National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-09-24
pOpuIaGOn Of Ihc National CapihI. 10000.
Thc Now Adminlstrntion.

From the present situation should come
higher national life. Party strife should
he limited TO the bounds prescribed by
justice and patriotism. The mere struggle
for power is one in which only few arc
interested. The calamity which has fallen
upon the country cannot be utilized by
selfish men. There is no party or faction
that can command a price for
tho detected havior of the visagc'
OF make merchandise of the national
misfortune. The Constitution of the
United States recognizes no posthumous
authority, nor does IL permit u Chief
Magistrate TO substitute for his own the
conscience of another, living or dead.
The late President was most praised
when people believed he exercised his
ota Judgment. The people will most
honor and trust his constitutional success
sor when they learn, as learn they will,
that beneath courtly and digniled de-
meanor there dwels stern and uncom-
promising resolution TO do right as he
sees the right, and that while he greatly
esteems the good will of all, he will seek
IL by honest methods, leading.to the pro-
motion of the public welfare, rather than
by needing thoughtless and meaningless
clamor. The country's great need is not
that this or that man shall have Office,
but that there shall be quiet.
There is very pronounced effort in
some quarters to place the President
under a sort of duress and to mark out
certain metes and bounds within which
lie shall be imprisoned. The sources of
all this are not very formidable, but the
outcry is shrill and persistent. 1t must
be greatly embarrassing to gentlemen OF
the Cabinet TO see the new President inn
portuned by their ofticious newspaper
friends to keep them in place while yet his
predecessor is on his way to the grave.
Not only importuned, but mcnaced 1t is
shameful, and argues small regard for the
decencies of life.
Nothing is known as yet of the Presi-
dents purposes Probably none are yet
defined in his own mind But this is the
would be sure to gather the best inspira-
ton. Not since the death of ABRAHAM
LINCOLN has there been time when the
better nature that is in men has had
fuller play than now. The only political
antagonisms that are justifiable now are
such as rest upon conviction as to meas
ures and upon the known upworthiness
of men. The Legitimate divisions of the
people into parties as upon the rightful-
- ness and constitutionality of measures.
The divisions of parties into factions are
the result of struggles between men.
That the new President will lend him
self to any faction is not to be believed.
That he will call to his counsels any who
would endeavor to carry on prescription
or disturbance in the party would give
the lie to his whole political life. He has
called an extra session of the Senate.
He may be ready when that body con-
venes to present the names of the men
deemed by him most suitable to be in
trusted with the duties of the several
Departments. What is not wanted just
now is any great unsettled question to
prevent the repose so much to be desired
IL will be fortunate for the country if it
can speedily be told to what hands the
public business is to be confided.