The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-03-03
Press Comments on the Force itiii.

The Iribune saws If tie passage OF the
force bill that its provisions are So Migrant
ly at variance with the principles of all
free government, and with the mo char
acteristic theories Of the American system,
that many of us, though we know the des-
perate character of the republican majority
at Washington, could not believe it posi-
bic for the measure to pass either house of
Congress, But we understand the strength
of the bad elements which are driving the
party TO its ruin. The bill has passed the
House of Representatives.
Staunch administration men like Mr.
Willard and Mr.. Hawey opposed it with
zeal that did them the greatest credit, and
members who are entitled by commanding
ability, fair fame and large record of pat
riotic service Though not, perhaps, by au-
dacity and vulgar insolence) to be looked
upon as the leaders Of the party stood
against it in solid array If every repubi-
can representative who thinks with Messrs.
Willard and Hawley had used as plain
speech as they did, the bill would probably
never have passed.
The Times says the civil rights bill and
the force bill are unsustained by any clear
authority in the constitution. Whatever
else they may do. they accustom the coun-
try to such treatment of the constitution
as that instrument never ought to receive.
Thought it be of the alphabet of political
instruction in this country, it cannot be too
often repeated that our constitution is the
most precious thing we have, and must be
| respected If we expect to secure the adyan-
| tages of free and well-ordercd govern
| ment.
There is one important indication by
which we can judge of the probable effect
of the passage of political bills on the par
ty, and that is the attitude of leading re-
publicans with reference to them in con-
gress. Many of the best Southern repub-
licans were opposed to the civil rights bill.
Mr.. Carpenter showed by his admirable
speech how it is regarded by another nu-
merous section.
1t would be folly to suppose that views
so clear and so logically expressed as those
Of Mr.. Carpenter would not ruin many adj
hcrents if they did not already have them.
But the fact is that Mr.. Carpenters speech
only put in more than usually distinct and
forcible form ideas that generally prevail in
the North among republicans, and the same
may be said of the speeches of Mr.. Ward
General Hawlcy and Judge Poland on the
force bill.
The republican party does not want
that bill. 1t expressly wishes not to have
it. 1t does not believe it necessary; there
has been no demand for 1t. The men who
have allowed Butler to bully and wheedlt
and cajOle them into voting for it do not
represent the republican purity. On the
contrary its opponents represent that the
party and their policy (the policy of com
mon sense) is the only one by which thu
party can afford to stand.
The World says that the farce bill ha
had no advocate outside of Congress, ant
those in Congress who voted for it will fine
if it becomes a law that their votes will b,
likely to cause their political death.
The Sun says the passage of the fore,
bill signifies the republican organization
, has passed into the hands of the most dis
reputable and INSCRIPTIONS members o
the party, and that Grant will be able t.
dictate his own denomination by the re
publican convention. 1t puts the repub
( lcan party on record as the reyolutonar
p party, unmindful OF constitutional restric
tions or motives of honesty, and in favo
of comforting despotic power upon a
D officer who, according to the theory of GU
=. Government. is simply the servant of tn
people. These short-sighted politician
will yet learn, however, that the people ar
s more powerful than either President q
| Congress.