
and loyal adversary. After the war he made
q tour of observation in the South, the results
of which he embodied in a report so cordially
friendly as to subject him to severe animad-
version from Republican sources. We believe
that the instances since then where his public
acts have given the Southern people reason to
complain have been the result not of any un-
friendly feeling, but of misapprehensiOn of
law or fact. A better acquaintance will result
in a more reasonable and liberal attitude of
the Government and the governed. We con-
fidently trust that this great opportunity will
be properly improved by the President and
by the people of the South.