New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-11-20

proved the better one. Inc interviews between
leading Senators and the President have done
much to remove MISUNDERSTANDING that
might otherwise have become serious, and to
promote a better feeling on both sides. 1t Is
not claimed that any change of opinion has
been effected on either side. Doubtless the
President is still as firm believer Ill the Wis
dom and eventual success of what has como
to be called his policy, as ever; and
we do not know thas any of the
Senators who questioned its wisdom or
feared ITS effect upon the party has
changed his view. 1t is, however, fact be-
yond dispute that as parties to a controversy,
the President being on one sidN and Republic
can Senators on the other, each has better
understanding of the views and purposes OF
the other, and a clearer appreciation OF each
others motives, than before the interview. On
the other hand the President has frankly as
closed his intentions to the Senators VINO
called upon him, together with the reasons
operating in his mind for the adoption of the
course marked ont He has done this, as all
agree. with great modesty and good temper,
and with no manifestation of obstInacy or con-
ceit The Senators. on the other hand, have
had the opportunity to present their oblcc-
tons to the policy adopted, and their views
of the duty of the Administration to
the party and the country. Here are
differences indeed, but there need not he
a rupture or a quarrel. The differences are
very far from irreconcabe. With patience
and tolerance, and firm determination on both
sides not to permit the mischiefmakers who
desire breach in the party to have their way,
they will all shortly disappear.
1t is very fortunate for the party
that it has not to deal under such cir
cumstances with a President of the temper of
the late Mr.. Johnson, or even of General
Grant. Not that we mean to say that the dl-
visions in the party during the administrations
of these two officials were attributable sole
~ to inlirmties of temper on the part
of the Executive we are quite well
aware that the Senate of those terms was not so
amiable of temper throughout but that it
could furnish the combativeness and stubborn
ness necessary for at least one side of quarrel;
but we do believe that the avoidance of
breach between the Administration and the
Senate. and the present prospect of an ultimate
understanding and agreement are due almost
entirely to the Presidents moderation, good sense
and catholcity of temper. All that is needed
to preserve the harmony Of the party to
strengthen and consolidate it. is such calm and
temperate discussion Of whatever points of
difference may exist as has been had already
in some degree in the interviews between
the President and Senators. The ultimate
purpose of both is the same the same motive
actuates both. The difference is only as to
means and methods. With party so formid-
able as the Democratic, threatening as
it now does the credit of the conn
try, and with that all our interests as
a people, and orr future as nation, there
can be no doubt as TO the duty of all Repub-
leans, in public or in private life, to put aside
all minor differences, or, at least, to re-
fran from magnifyiug them and to
unite against reputation and dishonor.
The chief issue after all is the one which the
Democrats Of this Congress have forced upon
the country: it involves the cOuntry's honor;
it is the duty of all honest men to make every
other question subordinate to that Till that
is decided, let us have no small quarTels.