The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1877-05-17
NO. 81
The Pre.idont's Purposes.
ICorrsspOndenee of the Democratic statesmA


his action an experiment" He so
denominated it whom l, with Others,
was accorded an interview and a free
conversation. OF course his policy"
Is the universal topic of conversation
here, as it seems to me, with rather
confused ideas. The common expires.
sion is, that it is ''policy of paciiica-
tlon," which is too indefinite. You
Lave best expressed it, when you say
II is one looking to an era of good
feeling" and TO IAN era of equal rights
| to all" 1t is not alone pacification :;
an era of good feeling; nor, equal
rights to all; neither one of these,
singly; but, to use common express
sion, the platform" of the President,
AS l understand It, contains two planks:
(D An era ef good feeling, and, (2)
equal rights TO all. Neither one, singly,
expresses his purposes. But the two
together embrace his precise policy, as
it is called Any form of erprossiop,
onltting either one of the two senti-
ments, but partially states his position,
and robs HIM in advance, of half of
his glory. Should this present Sex
pertinent" fail both to pacitv the South
and secure liberation for all, he will
promptly inaugurate other measures to
secure those desirable results.
THE STANDPOINT OF CONTEMPLATION.
With reference to the structures upon
the action of the President, they have
been uttered without due considera-
ton. In forming an opinion of his
measures, there are several points Of
,al
The first is from the standpoint of a
scept cal, dissatisfied Republican. In
such frame OF mind, the circum-
stances of his election must not be
overlooked. Indeed, they are of the
first Importance. But more than these,
even, he was confronted with Con-
gress that most assuredly would not
vote supplies or pay to the army, if it
was to be used, as heretofore, in the
South. Not only was this true of the
House, but the Republican Senate
would have refused to vote policy of
force. Add to these obstacles the fur
ther facts that united Democracy
and the most powerful Republican
newspapers in the country, with an
immense following in that party,
were uncompromisingl opposed to
the further use of troops in the po-
litical contests of the Southern States,
and it will be seen that President
Hayes had no choice, but to try some
other path than that of his predecessor.
H0 had no option; he was compelled,
forced, to abandon the use of troops in
Southern affairs, whatever his views
and preferences. In this government
of the people, no measure can be sus-
timed, no law enforced, against an en-
phatic public sentiment. The declara-
Ulon of President Hayes of purpose to
continue the use of troops in the South,
made prior to the final result in Con
gress, would have caused his defeat in
that body, as similar declaration
rayed against him majority in both
houses of Congress, besides the great
body of the people Of the North; tho e
in favor of a policy of force, constitut-
ing only minority of the Republicans
of that section. l speak of existing
facts, not as some think they ought to
exist. The North may be igoorant of
the Southern situation; the people may
not be aroused on that subject; busl-
mesa depression and other causes may
comolnc TO Anauee, Wpathy and mlsap-
prehension, in Congress ana In .6..
North. Nevertheless, President Hayes
was confronted with obstacles which
left him no choice, even though he un-
willingly adopted course differe Mt
from that pursued by Gen. Grant.
But there is an affirmative view of
this subject, the presentation of which
is due TO the administration, without
which the impression might be con-
veyed that the present policy is reluc
tantly pursued, whereas quite the re-
verse is understood to be the fact. |
believe l am correct in saying that the
President and his Cabinet are of the
opinion that the use of troops, as here
tOfore employed in the South, is un-
Constitutional, and that the aid of the
army can be properly invoked only in
the mode and under the circum-
stances Prescribed by the Constitu-
ton; hence the withdrawal of
the troops from the State house in
South Carolina, and their probable
frrther non-interfereuce in Louisiana.
Executive action, therefore, rises, not
merely to policy, but to statesman
ship, to be tested by time, experience,
and practical results. AS / under
stand, the course pursued Is voluntary.
and has the approval not only OF the
President but Of his legal advisers.
1T is MR.. HAYEs's ORIGINAL IDEA.
Indeed, to do full justice to the
President and his administration, SO as
to leave no false impression in your
mind, must go still further and say
that the administration is pursuing the
course advocated by Governor Hayes
throughout Ohio In his gubernatorial
canvasses. 1t is the course he has be.
lieved in from the moment the seced-
ing States were restored to their proper
relations to the Union. The sentiments
by which the administration is now gov.
erned are therefore not new to the exec
utive nor forced upon him. Nor are they
new to the Secretary Of State. Mr..
Evarts has for years held the views
now actusting the administration. In
the policy adopted, the President and
his Cabinet are unit. For conven-
fence, l use the term policy, but it is
not mere policy. II Is a conviction
based on principle, as involving the
very fundamental element of republi-
can institutions. With the President
and his advisers, therefore, this policy
is not one dictated by circumstances
or compulsion or necessity or forced
choice, but from deliberate, settled
opinions long entertained. Although
not writing "by authority" l think
am right in adding another fact, viz
That this policy is not alone the Presi-
dents, but it is that OF his administers.
ton. To refer to 1t as his policy, there
fore, is unjust, alike to him and to
those who make up his administration.
As severe as the ordeal is through
which Southern Republicans are pass
ing, it is believed by those
who concur with the President
that the wisdom of his course will
soon be apparent to all, while the san
guine confidently predict the election
of the next President, on the basis OF
the present policy, without opposition.
The election and administration Of
Monroe are referred TO by the friends
of President Hayes as aiording an IL
lustration of the hopes entertained By
them.
Referring to the Presidents letter OF
acceptance, it will be seen that be
clearly contemplated a purpose TO un-
| dertake new methods of dealing with
the South. No matter from what
cause, prior means had failed either IN
1 a