National Republican., 1877-03-02
SLOW ADVANCE CERTAIN PROGRESS.


Asa principle OF morals 1t Is gross error
to obstruct well doing; and hence when we
would encourage progress In good cause
we have at heart, to aid In the advance
ment of which we observe disposition on
the part Of others, we cannot be too care
full how we undertake to expedite the
movement-least our over zeal shall prove
and impediment In the way Of its accom-.
plishment. And particularly is this the
case where the desire Is to promote q
cherished object which has previously
been regarded by many with doubt and
distrust. In such cases precipitation is
dangerous, and often disastrous. Com.
munilies and peoples proceed slowly In
the solution OF moral and political
problems; and In all instances
of attempted reform there is great hest
tency in the initistory stages. Men are
not instantaneously transformed in senu-
ment, and the early inculcations frequent.
ly fail ofpermsnent effect, aud leave the
work 10 be recommended by succeeding
philanthropists and patriots. So In respect
Of political creeds; where all the circum
stances have tended to create q certain
principle of action, which is made the
criterion of all judgment 1t is found ex.
ceedingly difficult to turn the minds of the
masses away from the central conviction
which animates party, and move them in
q new and apparently opposite direction.
The higher and more intelligent classes
Ina IA that
ises good results. but they cannot hurry
their followers in the novel way. To in.
duce change OF feeling and general con.
currence, commonly requires much time.
And this is the invariable experience in
cases where extreme situations have
engendered ultra views and
the obduracy Of prejudice; for any change
suggested imbues the mind with suspicion,
lest the step shall be construed into an i'm.
penchment Of the former principle and
practice,-an apprehension which is too
often controlling and fatal to the cause.
From this 1t may be readily seen how i'm.
probable the prospect of committing a large
party to immediate change. by resolution,
proposed by those who have always held
to the theory put forward for endorsement.
The effect will generally be to destroy
every chance Of success, by summoning the
ever prompt spirit Of resentment which
scorns an implication Of error or imputed
Inconsistency. Now to apply our moral.
Some who profess to have the good Of
the country uppermost in their thoughts,
with full knowledge that there was spirit
of reform at work in the ranks Of the Re.
publican party, which, If LEFT to ITSELF was
certain to produce the happiest results, but
unwisely or msliciously actuated, recently
introduced resolutions in the House OF Re-
presentatives, having for their purpose the
recognition of the Nichols ard Hampton
Governments as the lawful governments ol
the States they essay to control. Now,
while 1t is more than probable that in view
of all the unhappy events which have at
tended the continued conflict Of elements
In those States, there is at this moment q
majority Of the Republican party in favor
of guaranteeing to the Southern States en-
tire Independence of the Federal power il
respect Of their internal affairs -whil,
there Is prospect that very early all tn,
better portion Of the party will subscribe Il
the policy, there was q solid vote agains
the proposition. And 1t was all for n
other reason than that 1t is not in the ma
ture Of man to vote censure upon his Owl
conduct-sll because there was impruden
haste, IL there was pure motive In tn,
mover, or devilish intent, lift was prompte
by a spirit of mischief But while VI
hope 1t will not have any lasting effects 70
evil, we are sure 1t has retarded the genera
movement.
The Republican party fully realizes tn
necessity for q change Of policy In tn
South, but 1t declines to be hurried forwar
ia its course to suit the caprices OF the op
position. In Its own good time 1t will tax
up the needed reforms and con
summate them. And when they are thu
accomplished, the country will be one /
interest," one in sentiment and one i
destiny.