The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1877-05-02
PATKIOTIC LETT R
PROM
GENERAL A. M. w EST
ON THE
POLITICAL SITUATION.

Holly spring. Reporter
Holly SrAENGs, April II, 1877.
lol j. NJ. WEssGE:
DEAR SiR-Your letter addressed to
ra and published in the Comet, of
March 3lst, only reached me to-day.
Notwithstanding my positive aversion
Il uauy prominence in the politics of the
resent dav, | am admonished by our
NJ acquaintance and by the Importance
Of the subjects involved to respond at
mce | am grateful for the personal
reference made to me, and only to know
that your partiality has overrated my
PAST services and present usefulness.
Iuaugurals are intended to foreshadow
the administrative policy of the President
aud has constitutional advisors, touching
sa matters of public concern, and
ty down certain general, fundamental
principles for their guidance IN dealing
NTH new questions as they may ARISE.
Politics and principles thus toreshadowed
H ,a0uld be considered in the light OF truth
and honesty. The magnitude of the
aired subjects involved, imperiously de.
MAIDS this, especially when addressed to
orty-tve millions of freemen, in coun-
Try SO vast and diversified as ours.
Our complex system of government
Stale and National-require for It's adj
Il mjnStration, minds imbued with broad
n national patriotism and an intimate
knowledge of the relative rights OF each.
4 When in former administrations the
eaatpoise of this system of government
a .b.,,l-g- ,,,l halnnnas
amed la is simplicity and correctness,
all the faculties of the human mind ana
BODY, and all the productions of the land
and seas were wonderfully developed /;
aud the power Of the national govern
meut, amazingly augmented. While
'1ey admired the dome OF this govern
aeatal superstructure, they did not forget
the pillars upon WHICH it rested but
A guided by the examples Of the founders
q The government, and by the highest
duties Of American citizenship, they APP
4 proved the right and condemned the
wrong wherever found. | am persuaded
tas! 1t is our duty to be guided, IN our
2e4iinEs with the government and us
%SdlHiniStation, by these wise examples.
IL therefore, tie foreshadowed policy OF
PRESIDENT HAYES is in conformity with
these principles; and is such rs is requIr
ei by 0nr present necessities, ! know
Of no rule wiser or more patriotic. Hence
lis the boundeh duty of all to cooperate
With him, without stopping to inquire
whether he is of this or of that political
party since such co operation IS not tor
1ae personal aggrandizement OF the
resident, or to strengthen one party
ssa'nst another; but for the welfare OF
'~ whole country, that peace, prosper
y .eoaor and happiness of the people
snail be the browning glories OF eaeh
State, and al. reunited in one great ma,
.sonal existence, respected and honored
throughout the worlu.
The discussion of the su hIects iAsoiVess
~.g9t with propriety stop .seere Snu
"Ould, but for the obstacles to l.ee 60
PefatIon of Southern conservatives Wiz
,;aesident Hayes in the practical execu-
m TIH OF even his NoN-PARTIsAN policy.
s t1ese subjects | hope to be able to con
ouer with reference to their effect:
; Spou our social, political and material
discipline.
Inc most serious obstacle to this co.
Peratlon, is the manner of the socallec
i ItVe,lon Of President Hayes. In many
~, the leading minds of the nation, nj:
sue to the Presidency, is tainted viii