Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1874-11-14
WHAT NAY COME GIFT.

~. 44f 1880 - .--taa ssE'
The universal outburst of joy that
has followed the signal defeat of Rad
icslism, is anexpression of reliefwhieh
shows how deep and general has been
thefeeling of depression and hopeless
ness. consequent upon years of corrupt
misrule. But, amidst the demonstra-
tons of JOY. so hopefel of a happier
future for government well nigh de-
stroyei By the madness and folly of
It's own citizens. how few pause TO re-
feet apon the situation and weigh the
responsibilities it devolves upon those
who have won the victory. Radical
ism is paralyzed, but not dead. If
Conservative Democracy displays the
wisdom demanded by the Importance
Of the crisis. the Radical party cannot
long survive the shock it has received,
bat grave blunder of the next Con-
gress may gslvanize il into renewed
life and vigor. The evils to be cor
rected are both serious and numerous.
By many, the ost.dangerous of these,
are esteemed blessings, and solong have
all been endured. that sudden reform
may have all the consequences of a
dangerous innovation upon established
precedents.
But, to appreciate fully the embar-
easements. which surround the situa
ton, we must bear in mind. that, with
even larger majority in the lower
House, nothing of importance can be
directly accomplished, in the face of a
Radical Senate and Executive, 1t is
true that We can check the farther pro-
gress Of usurpation and tyranny. but,
without power to periectimportant re-
forms, the wiser policy is to stand upon
the defensive ustil the revelation in
popular sentiment has brought the
Executive and Legislative depart
ments into fuller sympathy with the
wishes aud intentions of the people.
The hope of the Radicals is, that a
different policy will be pursued, and
thatthe Democrtic majority, in its pride
and elation, willattempt some bold, but
rs get impracticabie, movement which
may serve as pretext for stirring
anew, the Wondering embers Of the
war and reyiving itsvindictive animos-
tiles. Although the Democratic ma
iority will be powerless to accomplish
all that may be thoughtlessly expected
of it, yet there is ample scope for good
service in checking Grants lawlessness
and abuse of power, and in preventing
rhe corrupt expenditure Of the PEG
pies money In addition to the
good thus to be effected, still greater
good eau be achieved by throwing light
upon the dark deeds of the Radical
party. since the war, and in this way
giving renewed impetus to the revo-
luton in popular sentiment The po-
,ition of the majority will enable it to
uncover many foul motive and base
act. as yet unseen save by a eOnclave of
conspirators against the people and
their free institutions.
The responsibilities devolving upon
the Democratic majority are fearful
TO contemplate, and unless they are
met and discharged with great wisdom
and circumspection, the results may be
fearfully disastrous. The Radical
party is o great and dangerous power,
even after its late defeat, Controlling
the army and navy, strong in the sup
port of huge moDopolies Of cOncen-
trated capital, stimulated by hatred OF
Democracy and the South, fearing ex-
posure and the punishment of their
crimes, and controlled by no worthy
considerations, il is prepared for any
risk that may possibly open a way Of
escape from impending destiny. I'm
der such circumstances, the transition
from. conflict of opinions, to a con-
flict Of arms. is not impossible, and
may be preoipitated as the only availa-
tile means for perpetuating power in
the hands of those who have so long
abused it. Grants lost opportunity
may be regained by any blunder Of the
Democratic majority which may in
duce reaction in his favor. We are
for no half way measures when it Is
safe to act, but that time has not yet
come, and to hold and strengthen the
position we have won, arashly agrees
i've policy should be studiously avoid
ed.