The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1877-01-20
NICHOLAS QUIETUS.


both in the field and in the forum. Be
sides, it is natural to dislike those we
fear, and we seriously believe that dem
ocratic conspirators, belligerently in
clined, entertain more wholesome dread
of Gen. Grant, as President of the
United States, than the bravest of them
are willing to admit. To this recogni-
ton of the President as an officer con-
scientious enough to appreciate the full
measure Of Executive responsibility, as
well as man brave enough to perform
fearlessly what he considers his duty as
such, we are indebted for National
peace Nothing but the knowledge of
the fact that the President was no weak,
vaccilating civilian of the Buchanan
type, has restrained the lawless hand of
violence in several Southern States for
weeks past. Chamberlain in South
Carolina, and Packard in Louisiana,
would long ere this been trampled under
the heel of reckless and defiant mobs,
influence of this one calm and resolute
man. While Democrats may congratu-
late themselves upon the cunning and
craft of their leader, Mr.. Tilden, and
recognize his shrewdness and ability in
making up" his Presidential case, yet
Republicans have more to rel Y upon,
and be proud of too in the courage and
determination of their trusted leader
Circumstances have, to considera-
BILE extent, forced the President into the
position he to-day occupies toward the
party to whom he twice owes his cleo
ton. Upon him, as the brave defender
of law and order, the Republican party
to-day relies for the spirit and pluck
that maintains against the clamors of
demagogues, and the threats of ruffians,
defiant front, and an unwavering faith
in the justice of the Republican cause.
The contest now waged at Washington
transferred thereto from Southern capt.
tolls, is still, as for weeks it has been,
one of pluck only. Had Gen. Grant
been man easily frightened, democratic
buster doubtless long ere this might
have forced him into such surrenders of
position as would have jeopardized the
fruits of Republican victory, and placed
beyond attainment the justly expressed
wishes of the people. If, however,
democratic papers are to be believed,
the whole occupation of the President
during the eight years of his admins
tration have been employed solely in
perpetrating outrages upon popular
rights. The last and most glarng in
stance is his Louisiana usurpation.-
Fearful anathemas are launched upon
him. The democratic walls of wrath
exhaust themselves upon his devoted
head We confess we rather like it
When consistent Democrats fume and
swear, the political barometer indicates
clear weather for Republican "observa-
tons" A few days ago, when Gen.
Grant indicated his intention to main
tain, for the immediate present at least,
policy of non-intervention in Louisiana
matters, Democrats approved, while
Republicans scarcely yentured an opin-
ion. The very fact, however, that the
former were so outspoken in favor of
Federal non-interference seemed to be-
get a suspicion Of uneasiness in the
minds Of impartial observers generally
What the best informed anticipated in
due time came to pass. SO long as the
hand of the General Government could
be stayed the White-Line policy could
be carried out PEACEABLY. At once
the work Of peace began in New Or
leans. So long as the Louisiana usurp-
ers contented themselves with "plaving
at y Government, no one particularly
was injured While matters were being
so pleasantly done, and Nichols was
acting his burlesque, it seemed harsh
upon the part of the General Govern
ment to deny the frolicksome bull
doZers whatever consolation they
might derive from so innocent an amuse-
ment The President in his attitude
towards them was sincere and forbear-
ing. But they soon showed themselves
to be both insincere and Aggressive
What seemed grim joke on the part OF
Nichols and his follows soon proved a
real source of local peril Under the
advice of prominent Democrats at
Washington, taking advantage of the
Presidents disposition of non-interfcr-
ence, usurping minority set up on
their own account duplicate Hampton
Legislature in New Orleans, while arm
ed organizations of White-Liners, act
ing under orders Of the usurping Gov
ernor, seized upon the State Arsenal.
and the Police stations of the city, This
most important step being peaceably
accomplished, the Judges of the highest
courts of the State We're elected from
the bench, and Nichols political crea-
lures installed in their places. Against
their armed combinations the lawful
government of the State was perfectly
powerless, and Packard, the legally
elected and regularly inaugurated Gov
crnor, was, with the only duly elected
Legislature, a prisoner in the State