The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-04-07

adays about the future of parties. The in
augural address was such political bomb
shell as caused grievous lamentation
among politicians of both sides. The evil
dent intention and expectation of the Presi-
dent that his Southern policy shall divide
the democrats of the South and draw into
the republican ranks considerable part
Of the Intelligent and property owning class
there caused alarm in the democratic camp;
the more because they were conscious that
if the new Southern policy were carried out
with tact and kindly good faith gratitude
to the President would combine with other
causes to make very serious break in their
ranks, and also because they saw that local
rivalries were already undermining their
party organization in almost every Southern
State.
But it is entirely too early. just now. to
predict the future Of parties. Whether
there shall be break or not depends en-
tirely on the President. If he carries out
his policy with faithful and unfaltering
will nothing in the world can prevent
rearrangemen: Of party lines all over
the country most beneficial TO its
interests. If he falters, wavers and tries
tc manage and concilate he will fail, and
parties will remain unbroken, South as well
an North, which wa should regard as q very
grave misfortune. Ifhe goes on as he began,
with decision and courage, he cannot fail to
gather about him the best men of both par
ties in all the sections They will rally to
him as they did to Mr.. Lincoln in 1861.
Then the issue was the national life; now it
will be tho national regeneration and puri-
fication; and now, as then, the wisest, the
most patriotic, the best and most thought
full men of both parties would hasten to
array themselves on the side of the Presi-
dent and give him their jealous support in
his policy.
Indeed, the publication of the inaugural
address produced ut once precisely this
effect. In Washington Senators like Bayard,
Randolph, Herman, Gordon, Lamar, Hill,
Garland and many others at once declared
that they would support Mr. Hayes in the
fulflment Of all he had promised; and these
men, democrats all of them, but lovers of
country above party, by their firm attitude
Presidents Cabinet nominations All over
the country the address was welcomed by
the best democrats as heartily rs by the best
republicans; both saw in it happy promise
of national regeneration, and the soreness
over the manner in which Mr.. Hayes was
made President gave way to the hope that
his rule would be benefcent for the country.
The course of the President, though right
and wise, is an anomaly in our politics.
For the first time in our history the remark
able spectacle is presented of an elected
President carrying out the views Of the OPP
position. Vice Presidents who have sue
ceeded to the first Office have paid little re-
spect to the views of the party by which
they were chosen; but Presidents elected as
such have, in the main, kept step to the
party music. Mr.. Hayes is the first
conspicuous exception. He is pur-
suing, with slowness and prudence
indeed, but with signal steadiness,
the policy advocated by his political oppo-
nents during the canvass. He is diverging
widely-nay, he is moving in exactly the
opposite direction, from the outgivings Of
the efficient managers Of his canvass who
marched under the banner Of the bloody
shirt 'full high advanced" But he can
not be accused of any want of good faith or
loyalty to his supporters. In his excellent
letter of acceptance he made perfectly
frank and explicit declaration of what he
would do if elected. Neither his own party
nor the opposition believed that he meant
what he said. Unexpectedly to both he
stands by his word. He proves to be great
deal more of q man than either party sup
posed. But his steadiness, his consistency,
his cautious firmness, seem pretty certain,
if he holds out as he has begun, to lead to
q dissolution and reconstruction of political
parties.
In considering the future of parties it
would be absurd to suppose that the Presi-
dent is going to deliberately and purposely
break up his own party; just as absurd as it
would be to suppose that the democratic
leaders, who SO quickly rallied to his sup
port when their support was necessary to
him, meant thereby to abandon the demo-
cratic party. Political changes are not
brought about SO suddenly or in such ways.
Moreover, the President has always been
what is called "a strict party man." He
has followed the leaders of his party, in
Congress and as Governor, not, certainly,
with the subserviency of machine
politician, but with loyalty and zeal, and
with certain ready sacrifice of his
own judgment to what he. perhaps,
supposed was the virtue Of party fealty.
He is probably very DESTROYS TO keep
his own party together now, and here
we take leave to point ont to him one
Of the greatest dangers to which he is
exposed
Tf ha afteu, pfS co In chape his con rge 81 Z,