New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-12-08

of the Administration, unless all signs fail,
much greater. These are new issues both. and
both Fictitious. There is nothing in the Cnban
question which needs excite any pub
lie feeling in this country more now
than at any time in four years
past: less indeed than at almost any
time within that period. And yet the
message gives large space to recital oil inc
history of the Cuban instruction, citing
flood of reasons for non-ntervention, but
closing with this suggestive paragraph, when
is construed as Il putting Oft OF the explana-
ton of Secretary Robeson's warlike prepare
tons:
Persuaded however that proper regard for the in
terests of the United and of s citizens cntite to
relief from the strain which IL has been subjected by
te difficulties OF the question and the wrongs oud losses
which arise from the contest in Cuba, and that the In
terests OF humanity itself demand the cessation Of the
strife before the whole Island shall be laid
waste and larger sacrifices Of life be made,
shall feel it my duty should my hopes OF satisfactory
adjustment and of the early restoration Of peace and the
removal of future OF complaint be unhappiy dis
appointed make further communication to Congress
period not far remote, and during the present
session. recommending what may then seem to me To be
necessary propositions the favorable consideration of
Congress
There is but one construction to he put upon
this 1t is simply forewarning of a recon-
mendatiOn of intervention at some future time.
And this il the policy of an outgoing Admin
istration l. any one so blind rs to mislmder-
stand it
With regard to the school question.-and this
is after all the feature Of the message. 1t
opens and closes with it. Ii anticipates ex-
Speaker Blane's proposed Constitutional
Amendment, aud dwclls upon the need
of amendments to the Constitution pro-
viding that the States shall be required
TO afford "a common school education to every
child within their limits; that education shall
be made compulsory 50 far rs To deprive
all persons who cannot read and write nom
becoming voters after 1890; that no secta-
rian tenets shall ever be taught in the common
schools and that Church and State shall be
declared forever separate and distinct. Some
of these propositions are very commendablc.
They are such as THE TRIBUNE has In
variably approved aud urged. SO with
regard to the question of the taxa
ton of church property, which is ably
argued, and about which there can hardly
be two opinions among thoughtful and sincere
men. But oil these are questions which should
be considered in the policy of an in
coming Administration, and not thrown
ont IA new issues upon which to
bid for votes by an Administration
lust going out. Nothing has occurred, except
AS mischieyous and self-seeking demagogues
have raised the questions for their own pur>
poses, within the last year TO bring such
issues prominently into politics. Presi-
dent Grant, we may be assured, does
not bring them mp now before an
opposition Congress with any honest purpose
of having them settled. 1t is not uncharitable
or unfair to say, under all the circumstances,
that he must have preached these new
issues with the plain and unmistakable
purpose Of making political capital. There Is
nothing in this document that would remind
any one OF the grave and serious questions
that have been treated SO sOcmnly in his
previous messages-nothing hut the cur
rency question, and that is touched, not
dwelt upon. The heaviest portions of
the message relate to new questions, to
questions which have not heretofore been con-
sidcred, and which there is now no reason
for considering as urgent. II Is politcs-nOt
craftsmanship.
The way of the Republican party il not
President Grants way. 1t will be well
for the party if IFS leaders in Congress read
the message for warning rather than inStruc-
ton. So reading it, and seeing how oil former
issues are ignored. they will do well 10 remen-
Der the quaint fable of the dog who dropped
the meat he had in his mouth for the shadow
Of il he saw in the water.