The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1881-11-05

- A
to the supporters OF Gen.
eral Grant. for an Office which ne had
not sought, desired or expected kc-
and only for the purpose OF
harmony in his party, ne ac-
cepted the post assigned him.
AS the candidate for President was IN
me prime Of vigorous manhood, With
strongest promise ofmany active y ears,
the sad contingency which has now
arisen was contemplated only as posi-
bility too remote to influence the selcc-
t;on Of his associate on the ticket.
Neither General Arthur nor those who
voted for him supposed for moment
that il his party carried the election he
would be called to. any respon sibility
more serious than the light and grace
full part which our fundamental law
assigns to the Vice President.
But when the news of the attack upon
the President horrifed the country and
shocked the civilized world, General
Arthur and the people of the United
States were suddenly and sharply
brought to q realization of the fact that
only q faint and tremulous spark In the
White House stood between the Vice.
President and the Presidential Office.
At that time the dominant party,
split into two .belligerent factions, was
in the midst Of protracted and acri-
monious struggle. centering ut Albany,
but exertins its unhappy influence in
every part Of the United States. AS
General Arthur was allied with the FAC
ton opposed to the Administration, the
Drosnect of the radical change that then
seemed imminent intensified the excite
ment that, under any circum stances,
would have been sufficiently deep, and
added. bitterness to a feeling that
needed no increased acerbity.
Happily for us our fathers wrought
so well that change in the Presidency,
however sudden, however tragIc: how.
ever sad, cannot affect the stability OF
the Government or throw any portion
of its well-ordered mechanism into con-
fusion. Such contingency as the
mournful event which has now occurred
was amply provided for in the Consti-
| tuition. A death like this touches the
deepest emotions of our hearts, but it
cannot disturb our domestic tranquility
nor complicate our relations with other
| powers. .f-zA.,.
The political significance OF this
| change resides alone in the fact that it
| brings into power the faction opposed
| to the Administration of the late Presi-
dent. There has been time enough
since the I'd of July for passion
| to cool, and for the better nature OF the
| partisan to assert its sway. While the
Nation has been standing around the
death bed of the President, it is hoped
that hatred, malice and all uncharita-
bleness have been permitted to die out
Of the hearts Of those statesmen who arc
recognized as leaders OF the respective
Republican factions.
Win the war of the factions be re.
vived? or will their leaders arrangt
! terms of final and permanent pacifica
tionP These are the questions that ART
anxiously asked. and for which there is
a. vet. no, answer If we could desire
the success of the Democratic party a.
any cost, if we deemed Democratic
triumph of more importance than tina
prosperity which depends on politica
peace, If we were moro partisan ant
l less patriotic in our feelings we shoult
| hope for, the speedy renewal and Wig
SAS S'N. II - 60 - - -, ,,,,~t -.
1 put the country mas nau enIu nw ns'
mucn. ~ Ial AZ , sny I ha~oss csrars
Arthur has an opportunity to 50 serv'
ms county g ~ Ehn enuu,sng iAr ~
ana the respect 9. - gooa n,Sn =;
can 40 TINS ~ g nunliu - =,
great ounce as slai .c9u - s suJ P 81
motion % Peace ,,:. 'ss a,oro.r :.
nun 70 orpg tn1 ulseos t ILL., :
q mas parry .Inso n1Illns anu ehs s'. -
give me county IVA. qu.S s;s s.'s s<'o IS
nom tus sL7 - w uaa.a t Su s' S'
ana moran INTERESTS uelnanS .;...i,,,
vomlng ihso pUmo1 , um% c;,.c,,r
stances tnas appeai 50 s..G ;as1;,,s ~ :
| Is not likely that Mr.. Arthur will sigma
- ~. .dvenf ~ sudden and startlin
~ ~ - cAAs ~ s.i = q
. innovations. Wnle ~ may 1aIiy .