Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1877-03-02
The First Step.


Should Governor Hayes become president
his FIRST act, the nomination Of cabinet
will be regarded with eager interest. Hi,
position is one Of singular Independence, and
it is peculiar in our history. The cry Of
fraud in his title, proceeding from those who
would gladly have seated a president whose
claim rested on violence, will soon cease il
the presence Of an administration evidently
devoted to harmony, economy, and the gen
eral welfare. Notwithstanding all that ha,
been said, Mr.. Hayes would enter upon bis
office without embarrassing obligations OIL
any kind. His nomination was anticipated
by very few, aud was not desired BY the
friends Of most Of the leading candidates be.
fore the convention. He made no promises
or pledges, and when he was nominated he
was absolutely free. During the campaign
while his opponent, abandoning every 10.
stinct and tradition of digBity and propriety
was electioneering for himself, the position Of
Mr.. Hayes was that Of gentleman. I'm.
mediately after the election, when the re.
suit was doubtful, his attitude of self-respect
was unchanged. There were stories, indeed,
Of an intention on the part OF Mr.. Morton
Mr.. Chandler, and other republicans of that
school, TO bring in Mr.. Tlden if they were
not satisfied" by Mr.. Hayes and il has
even been alleged that Mr. Morton, after
seeing Mr.. Hayes, returned to Washington
saying that he was call right" in other
words, that he had made bargain. We
have little doubt that MIR. Morton and his
friends are wronged by the rumor. They
certainly knew Mr.. Hayes too we'll to pro.
pose bargain, and he knew equally we'll
that they had nothing to gain or hope in
the success of the democratic candidate.
The proceedings of the electoral commits
sion have no more laid personal obligations
upon MIR. Hayes than those of the nominating
convention. lie would undertake the duties
of his Office with no other kind Of obliga-
tion than that which binds every man who
acts with party in free country. He
would undoubtedly feel himself houorably
bound to maintain the great principles Of
which he knows he has been selected as the
representative. But the policy that he
would favor to carry out those principles,
and the advisers and agents whom he might
select, are points upon which he would right.
fully decide according to his estimate OF the
political situation. If, for instance, he were
Of opinion that the recent narrow escape
from defeat Of the party to which he has al.
ways been attached, was due TO the substi.
tuition Of reckless and narrow partisanship
tor wise and patriotic craftsmanship, he would
indicate it at once by the political character
and sympathy of those whom he should sum-
mon to his cabinet. The nomination Of gen.
tlemen who are known only as strong part.
isans would be an augury deeply to be de-
plored. But the selection of conspicuous,
able, spotless men, of republican convictions,
but Of recognized political independence,
would be the earnest of broad, generous,
and wise administration, which at the very
beginning would command the confidence and
respect of the whole country.
A strong bulwark OF the official independ-
ence of Mr.. Hayes, in the event of his inau.
guration, is his declaration for a single term
only. This frees him at once from all the
temptations that spring from purpose of
soliciting reelection. As he has no
"debts" to pay, SO he would have no ALI.
ances to proptiate. His dependence for the
success OF bis administration would be the
general approval Of the country. Yet the
nature Of party organization and the rela.
tion which the senate has assumed toward
the Executive, are such that courage and
6rmness would be as indispensable to him as
just estimate Of the situation. But, fortu-
nately for him, the party majority in both
houses OF the next congress is very small,
and should n conraa ucon b;y M ~ ;nJ;oo.;,,,
of q tenacious purpose of reform produce OPP
position in his own party, we trust that he
would not shrink nor waver, confident of the
great popular sympathy and support, and
tho wise and patriotic reorganization Of par
ties that would surely follow. There is no
party leader that he need fear, and there is
no combination of such leaders that could
seriously cmbarrass his administration we're
he surrounded by cabinet not Of unknown
men, but Of men known and approved as
absolutely superior to bargains and tricks
and jobbery and the meannesses Of partisan
ship, trusted for their character, respected
for their ability, and whose participation in
the administration would crafty the pride
of every honorable American.
The presidency is not pleasant and easy
occupation it is great trust, to be received
and administered in brave and self.sacri-
fcing spirit. Ono Of its inevitable pains is
the disappointment Of eager expectations and
the total refusal to consider "unquestionable
claims" Nobody can rightiully assert any
"claim" to any position in new administra-
ton, because there is no conceivable standard
by which the value Of services can be meas
ured nor their results computed. But the
pressure of "claims' to high and low office
Is like tornado. Only tho greatest nerve
aud tranquility Of temperament and persis.
teuce of purpose can withstand it. Every
kind of sophistry and Establishment and
menace and appeal is employed, and the lite
of president can be made very uncomforta-
BILE. Those in high official position, also,
may seriously perplex him. Bat it will be
a happy day should Mr.. Hayes, if elected
begin his official term by practically show
ing his faith that party machinery is not
SO strong and sure support as the intelli-
gence aud character aud perception not only
of party but Of all good citizens.-Harper's
Weekly.
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