Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-03-14
THE PUNISHdIENT OF GREAT
CRIME.

Only year ago Mr.. Hayes entered into
the Office of President of the United
States by ways disloyal, disgraceful, and dis
honest, which were bridged for his passage
with forms of law limiting and defeating
the spirit of the law; and already the just
punishment of that great crime is coming
upon him. Though first man of the nation,
he does not command personal respect.
Though chief of the primal council of the
people his advice is scorned. And though
by title and place he is the representative
of one of the two almost equal political
parties of the country, he and
his policies are alike lacking
defenders. Yet when he became President
year ago, he almost disarmed his Demo-
cratic opponents by speclous professions of
good purposes, and appeared capable OF lead
ing the Republican party upon new and
enduring platform Of national principles.
With a few gracious words added to prac-
teal assertion of the constitutional right Of
the States to local self-government, he won
the whole South to regard the crimes which
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country's good. With promises of civil ser
vice reform he made patriotic men every
where hopeful that the shameful character
of the public service under his predecessor
would be all removed. And though at the
outset, in his choice of cabinet officers, he
offended somo of the recog-
nized leaders of the party which
supported him for the Presidency, they
shared the feeling of the country at large
that it would be dangerous for them to rebel
against his authority as the head of their
party, SO long as the people had faith in his
fair promises. At that time few would have
ventured to accuse Mr.. Hayes of having full
knowledge of the frauds byNhich he came
to be declared elected President.
But the events of the year have revealed
more of Mr.. Hayes character than was pub
licly known at its beginning. 1t is apparent
now that he personally knew of the means
employed to steal for him the votes
of Louisiana, South Carolina and Florida
The men who procured the stealing are his
first favorites as President The cunning
lawyers and wire-pullers who contaminated
the theft are his next favorites. Not content
with this, he has recognized and acknowl-
edged his obligation to reward the meanel
instruments of the crime by appointing them
all to such places of honor, trust and remun,
Grafton as only men of highest character
should hold. And, still further exposing
the falsity of his promises of reform, he has
searched the country through to bestov
Office, without regard to other recommends
ton, upon all the personal friends and per-
sonal acquaintance of Rutherford B. Hayes
as if the Office he occupies with all it,
privileges and powers was persona
property. Now we see that the concessions
to the South, and the professions OF devotion
to pure, impersonal and loyal methods o
government, were the expedients of Gun
ming and not of a worthy man. He desired
to be President, whether elected or not. III,
| has his desire, but at such sacrifices as
better man would not have made for any OBJ
ject. And his punishment comes from tn
exposures which deprive him of the respec
and confidence Of the people, leaving hi
party leaders free to desert him and inyitin.
attack and criticism from every quarter
Before his four-years term has expired h.
will be more an object of scornful pity thar
hatred.
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