The Portland daily press., 1877-04-04
The South Carolina Question.

The action taken b, the President in re-
gard to the disputed state governments in the
South is of course an experiment, ,-an ex-
pertinent from which all of US wish and many
of us expect favorable result. 1t is evident
that some trust must be placed in Southern
promises, that opportunity must be given to
the South to demonstrate that it is sincere in
the professions it is now so ready to make.
Not few Republicans entertain grave mis-
givings as to the issue of the experiment, but
the majority apparently are OF hopeful
nature and look for lasting pacifcation.
The President certainly is strong in the be.
lief that his policy meets all the conditions of
the situation and is adequate to the end to be
attained. 1t is the part of patriotism to
strengthen his hands, to aid him in the
achievement Of success. If the experiment
prove failure it will of course be abandoned.
for Mr.. Hayes is man Of strong practical
sense and will not stubbornly adhere to a
course of action calculated to bring disaster
upon the country and discredit upon him.
self.
The action taken in regard to South Caro-
lima appears to have been result of long and
serious deberation, and careful examina-
tion of all the circumstances of the case. 1t
was evident that Hampton was practically
governor Of the state, recognized as such by
a majority of the judiciary and by the heavi-
est taxpayers. There is certainly strong
and reasonable doubt whether he was elected.
But the same doubt obtains in regard
one Of perplexity from which the easi-
est escape seems to be that resolved
upon by the Administration. There will
be in the minds of every admirer cf
honesty and courage deep feeling of regret
at the unfortunate issue of the gallant strug-
gle made by Gov. Chamberlain. If ever a
man has earned by high intention, purity of
motive and strength of achievement, the suf-
frages of his people Gov. Chamberlain is that
man. His overthrow is but momentary
stumble for himself; it is misfortune to
them. But the result is fault of the situa-
ton. The blindness of South Carolina is pc
culiar to the state. Elsewhere the shining
talents of her Governor are cordially recog-
nized. At no time in his career has he ap-
peared nobler than he does to-day. In wise
and benevolent consideration of the men who
have supported him he refuses to :mperil their
lives in any attempt to sustain his authority.
Acknowledging that his opponents are strong
er than himself in material resources, that
they possess the might if not the right, he
declines to appeal to the arbitrament of force.
The President has, with eminent propriety,
required of Gen. Hampton pledges that the
rights of the colored people shall be respected
in South Carolina, and that they shall have
as fair a field for endeavor as the whites.
There is reason to hope from the character Of
Hampton and the explicitness of his assur.
ances, that these pledges will be carried out
If such should not be the case the interfer.
ence of the national government will again be
called for; for there can be no settlement Of
the Southern question until every provision
OF the constitution is loyalty accepted and
cheerfully obeyed by the South; and the pop
ular sentiment of the country will be strong
in support of policy which shall command
an obedience that is due to the national au.
thority.