New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-03-28
THE WEST TO RULE THE UNION.

!
bodied in another article in this issue as
| by quoting Western maa who has re-
Gently treated the subject Of sectional IN
fiuence and political construction from q
Western standpoint, nor will we refrain
from giving an illustration of the new
power developed by the war which came
within our own observation.
When the Senate Committee on Trans
| portation was in session at st. Louis there
came before it a committee from the
Grangers. Its object was to insist upon
new and adequate lines Of transportation
| between the West and East and the West
and the gulf ports. The immediate plan
represented by this committee was sys-
tenn Of national railroads. The paper
which they presented was replete with
statistical facts and calculations. It en-
bodied standard arguments, stated in plain
and distinct language. The two gentle
men who presented the paper had been
| soldiers, most probably officers, in the
late war, and bore themselves with a proper
sentiment of courtesy and independence
in their interview with the Senate COM
| mittee. At the close of their remarks
| they were questioned as to some practical
| points Of the cost, location and working
of the proposed road. These were an
swered with clearness and accuracy
which showed them masters of the sub
ject in every financial and physical aspect.
This branch of the subject closed, they
| were asked by Senator from the East
whether they had considered the constitu-
tioral obstacles which might present
themselves to the execution Of their pro-
ject. They replied that they considered
this government Of the people, by the
people and for the people; thai, Congress
as the servant of the people would execute
the popular command expressed through
the appointed channels Of the constitu-
ton. But, remarked the Senator, there
is another department of the govern
ment to whose duties you may not
have, perhaps, adverted. Suppose the
Supreme Court of the Union should
declare that no power exists in Congress
to enact such law as you wish. What
would you do with such decree One
of the committee turned calmly to the
Senator and replied, "We would wipe it
out as we did the bred Scott decision"
That practical man knew that the
popular power which makes a President
and Congress, and builds new States on
vacant territory, can make judges whose
political opinions must concur with those
of the people. They were asked no fur
ther questions. We can not so we'll ex-
plain and apply this essay as by quoting
a Western man who has recently treated
the subject from Western standpoint.
At the Eads' banquet, the Hon. J. 3.
Henderson responded to the toast, the
State of Missouri, and incidentally made
the observations which follow:
During the early manhood of the majority
Of us present tonight, we remember that
political maxims were generally accepted
from Southern statesmen. Their policy
governed the country. Their political
tenets were favorably received by a large
majority Of the people. These men i'm
pressed their views upon national legisla-
tion, and furnished so many bright ex-
amples of eloquence, of chiyalry and even
OF the highest order of craftsmanship, as to
captivate the young men and rally around
what was termed the Southern policy, a
party Of great strength.
The long uninterrupted successes of this
party naturally ensendered that spirit OF
pride which even yet precedes destruction:
and when it passed away, tho Northern
policy took its place. This latter policy
had been SO long antag0nized against the
other as to embituer the minds OF these who
had been more Immediately connected with
its sharp aud exciting conflicts; and it is,
perhaps, unfortunate that its advocates
came SO suddenly into supreme power as
they did. They necessarily brought some
of the irritations and prejudices of the past,
and sometimes took counsel OF anger, If
not of revenga instead Of wisdom.
For fourteen years this latter policy has
prevailed. and has in great measure
stamped itself upon the institutions of the
country Its triumph was partly due to the
merits of its own measures and partly to
the blunders committed by its opponents
Even though had time, this is no place to
discuss the relative merits Of the opposing
theories of government.
In the terrible antagonism between them
civn war enSued, tho like of which men
had not previously known. The advocates
of each theory attested their sincerity by
proofs which no brave man will now dis
pute. Evidence in this direction is ex-
hausted when life itself is given to the
maintenance of principle.
The war is now over. 1t brought its ano
males in government, its violations OF
right. its political exacti0ns, its miseries to
the masses, and its personal anguish. These
we deplore. But like all other ataictiODs it
brought its compensatiOns. 1t demonstrated
the power of our nation, and exhibited a
degree OF valor On both sides which hOnors
ourselves and admOnishes others. 1t quick
ened anew the sense Of patriotism, aroused
an admiration Of gallantry and taught us to
honor unselfish heroism.
What Confederate now does not claim |
Sherman's renOwn as part OF his cOuntry's |
glory! And what soldier OF Sherman's army |
does not point to the deeds Of Lee and !
jackson, as convincing evidence |
Of American heroisms
For myself, have hOnOred the fame of |
Alexander, of Wellington and Napoleon. l J
can better afford to honor deeds equally !
when performed by my own
If America chooses to erect a VendOme |
column, generous government and brave |
people may well consent to set aside some |
of her panels to perpetuate the herOism of |
her sons even in error. But you will par |
don this DEPRESSION.
Mr.. Chairman and gentlemen, the pass.
age OF this measure for deepening the |
mouths of the Mississippi river. is conclu-
siye evidence that political power has passed |
to the West. Our great copcern should be
4 L M rv,lr hn&+ +v,n