The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-05-23

country as a reputable representative OF
the American people, and the guardian of
their commercial rights at one Of the most
important cousulships.
|
Hayes and the Southern Democrats,
The President is reported as expressing
himself surprised and disappointed by
the action of Southern democrats in the
House of Representatives in voting for
the Potter resolution of Investigation.
He affects to regard their course as being
an ungrateful return for the service he has
done the South. Does the President wish
the country to understand that his South
ern policy was a mere piece of political
strategy which he adopted TO gain some
personal or political advantages of polit-
ical or personal character, or, would he
have the impression prevail that it was the
result of an agreement between himself
and certain men Of the South of such
nature that it would he dishonorable
in them not to fulfill their part inasmuch
as he had done his. Either of these con
sideratioDs are not characteristic of states
manship, or the acts of high minded
honorable men. If the presiden. was
bargaining for support of himself and
administration, if he is willing to have it
understood in that light, then the people
will 60 step further and will construe the
bargain as belonging to an earlier Gate
and that it was made to help him into the
presidential! Office IF on the contrary he
had no understanding Of that kind, wherein
does his policy so commend itself to the
gratitude of the southern people that
these votes of their representatives for
Investigation may be regarded as iugra
titude. Democrats everywhere concedt
that his so-called southern policy ha.
released the south from an ignoble aDC
CALLING tharldom and that to-day the PEG
pie of that section are in better condition
than for may long years last past, but thu
country will regret to learn that the Pres
ident in his course of administrator
towards Southern States had no highe
aud nobler purpose in view than merel
executing the conditions of a previousl
arranged Contract, Of which he himsel
was the personal beneficiary. If souther
ners are under any personal obligations t
the president it is because he ha
in turn by has olcn personal acts conjoine
to theirs created the obligations, and slcl
an idea at once leads back to the charge q
political corruption and fraud. If he wa
in no way personally cognizant Of an
intrigue or chcane wich secured him th
presidency, then such official action of hi
as has rendered to better the condition G
the south might be gladly accepted q
an enlightened and liberal craftsmanship
and could scarcely fail to awaken a feelin
Of personal good will even it did not il
fuence the condition of political affair.
But if there was any bargains betwee
Hayes, or, between bis agent
acting with his knowledge, and souther
congressman, it certainly is a mistake
view Of political rectitude. and libel upo
republican institutions, to expect the sout
to stand between him and the wrong CON
mitted To investigate in regard t
alleged frauds, aud 10 establish the fact
30 that the people may have the eyidenc
in Official and reliable form and clearl
understand whether or DOT the allegation
OF fraud are true is one thing, and yer
desirable object-to pursue the question r
what effect such frauds, if committed, hav
upon the presidential title is anothe
thing and as We understand it is uc
necessarily involved in the Potter invest
CATION. The author of that resoIutio
dlsclalms any intention of directing i
scope to the purpose of trying the vaIidit
oil MT hayes incumbency. There was
general acquiescenee of the greater pa
OF the people, no doubt, in the decision
the ELECTORAL commission and the action
congress III settling the vexed question Of Il
presidency IS they did; an acuuiescen
lot peace sake, ADD not because il "
oelieVed to be wholly just or right r
with the lapse of time, add the str.n,e .,
unexpected confessions of men who we
prime actors IN tho frauds committed 4,
grave doubts which have always exist
in the minds of the people, irrespective
party, have strengthened and increased I
til they have assumed proportions VIII
nothing but knowledge of the truth ,
aAay. The investigation should be mi
lot aud IN behalf of the people, and in
interest ct right and Justice, and to
enu mat premeditated and success
''4uu, " there was such, may be prop,
punished and made odious. So m
should be done as matter Of posi-
night and as the only guarantee Of
n oosSrpeuulty Of an elective government,
Se eSSeect aud obedience on the part Of