Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-05-05
HAYES AND POLITICAL LEGISLATIO.

HAYES AND POLITICAL LEGlSLA1lON
The Democratic caucus probably decided
upon the wisest course to pursue In the
present emergency when it agreed to pass
the political legislation separately from the
appropriation bills, and in that form to Of
fer it to MIR. Hayes for his signature. 1t will
be remembered that the principal objection
to the bill as originally passed was that the
political clauses we're in the nature of extra
neous legislation, and should not be placed
as riders upon a measure that is necessary
to the maintenance of the government This
he declared to be an attempt to coerce him
into the approval of pernicious measures.
He offered no particular objection to any
but one clause of the bill-that forbidding
the presence of civil officers of the govern
ment at the polls-and limited that if this was
modified and presented to him as separate
measure he might be induced to sign it.
The Democrats have therefore consented to
test his sincerity, and will modify the legis-
Iation according to his suggestion. 1t is in
tended to submit this bill for his approval
before the appropriation bills are acted up
on, but as all the issues involved have been
discussed over and over again there need be
but little delay in completing al! matters
needed for the interests of the country.
The question will arise, however, whether
Mr.. Hayes will keep the quasi promise he
( has made. We do not believe he will. The
same influences that were brought to bear
| L: I; 4lo
bill will be exerted again by the stalwarts OF
the Republican party, and it is doubtful if
he will be able to resist them. Indeed, he
has committed himself so fan
that he can hardly retrace
his steps without sacrifice
of his consistency. Mr.. Evarts has taker
the pains to still further commit him to {
course in opposition to the best interests O.
the country by an authoritative announce
ment that he is now in perfect accord witt
the party, and will not again swerve from
his allegiance. This certainly does not at
ford very strong hope that he will sinl
craftsmanship in patriotism, yet he should no
be denied the privilege of placing himsel
on record.
Mr.. Hayes, more than any other person
who ever occupied tho Presidential Office i
weak man. He has but few statesman
like ideas, vet he seems to have a vague ide
of justice and faint respect for the wishe
of the people. If left to himself these idea
might take shape, and he might not be
wholly bad executive officer. But he has n
mental strength, and does not appear to b
able to resist the opportunities of those VIII
placed him in office. He is there
j, fore swayed hitler and thither, a
: reed shaken by the wind. His opinion
are scarcely taken into consideration; he
: brought to believe that the good of the part
he has been set forward to represent is til
: good of the whole people. His imbecilit
y has won for him an unenviable notoriety, fc
he has been made the catspaw of the mos
y ultra of the radicals who dictate the polio
of the Republican party. If he shall su.
! coed in shaking off the tolls that have bee
placed about him, and signs tho bill that
: shortly to be placed before him, he will &
much towards removing the suspicion of in
l becility that has chung to his garments ev'
since he accepted the Presidential offic
~ Such a result we do not, however, anticipat
= and will not be disappointed if it shall pro,
that Mr.. Hayes has been captured entire
: out the least question.