National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-03-19

South could not have their own way in the
control of the Government The Demo-
Gratis ia Congress from the North remained
for the reason that they dared not secede,
however much they might have desired to
do so. They could not conveniently go
South, and they dared not secede and re-
main North, and hence they sort o stuck
throughout the unpleosantness and an
swered to their names and drew their pay
like men, though, with few exceptions, they
took no distinguishing part in the conduct
of public affairs throughout the bloody
struggle for national life. Almost
two decades have passed by, during
which the country has been staggering un-
der the consequences Of a sanguinary do
mestic war, laden with heavy debt incurred
thereby, and struggling TO pull through and
overcome the multtudinous difficulties that
had been thrust i'll its pathway by those
who had declared TO the world that they
would either rule or ruin this nation. What
has occurred during these long years of trial
and difficulty has become record in public
history, though experience shows that his
tory to be much more indellible than the
keen recollection of it in the loyal mind and
heart Of the people through whose bravery
and burden bearing the life of the nation
was saved.
If any prophetic mind had predicted iii-
teen years ago that on the 18th of March,
1879, those who had been in rebellion would
control the Congress of the United States
and dictate the laws of the nation, writ of
lunacy would have been issued to place such
prophet under the tender care of
q lunntc asylum. But, in all that in
tcrvcning period, the purpose Of
the South has been to subiugate
Government that it could not overthrow,
and we regret to admit what history COM
pels, that the Republican party has in a
| great degree aided i'll the advancement Of
! the purposes of the ex-Contederates by Il
mistaken policy of generous dealing, which
has given away legitimate advantages and
n Government that had been saved through
their patriotism, courage, and sacrifices. a
1 generous restoration OF traitors and rebels
to citizenship, mawkish sentimentality on
the part of Republicans that they must, rs
cOnquerorS be magnanimOus, n desire to be
regarded as iorgiying in heart and action, u
disposition to let bygones be bygones-have
all contributed to release the Republican
grasp from the controlling springs of govern
ment, and TO restore its worst enemies TO its
control.
This is the present condition of the ma
ton. The Republicans have frittered and
given away their prestige, until to-day
traitors and rebels are advanced to the
front, and the loyal and true men
who stood in the breach when the
storm Of rebellion ragged, and who periled
lives and fortunes to save the country, are
now consigned TO back seats among those
who make our laws and shape our desti.
MES This simple fact on the turning page
of history is not only humiliating, but
alarming to those who love this nation ant
seek its peace, prosperity, and perpetuity
1t portends deep and lasting trouble, ant
warns of the lameutable fact that we have
drifted into an era when treason, instead o
being odious is a badge of honorable dis
tinction, and rebellion, after all, was tht
true road to prefermeut. This is the lessor
that is taught by the history of to-day, ant
we commend ii to the serious contemplation
Of every citizen who loves this Union, re
veres the Constitution, and respects the IA!
of our fathers as the emblem of our great
ness and power.
The organization of both Houses of Con
gress yesterday under ex-Confederate aus
pices sets this nation Oh new departure, tn
consequences and ends of which cannot now
be clearly toreseen or foretold If treason
is to be preferred to loyalty in the conduct
of public affairs, then have we reached {
desired and happy era in our national his
tory II rebel is a safer custodian O
power than loyal man, who has neve
tnltered in the hour of peril to his Govern
ment, then are we strongly intrenching th
Republic in safety. II reversion is wises
and best, then we have reached position
that should challenge our satisfaction, 70
:. this reversed order in publical1'airs has bee
fully accomplished, and the country ha
cause for congratulation and Joyous demon
stration over the result.
The organization of the House of Repre-
sentatives yesterday was strictly in accord
ance with the DEGREES of King Caucus. RAN
DALI was made Speaker, and he richly dc
serves all the honor he can reap from th
advantage. He has been q plant tool c
the South, and though the masquerad
. OF an opposition was enacted b
Mr.. BLACKBURN and his retainers, the even
shows that it was only masquerade Il
: effect, for he made haste TO strip off hi
= mask and the assumed attire of oppositio
= and became u willing henchman Of him VIII
n had borne of the palm. The other officer
e connected with the organization Of tn
= House of Representatives were elected undt
n the behests Of the caucus, aud now the nj
# chine is ready to proceed, under the d!,
s tates of the South, to embarrass and oppre
:. the executive branch Of the Government
g because that has not also bowed down
y full and entire submission to that Southe:
power which is making gradual apprOach'
3. toward full subjugation of the nation
If its own behests.
The election Of RANDALL with all Il