The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-08-12

MIR. Scott Lords Resolution.
In spite of the hubbub and CONSERVATION
which spread among the democratic mem
bers when Mr.. Lord offered his resolution,
he rendered an excellent service to his party
by introducing it and securing nearly
unanimous vote in it's favor. That he sprung
it upon the House Us a surprise is proof OF
his sagacity. He acted as Senator Benton
did in moving his famous expunging resolu-
ton. Mr.. Benton afterward said that he
consulted none of his political associates be-
cause he knew his measure was too bold for
their concurrence, and he preferred TO
breach it without their knowledge rather
than against their dissent. Mr.. Lord has
pursued similar line of tactics with a more
prompt success. What he proposed was not
n new departure, but an emphatic indorse-
ment of policy which had already received
the assent of the party in its national plat
form and in the letters of acceptance of its
candidates The good of the party required
this Endorsement to be made, and Mr. Lord
evinced courage as well rs sagacity in offer
ing his resolution without consulting party
associates. 1t was in the following Ian
guage =
Resolved, by tho House Of Representatives, That
all attempts by force fraud terror intimidation or
otherwise prevent the Tree exercise Of the right
OF suffrage in any state should meet with certain,
condgn and efectual punishment aud that in any
which has heretofore occurred, or that may
hereafter occur, in which violence and murder have
been shall be committed by one rnce or class on
another, the prompt punishment and execution in
any court having jurisdiction OF criminal or Grim
inas Is imperaliveiy demanded whether the crime
be one punishable by nne and imprisonment or one
demanding the penalty OF death.
This praiseworthy attempt to hold the
democratic party to it's avowed principles
and force it to keep time to its own
music will be attended with several good
consequences. 1t will convince the Bour-
bon element in the South that it cannot
dominate the Northern section of the dem
ocratic party as it was accustomed to do
previous to the civil war; 1t is wholesome
and salutary example which other
democratic members will incline to follow.
1t refutes the standing republican charge
that Northern democrats dare not say they
have soul of their own without the per-
mission of Southern masters. 1t brings aid
and comfort to every democratic candidate
for Congress who has to contest doubtful
district in any Northern State, and increases
the chances of democratic majority in the
next House The principal reason why the
country hesitates to trust the democratic
party is a fear that the political rights of the
negroes would not be secure under demo-
cratic administration, and Mr.. Scott Lord
has done as much as it was possible for one
democrat to do to quiet this apprehension.
BY his sudden and sagacious coup he has
compelled the democracy to commit itself
unequivocally to the maintenance of negro
rights and to emancipate itself from the con-
troll of the Southern wing of the party. By
this act, at once wise and bold, Mr.. Lord has
established claim to esteem and confidence
similar to that Of Mr.. Lamar in the South.
This sagacious move must not DO regarded
as the isolated act of Mr.. Lord. 1t has an
added significance derived from the con-
stituency which he represents. The Utica
district is more zealously devoted to Mr. Til
den than any other in the United States. 1t
is the home of his friend, Governor Sey-
mour the home of his friend Senator Ker-
nan the seat of the democratic organ
which was the earliest advocatesof Mr.. Til
den's nomination Mr.. Lord, no doubt, felt
that he would have the full support of his
district and of the eminent democrats who
give tone to its political sentim ent in Offering
his resolution. 1t is blow well struck,
which will materially aid the democratic
canvass in this pivotal State