The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1876-10-18
So PER ANNU Nj
GOVERNOR HAYES.

Oeen puDllShed one by y. ". How
ard, one by Russell II. Conwell, and
the last by William d. Howells.
They are all very interesting, and all
tell the story ofa representative Amer
lean, and one which every American
will read with pride and pleasure.
Mr. Howell's literary instinct and
training and his peculiarly delicate
touch makes his work, although less
copious than the others, not less a
most winning portrait Of fine and
noble character. The life cf Gov.
Hayes is not that Of an ambitious po-
litican, but of a quiet, intelligent, hon.
est, and patriotic citizen, attracting at
once the confidence Of his neighbors,
and called by them instinctively to
posts of responsibility and honor.
Thus without being in the usual sense
a politician, never seeking nor espec-
tally desiring political distinction, he
has been constantly in public life, and
has large administrative experience.
The paramount impression derived
from his biography is that Of The quail.
ity of his manhood-a sturdy and
simple rectitude of nature, which sym
pathizes with the best, and perempto-
rily rejects whatever is doubtful,
empty, or mean. He comes of what
is called good stock, and was born to
that common sense which is the happi.
ess Of fortunes.
Naturally fright" and of singular
refinement of mind and sympathy, in
terested in good books and good men,
and hospitable to every generous
thought and movement, he yet has
the solid judgment which considers
and weighs and the tranquil tempera-
ment which forbids folly in speech or
action. 1t might be supposed that
such man would appear to be doc
trjnaire or visionary, and that his
opinions would represent wishes rather
than conclusions. But it is evident
at every step Of his career that when
he planted his foot, it took square hold
Of the earth. He is not mastered by
eagerness or enthusiasm, but his per.
sistence in duty is infexible because it
is the growth of conviction, not the
warmth of a whim. His clear sense
Of duty, indeed, is one of the finest as
poets Of the character portrayed in his
memoir The sagacity, the courage,
and the modesty Of his views and his
conduct are equally admirable. In
January, 1861, when Mr.. Seward and
Mr. Adams were making speeches
which disheartened many Republicans
and discouraged the country, Mr..
Hayes said calmly, and with true in
sight, "Disunion and civil war are at
hand, aud yet | fear disunion and war
less than compromise" When Sum-
ter fell, in April, with the sublime ex.
hultation of Samuel Adams on the
morning of Lexington and Concord,
Hayes said, "Let what evils may fol-
low, shall not case to rejoice over
this event." A little later he enlisted
for the war, saying, 81 would prefer to
go into it if [ knew that was to be
killed in the course Of it, rather than
to live through and after it without
taking any part in it"
The value of these words is that
they are not phrases made for public
letters and pnblic speeches and for
public effect, but are the natural and
simple expression Of feelings that i'm
mediately took form i'll deeds. They
are in perfect harmony with his letter
to Gen. Garfield last March, on hard
money, in which he says, in speaking
of the Resumption Bill. Il would
consent to no backward steps. To
yield or compromise is weakness, and
would destroy us If a better resump
ton can be substituted for the present
one, that may do. But keep cool.
We can better afford to be beaten in
Congress than to back out" This is
the Characteristic tone of man who
has the courage Of his convictions 81
fear disuuion and war less than com
rromise;" nor that he did not know
when compromise was wise, but that
he knew also when compromise was
hopeless madness.
1t is impossible to read this Life
without feeling that the more it is
known, the more closely 1t will COM
mend Gov. Hayes, in the words of
Mr.. Howells, "to the honor and affec-
tion of the people" Mr.. ConwelI says
truly, He is no convert to his party,
no meek follower Of events; but long
before the struggles he felt, and to
which he so often refers in his speeches.
has become realities, he foretold their
advent, and earnestly warning his
friends, brayely prepared himself to
meet them" And Mr. Howard says.
what every earnest and patriotic Re