The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-08
The President and the Democracy--,
A Letter from One who Knows.
WASHINGTON. July 20, 1878.

Editors Democratic Statesman:
You publish a newspaper item IN
which 1t is stated, on the authority OF
"a prominent Southern Republics
Senator" that the President, in a con-
yersation with him 1.-TWO or three weeks
before Congress adjourned" declared
that he did not intend to appoint any
more Democrats to office" And YOU =
ask as to the truth of that report andh
as to the purpose Of the President IA
that respect.
In reply, think you will agree with
me that it would be extremely indell-
cate to ask the President as to the
truth OF statement put forth without
the name of the sutLoi.
fahfe Sdf' t,he TyeI3ror given, INC pF0pF1s
ETY. of asking the President to entes,
into q controversy upon such an issue
would be more than questionable.
However, there are, as far as can
conceive, satisfactory reasons, II NOT
for a denial Of the reported declsra-
ton of the President, at least for the
assertion that he will continue IN tho
future the policy Of the past. Before
stating what is, to me, q conclustve.
fact, let me premise that the distsnN
DWashIngton to Texas il
great. hUhe report Of remark 81 a.
Presidehy 10 "a prominent Southern
Republican Senator" YSald have ample
time and opportunity TO be greatly
changed and shaped to suit the imagi-
nation or wish of the parties transmit
ting it. venture to say, that II th
or any reported remark of political a
nificance were brought to the NOT
of the President he would scarcely
recognize the original conversation of
the sort was ever held. The idea 4
wish to convey is illustrated in thai.
old and familiar reply Of Gen. Casa
when Presidential candidate. Hsl
was charged by the opposition press
with habits Of intemperance. To 9
committee of friends who requested
his denial, he replied, that If he were
to denounce the accusation he would
be proven drunkard.
knowing the character Of President
Hayes as well as do, ! do not myseIfo
believe he ever held any converDatf
whatever with Ga prominent Southcrn
Republican Senator" or any other Sem
ator or person, out of which the dec4
laration quoted could be manufactufed-I
But II any conversation on that subjectA
was had with any person, the Language
and declaration OF the President, 1T
orally reported, would, / am sure, be
found to be exactly correct and satis-
factory.
However, am able TO give you
facts as TO the action of the President
facts which foFcibly illustrate the truth
of the sentiment, tacts speak louder
than word, Vk: On the last day Of
the session Of Congress, the President
nominated TO positions among the most
honorable in his power 70 bestoW.
three distinguished and prominen
Democrats, and they were confirmed b
the Senate-Mr. Dent, 10 be ,mmis-
sioner under the Iecert act of Congress
reorganizing the government OF che
District of Columbis; Mr. Groesbecl,
70 be one Of thesilyer commission, ana
Gen. Heath, Of Virginia, general poEfz
Office agent.
This action OF the President win
! prove full and emphatic reply % your
queries, and must allay al spPrehen5
sions a. 10 his course aud his policy.
Without any authority Whatevefs
venture 70 suggest that the policy Of It'd
President finds an illustration IN lh<
policy Of President Lincoln upon tb1
question Of slavery. he would eals
the Union--that was his first duty. u
with slavery, well. II By partial
emancipation, that would be attempt-
ed. But be would save the Unious
with or without slavery; with partial,
total or limited Qocail emancipation.
He would save the Union. All eiEe|
was subordinate and secondary. So I
construe President Hsyes's policy e. q
the appointment OF Democrats 70 clice.
He desires conciliation and peace n 81
parts Of the country. II che appoint-
ment Of Democrzts, more or kfe
will secure 30 desirable 9 result
they will be appointed. II their of
pointment fails 10 pFoduce that result.
but rather aggrav tes the sviie - =.
reneoied, ~ sih
II the spp,intmsLt > n
the appointment of . few Wlil po1
bring about peace, then many viii 1k
appointed II the appoitnent. II lt4
will moro surely accomplish thie or
few viii be appointed. The fretIs
dent aims at peace, conclIiation n14@
prosperity, and 70 accomplish this nc,
bic object viii appoint many, feW e.
no Democrats 70 Office, as viii test q
cure the end desired By all good ue1
This Il my theory. ! give Il 70 Ie1
for what Il is worth. an uho.,f
without authority TO speak fol -
President. =