New-York tribune., 1874-07-04
DRIFT OF POLITTOAL DISCUSSION
NATIONAL POLITICS.
RESPONSIBILITY POR SOUTHERN MlSRULE.
from The PhuGd>lphtd Press tKeDl


RESPONSIBILITY PoR SOUTHERN MIsRULE.
from The PhlGd>lphd Press tksDD
Men are ever prone to extremes. Public
opinion, when II once sets in particular direction.
almost cerain 20 go too far just as pendulum drawn
to one side OF the perpendicuar VIII inevitably SWING
outrageous rascaes perpetrated by the corrupt carpet
bag in several or southern states No
intelligent reading man can deny TINS tact ana 20 sel
respecting citizen will attempt to justify IT, But II Is
mistake worse to charge that corruption and robbery
In the south, any section OF the Union, have been
peculiarly characteristic Of Republican rule. We muss
bapgers carry US 10 the other extreme OF suppUsns
them alone guilty. South Carolina has been shame
ing connection with the Republican party, and
pleased to record none have more emphatically de-
nOunced the rottenness which has dsgraced the party
there than prominent Republican papers OF the North
Louisiana has been subjected to all Of evils by
various OF fatventurers who have all been "
party by means. But careful study OF South
statistics reveals the face that corruption and
travagance have not been confined 10 any particular
States to either OF the two great parties Our Demo-
cratic friends have no reason for charging monopoly
OF msrule upon the Southern Republican adminstIa-
tons. That would be case OF the pots calling tia
kettle black The simple truth Is that The better ele-
ments OF both parties have too little TO do aud say
their management, while the worst elements somehow
always force themselves " the surface when lucrative
offices are 10 be nlled.
AN ISSUE TO BE NET
From TAe Cincinnati Enquirer tDcm.l
If our conceptions OF the press 10 be effected
By tho tax and gag laws Of Senators Carpenter and
Sherman correct, IL is easy that those gene
simply endeavorlng TO cloud and cOx tue
from whence their constituents draw matter ot
Information about their stewards. This is decidedly the
issue rendered, IL must De eQuarely met Every
Representative who voted for either bal should be held
up the suspicion and re0uke OF his constituents aud
defeat seeking reelection The laws OF libel enacted
in good fatn have been always welcomed 10y tho
respectable press and the civil damages gwen frOm
time for hbeous utterances have simply maGs
bad publishers the relief Of those worthy
But the attempt 10 put duties the circulation
or public matter IN this age necessary TO the intel
ectua ygor Of the people as blood Is TO ther oodrs
and the proposal TO drag publishers from the ure OK
the vicnage before those mOldng under the moisture
Of an aperyadng political corruption comes at time
and in a century where the press has outgrOwn the
largest muzzle which the cunning hand VI man can
make.
CONGRESS AND THE PRESS.
From The Bangor Wig and Courier (fSpl
There are undoubtedly some members OK
Congress who entertain most reyensefu feelings toward
Sse spspers and who would be glad 10 satisfy their
Nngeance but believe these persons exceptions,
and that the number Of members recognize oOIga
tions 10 the Of the country, and that tney are
sensible enough 10 understand that In fighting IL they
would invite conflict with the people which could END
only disaster 10 themselves The conductors of news
papers for other protection than that accorded 70
all other citizens and members or Congress ented
other methods of redress than those provided IOr
ALL Public opinion in this country Is too mighty 70 Oo
curbed by any exercise Of arbitrary power and wOa
be the hight OF absurdy for such attempt 10 be mads
by body which depends for existence upon tie sai'
frages Of the people.