The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1877-02-22
a WORD WITH GOV. nAYEs.

The action OF the partisan electoral
commission in refusing to go behind !
the decision Of the fraudulent return
ing board of Louisiana, and the con-
sequent recognition OF the Hayes and |
Wheeler electors, Is the crowning in
fanny OF party whose supremacy is
estimated as paramount to the triumph |
OF principle. It is especially sug |
gestive TO Governor Hayes, whose
present attitude is strangely at
variance with his avowed Inten-
tions in the early season OF the |
presidential contest. lie has repeat
eddy expressed desire to ascertain the |
tfuth-to reach the bottom facts in |
the matter of the election in the |
doubtful Southern States, but has
failed to offer any practical demon
stration of the sincerity of his purpose.
Did lie hope to reach an hon
est conclusion through the instruments
whose adoption received his tacit APP
proval Did he suppose that the
sworn statements of such scoundrels as
Kellogg, Packard, Chandler and Cham
berlain would find crcdence with any
one endowed with an essence of intel
ligence or honor Indeed, we may
ask, does Governor Hayes himself
place confidence in the creatures who
have developed and sustained the wild
infamies of his party Realizing, as
he must, the contumely in which hu-
manity will hold the Morton Chandler
vassals, who are determined to force
upon the country the acceptance of a
mighty wrong, should he not wisely
compress the compass of his ambition
and heed the dictates of better judg-
ment The proceedings of the electo-
raj commission thus far clearly
foreshadow the scope OF their
future decisions. They have de-
teFmlned to inaugurate Governor
Hayes, and he is equally determined to
be inaugurated, for already he is re.
ceiving congratulations at the Execu-
tive mansion in Columbus, while pre-
liminary arrangements are being &C
complished for the inaugural ball. But
can he afford to become usurper2 Can
he, as 4 patriot and as man, afford to
Detray the trust of the thousands of
honest citizens who composed his con-
siituency; to sacrifice the esteem of
his people; to destroy the liberties of
his country, and to court the contempt
OF the world, for the sake of enjoying
an official probation, the legitimate out
growth of which must be distress and
dishonorl Does he estimate the essential
qualities that should characterize the
incumbent of the position to which he
aspires The bestowal of the highest
Office in the gift of the people de.
mands the highest elements in the
character Of the recipient. He who is
tc-axercise executive control of the
nation; who is to stand out, before the
world, as its chief representative; who
is to WELD the power of veto over ma
tional legislation; who is to be vested
with undisputed command of the army
and navy, should be above the level
OF partisan zeal; above the reach of
personal venality; above the influence
or suspicion Of corruption; above the
scope of moral cowardice. He should
be man of merit and of mind,
and prove his power and right to rule
by such control of his own ambition
rs will secure popular recognition of
Independent and individual worth.
Can usurper meet such requirements
Can a resident offer any claim to re-
cognition, whose installation is born
of fraud-the tenure of whose office is
the lease of villainyl We do not wish
unwarrantably to Impute foul motives
to Governor Hayes, but the ready sane
tion he has awarded the Vaccinations
of Chandler and Morton and Sherman
and Bradley betraY either the existence
of obtuseness that an imbecile would
disown, or desire to obtain power
even over the PROSTATE form of justice.
Governor Hayes certainly is not a fool 4;
it remains to be seen whether he will
prove knave.