New-York tribune., 1875-03-01
THE PLOT TUJCKENS.

Tho provisions of the Force bill are so
monstrOus, so flagrantly at variance with the
principles of all free government and with
the most characteristic theories of the Ameri-
can system, that many of us, though we knew
the desperate character of the Republican
majority at Washington, could not believe it
possible for the measure to pass either House
of Congress. But we moderated 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.. IIawloy opposed
it with zeal that did them the greatest credit.
The members who are entitled by commanding
ability, fair fame, and long record of patriotic
service-though not, perhaps, by audacty and
vulgar insoepce-to be looked upon as the
leaders of the party, stood against it in solid
array. But the hOme-organ of the Admins
tration cried out, in capital letters, "The
passage of this bill is required to preserve to
"the Republican party the electoral vote of the
Southern States :" Gen. Butler sat up all
night, "at the risk of his life" to keep his
eye on the House and lash the reluctant
members into line, and the bill pAssed.
Study tho record of the votes, and
you will see that, allowing for some
few exceptions, the respectabilty of the
Republican side of the House ranged itself on
one hand, and the jobbers, adventures, and
demagogues on the other. If the bill can be
pushed to a vote in the Senate-which we
rejoice to say is dOubtful-it will become
law. We do not look to the Senate to save
US from any disgrace or injustice which
may be demanded to perpetuste mis-
rule at the South. With this bill.
and an appropriation of S3,OOO,OOO for
the expenses of the Department of
Justice in conducting the next campaign by
means of deputy marshas, the way will be
open for coercing the electoral vote of the
Southern States in favor of the third term;
and nothing will be wanting except Senator
Morton's amendment prohibiting the rejection
of bogus electoral ballots, without the consent
of the Republican Senate, to complete the ar
rangements for 1876.
The amendment restricting the operation of
the habeas corpus clause to four States and
limiting its force to about three years does
not change its mischicvOus character it only
makes a little Improvement in its outward ap-
pearance. For all purposes of mischief it still
will be powerful enough. Under it and the
general policy Of which it is merely the legis-
lative expression we may expect all the
miseries of the South to be aggravated Kel-
loggs, SpenceIs, McClures, Durells, Busteeds,
Caseys, Merrills, Packards, and Pinchbacks
to be established as prOconsuls in all
the conquered provinces debts to swell
with accelerated rapidity trade TO
cease treasures to become bankrupt
marvel if under tho evaporation of such
treatment the very evils which the bill pro-
fesses to provide for curing are not increased,
and violence do not become chronic and
nearly universal-whch is probably what
many of the adherents Of the President sim
cerelY desire.
For the avalanche of evils which the Re-
publican party policy thus formally adopted