National Republican., 1880-11-15
THEINAUGURAL MovEMrNr.

THE lNAUGURAI4 MOVEMENT.
1t is a matter of profound regret with re-
publicans that the incipient steps taken in
the way OF making preparation for n flt-
ting inauguration of President GARFIELD
should be attended by want of harmony
in feeling and action The occasion is one
that challenges the most cordial feeling
and the most perfect unanimiiy of purpose.
1t really makes but little difference with
the country who shall take the preliminary
steps for the Inauguration, provided that
the arrangements therefor are properly and
efficiently made. 1t is patent fact that
everybody cannot pioneer in matter of
this kind. Somebody must lead, and as in
everything else where multitudes are in
volved, portion, and large portion, too,
must follow. II Is nevertheless important
that unity and harmony shall prevail to
secure success and credit for any popular
movement Of this character. To enter
upon the threshold of this or any other
enterprise under discussions bodies no good
TO its success and in this case, what should
be made an honor to the city of Washing
ton and the country, is liable under exist
ing feeling TO be converted into public
scandal alike discreditable to all concerned.
This should be avoided and averted at all
hazards, and il will be if reason shall take
the place of passion and personal prejudice,
and ambition shall defer to q feeling of
good fellowship and patriotic purpose.
We have taken some pains to obtain cor
rect information as to the precedenis and
usages of such occasions, and find that the
initiative has been almost uniformly taken
by few citizens, as in this case, under
which an executive committee has been
selected to lead off in providing for proper
arrangements for the Inauguration. As.
suming that our information as to prece-
dents is correct, the only proper objection
that tho public can have TO this executive
committee must be urged on the ground
of want Of personal respectability, of po
litical orthodoxy or of executive ability tC
organize the affair they have in hand. l
this committee has sinister ends to answe,
that would afford strong grounds of objcc
tion TO IT, but in looking it over as whole
it may be regarded as free from such an i'm
putation MS any other ten men who woulC
supplant them. Under existing circum
stances they are entitled TO fair considera
tion and unpreiudiced treatment in th
discharge Of their duties. II is unlortu
nate that asperities should have been in
jected into this affair TO embarrass their az
tion in pushing forward work tina
at best, involves thankless task. w
know and can speak for one member {
that committee which is so severely aniagC
nized, who stands ready to yield the un
coveted place to any gentleman who ha
superior or equal claims upon it but ther
is right and a wrong way of accomplish
ing such ends, and the wrong can never b
made the right way.
We have said this much from an i'm
perous sense of duty under the circum
stances, and not for the purpose of chal
longing asperity or dissension. The stuH
tion calls loudly for unity and harmony
These must DO attained, and higher plan
of fraternity and mutual respect must b
reached and cultivated between those VIII
desire that the next Inauguration shall b
worthy the period and the nation to whic
it relates. II those who have taken tl
initiative in this matter, or those WI
covet their positions, are cultivating an
roots OF bitterness to bear unfoItunat
fruits in this affair, none such are properl
qualified for the duties and responsbilitiJ
that arc in the future of these preparation
There is ample room for all who desire
bear part in this pleasant episode, an
hence there is no occasion for antagonisn
or asporites. Therefore, "let us la,
peacen