Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-03-27
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Kuntca-A Policy.

WASHINGTON, D. c., March %, ISL
Are We to loose "policy?" The first official
act of Mr.. Hayes was taken, however it may
have been meant, as a deliberate turning of
the cold shoulder on the stock politicians of
the Republican party. In his Cabinet were
those Greeley men of ~ and only one rad>
ical Republican; it was made up, or supposed
to be, of Conservative men. Viewed in the
light OF the letter of acceptance, strengthened
by the inaugural address, the Cabinet seemed
to indicate a disposition on the part of the
acting President to have policy indie
pendent of the average party politician 1t
was fair to suppose the States of South Caro-
lima and Louisiana, being the only ones in
which a Republican form of government does
not exist, would receive early attention, and
that some assurance would be given to their
people that at least the Federal power would
no longer interfere between them, and peace
and good order and home government they
desire. But up to this time we find no de-
cisive step taken, AID no assurance given to
one side that is not Offset by a promise to the
other. The truth seems to be that Hayes had
no clear ideas of his own at first. and has
none now, and that he is afraid both Of trust
ing and of offending the two wings of his
party. If he does not let things. drift for
long time to come it will apparently be be-
cause impetus is given him that he has not
force enough to resist
But he can advertise for policy. Some
thing like this would be neat:
Wdnted-A Policy. Must be Compro-
mise Policy No bid received from Consti-
tutional lawyers. All bids will be passed
upon by Convention of seven persons who
have been selected for the purpose, and who
were never known to agree upon anything
Apply within four years. Address R B H.,
Washington. D G.
At the Cabinet meeting yesterday Eve have
one or two a day now) the plan of Southern
Commission was discussed and adopted
Men are to be sent South to find out the true
inwardness of affairs in South Carolina and
Louisiana! If remember rightly the same
thing has been done before. And Commits
tees have investigated, the reports have been
made and printed. The one glorious oppor-
tunity to use the know ledge we already have
OF these States was when the makers of the
Administration voted, eight to seven, not to
use it. The new Commission is q farce and
nothing but a farce. If it reports in ac-
cordance with the idea which happens to be
uppermost at the time in tho acrng Press
idents head, and nobody else is by to suggest
| another idea, it may be acted on. But why
may not the report be made up here and now,
| if 20 report is the real object of the Commits
| sion ? All the facts arc here, and all the
| leaders can be brought here in forty eight
hours. The opponent object is not the real
| object. What is wanted is to evoke any feel
ing that may exist for the Administration
among the oppressed and despairing men of
the South Any display of enthusiasm down
there will be promptly rewarded, l doubt not.
The Democratic majority in the House, it
is thought. will be but three. and the Repub>
licans will probably try to steal the Speaker
ship. They rely upon Democratic dissensious
to be caught about by administration in
huences unless all signs fail, however, the
spill. will not be in that party. 81 knob dar
was suthin' burnin', said the colcrcd brother
whose heel was burned off at camp meeting,
"but didn't t'ink &c fire was nigh to me. "
| RENO