The New York herald., 1876-12-01


the reputation of sphinx, has now become
riddle. What motive can he have for
pably done in South Carolina? Apparently
he has nothing to gain if he is acting in
good faith. 1t makes little difference to
him whether Mr.. Hayes or Mr.. Tilden is
the next President of the United States If
he contemplates quiet retirement to pri-
vate life. If no is to descend to the position
of one citizen among forty millions,
and is to pass the remainder of his
life with no more political power than
belongs to his simple vote, what explanation
can be given Of his recent conduct2 His
unwarranted interference with the South
Carolina Legislature is a perfect enigma un-
less he has some ulterior design which is not
yet avowed.
The opinion Of the Presidents character
and estimate Of his ambition which i'm
PEELED as to warn the country against the
danger Of Cmsarism was not formed on
slight grounds, and it remains unchanged.
Our apprehensions were allayed after the
impeachment of Belknap and the indictment
of Babcock. We were then too glad to drop
the discussion of Cesarism, believing
that tho great danger was past.
Past it would have been beyond oil doubt
political parties received decisive and un-
questioned majority in this Presidential
election. But, unfortunately, the Presi-
Dental contest was not SO clearly decided
at the polls as to compel both parties to
accept the result. We must await the action
of the Electoral Colleges before we reach
any definite result at all, and there is
strong likelihood that the result may be
disputed. 1t seems probable that the Sen
ate will claim that Mr.. Hayes is elected and
the House that Mr.. Tilden is elected. and
that, with two claimants for the Office, an
excuse may be found for cutting the knot
with the sword. If the dispute comes to
that pass the man who Yields the sword will
be master of the situation. We have too
much confidence in the good sense and self
command Of the American people to believe
that there will be any resort to force unless
there should be deliberate shaping of
events to that end by the Commander-in-
Chief of the army. The main source of
anxiety in this conjuncture is the fact that
the country has no confidence that Presi-
dent Grant will refrain from employing the
army in violation of the constitution.
What was done at Columbia, on
Thursday, shows too plainly that he
has no scruples as to the employment
of.troops. If he is ready to violate the
constitution in South Carolina what guar
antee can we have that he would not tram
pie it under foot everywhere? If events
should reach such pass in Washington in
the latter part of February that Mr.. Hayes
is dependent on President Grant for his in
auguration how can we have any assur-.
ance that he will not attempt to
put aside both Hayes and his COM
| petitor and make that final stride
to Cnsarism which would then be in his
| power? When the constitution ceases to
| bind him what limit can be set to his mill
tary boldness2 If he has no hesitation in
using the army illegally to support a man
like Chamberlain why should he hesitate to
use it for himself? From the moment that
the Rubicon is passed, from the moment
it depends on the mere will Of the President
to decide how far he will 60.
Some tempting lures have been held out
to ambition in the excitement Of the last
few weeks. &r. Cushing who has so much
Of the Presidents confidence that he nomi-
mated him for Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court, has expressed the opinion that
crisis may arise which will make it the duty
of General Grant to hold over until there
can be another Presidential election. Mr.
Cushing is an sdroit and accomplished
courtier. He has had the amplest
opportunities for studying and understand
ing President Grant No man is better
qualified to judge what would please him.
Mr.. Cushing cunningly put into General
Grants head an idea which probably had
/ A1.h hxafa c&aI