Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1877-05-30

states are democratic. The policy
which conceded to the democrats the
which they have gained.
is irrevcrsible. The republican par
ty cannot, by censuring the President
his action or regain one
inch of the ground that has been lost.
1t is idle to denounce Hampton or
Nichols as usurper, for each now
holds his office by title which no
amount of rhetoric can impair
Whether we like these things or not
there is no getting rid Of them. They
must be accepted as accomplished
facts, III regard to which regrets and
resolutions are alike unavailing.
But "thc President should be told
what republicans think of him ?" If
Mr.. Hayes had any longing for re-
election, we could understand the ex-
pediency of reminding him that a
portion of his party had lost faith in
him. He has declared, however, that
he will not be candidate q second
time, and he can therefore afford to be
Indifferent to a notification in harmo-
ny with his original purpose. Besides
he pleads that the liberty of convic
ton which he comedies to those who
differ from him should be extended
to himself, and that, pending the de.
velopment of results, final judgment
on his southern policy should be sus.
pended. II is not denied that he act.
ed within the constitutional limits OF
his office when he left Chamberlain
and Packard to their fate. The cues.
ton, as one Of moral right only, is
whether, as President, he was bound
to carry out his own idea of duty OF
the ideas preponderating in thu
party which made him what he is.-
The republicans whom he has alien
ated hold the latter view, and censurt
him accordingly. So much is under
stood. If, as Mr.. Hayes predicts, .
marked improvement in southern af
fairs shall prove the wisdom of hi
policy, he may expect to win bacl
some Of the confidence he has forfeit
ed, but the full measure of cordialit,
can hardly be restored.
The common sense of the republi
can party may be relied upon to re
strain an antagOnism to the Presiden
which, SO far as the surrendered state
are concerned, cannot possibly do an,
good, and which as regards the part,
itself, may do much harm. The par
ty will outlive the President, and i
has it's future in its own keeping. III,
has avowed undated devotion TO it
principles, and q determination tt
administer the government in harmo
ny with them. He has right to asl
that he shall be sustained unit
the profession be belied by hi
acts or until some question shall aris'
in reference to which, as to tn,
Southern question, his individual
judgement shall be source Of differ
ence within the party. Until one O.
the other of these contingencies oc
ours, the best use to which the part!
can apply its strength is in maintain
ing practically the policy with whicl
apart from the South-it is identi
fed. Quarreling with the president
about things which cannot be changed
is poor business, and one unworth,
of its position. Better and NOR,
profitable tasks are before it, and t,
perform these adequately, unity mus
be maintained, The financial ques
ton will call for all its sagacity ant
force, not only that resumption ma!
be SO promoted as to entail the small
est amount of embarrassment upol
the business classes, but that thu
Treasury may be guarded from tn,
insidious attacks with which it i
threatened. The business question i
equally difficult and equally urgent
Legislation may help or retard it
satisfactory solution, and the main re
lance of the country must be upo1
Republican craftsmanship. Thes,
Questions will serve as features of til,
policy upon which the party, wisel.
directed, will extend its energies. 1t
future requires, not wrangling abou
the President and the past, but tn,
cultivation Of courage and generosit,
as well as wisdom, in the treatmen
Of questions which yet remain unset
tied.