Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-07-10
The Presidents Position.

In reply to the talk of the Washington |
correspondents, to the effect that President
Hayes had no following in Congress, and
few friends among the politicians who con-
gregate at the capital, the Golden Rule well
asks-What of it ? Whose fault is it ? Who
is diScredted by the fact-the President or
those who don't like him? 1t occurs to a
good many people that it is rather to the
credit of an executive, than otherwise, TO
have earned the il-will Of the late most sin
cerely unlamented Congress.
Even negative goodness is something to
be thankful for in these times. The Presi-
dent has not aimed repeated blows at the
credit and fair fame of the nation through
dishonest and crazy financial schemes. He
has not disturbed reviving confidence and
injured business by inaugurating revolu-
tionary movement, and backing out of it
only after the injury was done. He has not
shamed the nation that justly prides itself
on its share in establishing the principle of
international arbitration in lieu of war, by
higgling like dishonest jockey over the
payment of an award that happened to go
against it, He has not sought TO cripple
and still further skeletonize our gallant little
army. He has not shown his incapacity by
muddling every important work that he I'M
dertook, and proved himself capable only in
carrying out partisan or selfish schemes. The
abortive tariff revision, the repeal of bank
L. 20 L. Of hra ub N,
it properly, the impairment of the revenues
| by buncome reduction of the tobacco tax,
the criminal failure to provide for rational,
safe and honest way to canvass and declare
the electoral vote-these and other sins of
omission and commission cannot be laid at
the Presidents door.
Well, what has he donep
He has been President of the United
States, within the lines drawn by the consti-
tuition of his country, and in strict obedi-
ence to his oath registered in heaven" as
the lamented Lincoln strongly phrased it.
He has conducted our foreign affairs with
dignity aud discretion, and so administered
affairs at home as to secure, for the first
time since the outbreak of the war, peace
and tranquility throughout the land. He
has seen that the constitution was upheld
and the laws faithfully executed. He has
been an honest, fearless, faithful chief mag
istrate, neither neglecting any plain duty
nor attempting to arrogate to himself pow
ers that belong TO other departments of the
government.
More than this For the first time sine,
the days of jackson, President Hayes illus
q trates the principle of true political indie
a pendence in the executive office. He ha
been President Of the whole people. II h'
!, is, as has been said, "a President without
party" he is not President without
d country. And If the time be not yet com,
d when his lofty saying is recognized as true
"a that He serves his party best who serve
:. his country best 1T is the more TO hi
y honor for trying to hasten the day when i
d will be. For the first time, no civil office
II of the government is prescribed for his opin
a ions. No faithful official need fear remova
for declining TO pay tribute to political ms
). chine managers, while all are admonishe
g 10 attend to their duties and let the peopl
d manage their own affairs. For the frs
,e time, also, we have President who
a neither expecting, nor intriguing for, se'
!, ond term and this is greater gain tina
d many seem willing TO admit and remembs
n now, who were bowling 80 Justify for tn
ly "principle " but short time ago.
Az Without any partisan interests or feeling
y whatever, but looking at the situation onl
!" as citizen interested in good government
ry we insist that President Hayes has conducte
Id himself in his high office with true patrio
va ism-with manifest sincerity of purpose
y, do his duty well-and, in view OF all the pc
ne picking and unusual circumstances, with
at ability, discretion and patience that EMIT
in him TO the highest praise Being right,
ret can afford TO wait. The people are new
unjust in their final verdict.