The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1876-03-15
Our Washington Letter.
Special to the REPUBLICAN.

ASHlNSAON, ~. w MAI IL ~.
Blessings in disguise" are not
strangers to politics since the so called
"tidal wave" of 1874. For a good
deal of its promised success-perhaps
l should say its assured success-the
Republican party is indebted to the
present ex. Confederate House of Rep
resentatives. Because, careless by
reason of the promises of peace with
which the Southern leaders and their
Northern allies had beguiled the peo-
pie, the mass of the Republicans con-
templated threatened change in the
administration as mere change in
men involving no principle. They
had almost resolved upon inaction,
for the Centennial year, half confiding
in the promises of the independent"
temptsrs, that a. change would be a
good thing for the morals of the coun-
try. When Congress met, many Of
those Eho had been faithful to the
party of equal rights since 1856, said,
"Now we shall witness a spirit of fra
ternity and patriotism which will
justify MS in relapsing from party
faith. Now we shall be able in reality
TO shake hands over the chasm which
has divided those who fought for and
against the salvation of the Union.
Behold How brethern even who have
engaged in deadly quarrel may dwell
together in harmony, loving each
other as only brothers can"
This is not fancy picture for many
conservative Republicans had it en-
graved upon their hearts until Con.
gress met-aye. even until within a
few brief weeks. 1t was true that
Fernando Woods effort to resuscitate
the relic of rebellion 10 Louisiana on
the first day of the session was a rude
shock to sensitive nerves, and ex-
Speaker Blaine made a sharp point
of it against the Confederate party.
1t was true that the organization OF
the House was rather on the Confed-
crate order and in disregard of Union
sentiment. 1t was true that Confed
crate soldiers in good part took places
which Union soldiers vacated. 1t was
true that the ex-rebel soldiers and
their Northern allies did not hasten
TO offer any olive branch to the Re.
publicans, or to confirm the principle
Of equal, civil and political rights tc
all. Yet there were many even then
who did not despair iE the belief thai
the happy day of the reunited coun,
try was at hand aud who thought thai
Mr.. Blaine from the outset had mis-
represented the ex Confederates. lie
us give the vanquished and repentan
brethern time to collect their ideas
it was said, and then peaceful words
and fraternal acts would flow from
them spontaneously, like the summer
shower to review the dropping foliag'
of the Union! But we may reaec
with thanks that there were men VIII,
saw through the gossamer which t,
confding eyes concealed the serpent
They did not believe that the cry o
peace! peaceP from the ex-Con
federate officers in Congress mean
peace unconditional. They did be
lieve that il meant peace ouly as tn
old cry of freedom in the South uset
10 mean freedom in all respects excep
where it involved opposition to pecu
liar local views. peace" is conceded
by the ex-Confederates provided tina
the North asks forgiveness for havin
conquered the Confederacy and abol
ished slavery. "Peaee" they woul
grant conditioned upon abject snt
mission on the part of Union people
TO sbrewd political observers thi
condition could not be concealed an