The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-03-01
People and President.

| While it may be assumed that the varlou;
| sugges lions Of names in connection with the
Cabinet appointments of Gov. Hayes are
without the least shadow OF authority, il
may also be stated that his cons. itutiona
advisers will he statesmen above repr,mci,,
and without stain in every particular-m
whose record will commend them to the
| confidence OF the country, and inspire re-
spect from even their political opponents.
The speculations which Bohemian cores
pondents have spread broadcast over the
country that overtures will be made to
Southern democrats in the selection of a
| representative man OF the conservative ele.
ment to participate in Cabinet counsels, may
be pronounced equally unfounded. 1t would
not be consistent with his own position, no
more than it would be acceptable to the class
of gentlemen mentioned, that formal ten
der of official recognition should be made.
While the motive might be intrinsically OF
the highest patriotism, the very fact that Il
Republican President should invite into Ills
Cabinet an ayowed democrat, however eX-
allied his character, would subject the act to
adverse criticism, and incite suspicion of
an abandonment Of party principles on both
sides.
1t Is not, indeed, necessary. nor would it
be desirable, that any such departure from
the suggestions OF proprety should signaize
the Inauguration of President Hayes ad-
ministration, to secure fair consideration
from the Southern people. A policy baset,
upon just conception CT the condition of
the whole country, and the South as a part
OF it, directed TO the development Of the ma
terial sources, as well rs the pacification of
the Southern States, and controlled by wise
craftsmanship, looking to the rights and In
terests of all alike, would of itself be the
most certain means of giving assurance of u
beneticent design upon the part of the Pre-
sident.
1t should not be overlooked that it is Just
as essential for the peace and prosperity Of
the South that the incoming President should
be met In friendly, generous spirit by the
South, as that he should institute his admins
trs tion with reference to a restoration Of this
important section Of the Union to healthy
political and material condition. The Pre-
sident could have no other ambition than to
see the Southern people prosperous and
happy. The success OF his administration
will, in q degree, be measured by the adj
vancement Of the interests of the South az
well es the North. Yet, it Is very clear that
no sensible change caa be effected in the
present status Of affairs, unless the people
themselves lend their cordial, earnest and
patriotic cooperation. The Constitution and
the laws, universal in their application, will
be the guide OF the administration. The
people, too, must live up to them, and not
seek to comfort them 70 suit special localities
fer special political purposes. There is one
broad line Of duty marked out for both peo-
pie and President. 1t is here where they
may unite tor the common welfare, and the
party alone will be guilty who fails to meet
aud fully discharge the duties the laws and
Constitution impose. The President GER
tainly will not vary from them, and II the |
people will be as faithful and steadfast to |
the obligations OF citizenship, as he will be
in strictly observing the mandates Of tha |,
law, we may safely anticipate the introduc- |
ton Of an era OF unexamped peace and /
for the whole country. 1t is |
duty discharged BY both President and peo-
Pile that is essential to the restoration the |
South 50 much yearns for. The people must
cot forget that they are citizens and must /
obey the law, and the President viii not fer !
get that he is Chief Executive to enforce the |
law. 1t is the sacred observance Of law THAT
will bring people and President together, /
and unite their efforts for the progress and
glory OF common country. !