The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-08-08
[For the Dispatch.1
To the Conservative Convention.

The administration of President Hayes
has been to the South most agreeable sur
prise. Having been the candidate OF the
Radical or Republican party, 1t was very
naturally supposed that he would "follow
in the footsteps OF his illustrious predeces-
sor." Under General Grants administration
States were subordnated to the Federal
Government; the military dominated the
civil; local self-goVernmenL was. in some
instances, suppressed; Federafbffices were
filled by carpet-baggers and ~ ealawags,"
worse than the imported teeehes; by con-
temptuous distrust OF our people; by TO
menting sectional animosity; by ostra-
cising the patriotic. the intelligent, the
yirtuous; by treating all who did not
belle their instincts and their Confed-
crate record as Pariahs and traitors,
the war was practically continued against
us. To our surprise and Joy all TINS mas
been changed. In his inaugural and va
rious interviews with southern gentlemen
the new President has declared his purpose
to restore the autonomy of the States, to
wine out the bitterness OF the past, and to re-
kindle in southern breasts the ancient love
for the Union. Most faithfully has he ful-
filled his promises. What Is misnamed MS
"southern policy" is more truly policy
OF Justice and OF adherence to the Constltu-
ton, and what the wise and patriotic among
us have desired. Everywhere in the South
President Hayes is respected and admired,
and we begin to feel again that we have
part and lot in the Government, and that
the flag belongs to the whole country.
In another respect the President has eX-
hibited consummate wisdom and most
honest purpose to bring back the Govern
ment to republican simplicity and honesty
and purity. Nothing has more degraded
politics into servile partisanship, and Fede-
raj office-hoIding into sycophancy, than the
policy and practice Of regarding public
trusts as spoils for partisans and otflce-hold-
ers as electioneering agents. '"To the vic
tors belong the spoils" has been q most
baueful party maxim. It's influence in low
ering the standard OF political ethics, in
stimulating bribery and corruption, in ac-
complishing bad government, can hardly be
overestimated. With broad craftsmanship,
heroic firmness, aud noble patriotism, Mr..
Hayes has begun ciyll-serv1ce reform, pro-
hibited assessment OF the officers OF the
General Government for political purposes,
and forbidden them "to take part in the
management OF political organizations, call
cuses, conventions, or election campaigns"
He seeks to make fitness rather than parti-.
sanship test of Office. and, as an earnest
Of his policy, has occasionally appointed
supporters OF Biz. Tilden to official posi-
tions. IL
Ii in these instances the President has so
acted as to elicit our thanks, why should
not the Conservative Convention have the
courage and magnanimity to say SOY Can
not our Convention display as much fair
ness and manliness as the President has
donep 1t never hurts party to be Just,
generous, and honest. This merited tribute
to an honest public officer cannot be con-
strued into an abandonment OF our princi-
pies, for he Inns only put our principles into
practical operation. For similar conduct
there would be no hesitation. in commend-
ing Mr.. Tilden il, he were President. Much
more readily should we do Justice to- one
whom many southern people regarded as
hostile to their interests. II the acknow-
ledgment be made by the Convention, let