New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-05-18

the form of investigation which Republicans
co,,ld not have afforded to oppose, and the only
form which Democrats could have afforded to
ask:
IT'S folly Of the most wicked character to attempt 10
frce fine resolutions upon The House without oppor-
tun,ty for amendment. Ii the House IL 10 enter
upon an Investigations let itbe known everywhere that
1t Is to be fn and free Honesty is the best policy not
only IN morals in all political aud business trasae-
tons OF life. Does tn Democratic party tear 10
have its ct on probsdl Has II anything which II Is
anxious 10 couceall Then why this obstinate determ-
nation TO shut out fair play II the Investigation must
proce.d let if he bascd upon broad and far reaching
demand for all the facts Let 1t reach from top to Dot
tom and include every alleged rrcguar or fraud IN
the Presidential election As the Democrats are BOW
resolved see nothing but mischief. immediate ana gen
cral plan. IL VIII disturb the peace ana dniet
OF the whole country ana have most Injurious effect
upon ali Industrial interests. am willing that II
shall be understood everywhere that am not Only for
the Hale amendment bat for any other amendment that
germano to the question Of fraud on the Presidential
question. Let it embrace all sides ana allegations.
Chen the country will be satisfied. AT the same time 1t
should b. understood these Investigations must not
be made with the slightest view whatever for an attack
or assament upon the tile any person who's tenure
of office has been ettled by constitutional authority
What, then, is the movement actually at
temptedl 1t is not only unfair, cOwardly and
fraudulent in method, but il is palDably reyo-
lutionary in purpose. The Republicans had
abundant right to oppose it on either ground,
or on both grounds. They were right III de-
manding an amendment making the lnvestl-
CATION broad, far, and impartial, if there was
to be any investigation. But they were also
right in resisting any and every inquiry when
is designed to disturb, or is based upon the
presumption that this Congress has any constl-
tutonal power to disturb, the title of President
duly naugurated. The Democratic resolution
is not only indecent and knavish; it is an at
tempt to get up new rebellion against law
full authority. In either aspect 1t could be re-
sisted as a matter of right; in the latter II
was duty to resist 1t.
We are glad that the able Republicans OF
the House adhered throughout to the position
they did, and glad, also, that they have placed
their reasons before the country. Let them keep
this firm stand and fight revolution at every STEP
The first and UNNECESSARILY the most important
step for the peace and prosperity OF the couh-
try il the entire abandonment or complete de-
feat of revolutionary schemes. The men VINO
talk of impeachment as possible result ana
excuse are guilty of a cheat unworthy OF gem
tlemen, for they know that they have not the
least idea Of making William A. Wheeler
President. The men who pretend that there
is no intention to disturb the Presidents title
are proved guilty of falsehOOd, first by the
very language of the resolution rs TO the Mary
land memorial, and second by the action of
the Democratic caucus on a resolution dis
claiming such intent. There is no way, except
by revolution, to Dust a President and Vice
President who have been duly inauguratcd
and recognized by both houses of Congress-
and whose night is sustained by the courts.
Until the revolutionary intent is wholly de-
fcatcd Republicans ought to treat all com
promises and adjustments that may be pro-
posed precisely as pcace-at-any-price
Coppcrhcads were treated when the fist
rebellion began.