Sword and shield. (Clinton, Miss.) 1885-1888, 1886-03-13
A NEW ERA.

Within q few days past, two
more prominent figures Of rapidly
passing era have ended their mortal
career. Ex-Gov. Seymour, of New
York, and Gen. w. s. Hancock, of
the Army, have both passed away.
They were both Democrats, had
both been nominees of their party
for the Presidency; were both able
men, and better, men, Of spotless
character.
The death OF these two giants of
a past political and military struggle
brings back to mind the new
made graves Of other leaders
in that struggle Within twelve
months, Grant, Toombs, and host
of others on each side have gone to
the bar of God. The old leaders are
rapidly going out, and those re-
naming arc scarcely leaders any
longer. We sre surely passing out
Of an old into a new era. The les
sons Of this transition ought not to
be lost upon rs.
As this generation lays to rest the
heroes OF Il past struggle, ought we
not to consign to oblivion all the
sectionaism and bitterness Of the
old era? There are some, and we
grieve to say, some preachers, nota-
bly, some Christian Editors, who
seem to live only to keep alive the
the bitterness Of the war period.
The good they propose to accom-
plish does not appear. They seem
to be living out Of due season. All
good people should pray for the re-
turn Of Of the spirit of brotherhood
to the nation, and if they pray for
it, they should work for it. It is
neither sensible, patriotic nor pious
to project the unhappiness of the
past into the future. Every father
should train his children to broad
and generous views Of past differ
ences. The war was caused in a
word, by honest differences of
opinion on both sides. Men on both
sides ventured their lives in defense
of their convictions. This is the
common ground upon which both
parties may stand and honor each
other. And it is the true ground.
The nobIest on both sides have long
occupied it.
Another profitable reflection is
that the questions which yexed the
nation during the old era, are now
settled. From the very foundotion
Of the government there were two
views held as to relative powers of
the States and the general govern
ment. There were those who held
that the Federal Union oyertopped
the States, while others maintain
that sovereignty resided in the
States separately. This latter view
prevailed for seventy-five years. It
was the view Of the South upon
which the right of secession was
This view was over
thrown by the war. Some still hold
it, but it is no longer a question in
practical politics, and to bring it
forward now is little less than
idiocy. The union now and forever
is the doctrine of this government,
written in the blood ofhundreds of
of her citizens
Equally true is it, that the slavery
question is settled and settled to
,veryone's satisfaction. 1t is of no
lse to go into history of a matter
which reflects no honor upon any,
ection Of the country; it is settled
10 more to rise in our midst; to
reate strife.
We may say, too, that the right
f local self government under State
ule is settled. The extremes to
which the North went after the war
ould not be maintained. The vio-
ent swinging of the pendulum
ould not last, and all the political
orces have adjusted themselves and
re now working together harmo-
iously.
Upon all these things, the whole
alton may be congratulated The
vo great parties have now nothing
} struggle over worth mentioning.
Id issues are settled forever. With
ne going out of the old leaders, we
OF only have new leaders, but must
ave new questions. 1t is an hour
{ great opportunity for the
meriean people, Questions of
ractical concern are going down
eeper than law; deeper, indeed
ian the constitution; issues effect
g the futnre making ofthe people
hose intelligence and morality are
le only bulwark of the constitution
nd laws are now in order. In the
outh we hope for an era of practi-
Il craftsmanship, looking to the
laterial and moral development of
le country. This calls loudly for
en of culture and conscience.
aptist Record.
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