The Morning herald., 1876-12-11
THE DEMAND OF THE HOUR.

pCVPAN Va SAS SOuAAAy ANJS~>S~ s-A~s s->~
Southern members opposed it, not only a.
i,judicious, but as hasty. There is no
question that Grant has transgressed the
demands of the emergency that the South
ern troubles involved him in there is no
question that his actions have been too
strongly colored with partisan bias, and
that there should be some authority to
check his contempt oflaw in the interests
Of party welfare. But in the unsettled
condition ofpublictemper at thi. time, when
the nerve Of feeling is strung to its greatest
tension, such action as that proposed by
the most Incorporate Of the Democratic
caucus would he injudicious. The adjust
mens Of the wrongs that have been heaped
upon the South, the strain that the Presi-
dent has made upon the laws of good gov
enment, that which is equitable, and
expected from him as the ruler Of the
nation, should be allowed to remain with a
nore wise and discreet action. There is
tribunal which has always been recognized
as the one in the event Of a close Presiaen
tial contest to declare the person elected:
and that tribunal is the House of Repre-
sentatives of these United States and those
who do not recognize it, act in violation q
the constitution, the only authorised law
upon the subject.
1t is from this body that we are TO ex
pect the decision. Any attempt to antlcl-
pate this decision, or hasten public opin-
ion, by such action as that which was pro-
posed by the Democratic caucus before al.
luded to, would be subversive Of good re-
suit, at this time. The period Of govern
ment in which we now exist is one OF the
NEST critical that our history has ever re
vealed. 1t is made so by the violent Al
tempts of the party in power to malnta.o
that power, which has been the most de-
structive to the welfare Of the America
Republic, that has ever transpired. The
prospect of its dissolution is very unpleas.
ant to contemplate, unless the power
OF the party now controlling Amer
ican interests can be broken. This has
been virtually done BY ne triumph
Of = the Democracy, through In
ballot boz ,snd The still greater triumph,
the Inauguration Of Mr.. Tilden,is the only
fair and honorable result that can come
out of the great wrange OF parties. Until
that time, it is but the part Of wisdom that
the Democracy should ACT moderately upon
all questions, except those which are the
most vital, and then it is
their duty to act promptly and with deci-
sion. This duty is the one that will fall
upon Congress, their responsibility is one
that will tax the greatest knowledge OF
Craftsmanship, which combines the ele-
ments of wisdom in nlind and heart.
This body is the great lever which is to
move and determine the destinies of our
government after the expiration Of the
lease that the present party has upon them
expires. 1t is with the action of this body
that the greatest test will bs made of the
patriotism and good intentions of the Re
publicans. Ils spswer heretofore has beer
undisputed. 1t has settled all great ques
tons which have heretofore arisen in Presi
Dental contests, and similar 10 that which
now occupies the attention Of national feel
ing, and its authority in the present emer
gency must be recognized. If it is no,
then the time will be when the greatest ex
tremities will be opportune. Until tha
time arrives, moderation and even tempe
are the wisest counscls that the Democrat
party could adopt the teachings Of. A
ws have said before. any action whic
would attempt 10 anticipate the resnlt Of
Congressional decision upon the question
bv such means as that which the Demo
cratic caucus proposed to adopt would b
has:y, injudicious and subversive Of an
good effect. The public mind is too muc
inflancd now, no matter how much it
deserved, to permit of this action in tn
cause of good order. There va
never = time when the need
peace vas 90 apparent as it
now, when men should be governe
by the most pacific temperament, and whe
precipitate action would be the mo-
deplorable. Leave the matter to Congress
ther. the decision lies, and We have no fs'