The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-02-04
GENERAL nAsRrsos.s OPPORTUNITY

The horoscope OF the Harrison Cabi-
net changes like Old Prob's weather
cock and every turn Of the political wind
lrings boom from a new quarter Tor
some new favorite. All last week the
papers argued that Blaine, Allison, wan
amaker and Alger constituted the big
four" OF the Presidents ministry, but to
day the Bliine-Allison slate appears
with an ominous crack across Its face,
and the big boss from Maine Ia fading in
the distance. The average mind, trying
10 catch on 10 General Harrlson's diem
ma, feels quite paralyzed for minute
after reading the daily bulletin Of the
callers" and Offices seekers that make up
the President-elect's parlor procession
every morning
II cannot be denied that the new Presi-
dent has a grand opportunity, ana his
admirers and friends Of the higher grade
believe that he il a good, patriotic and
sensible man. II Is just the favorable
moment TO achieve the great victory Of
peace. and close forever the chasm OF the
civil war, and It is quite true that the
Republican party, If inspired by a whole
souled and broad patriotism
could accomplish this better than the
Democrats. They have only to do one
single thing. and all other issues for the
time sink into insigniicance. and that
one thing is seen by every good citizen
In the land as a piece of wise policy that
is as sound in the view of our material
interests as in politics.
Let General Harrison only show by a
word that he will leave the States to al.
tend to their local affairs according 10
their rights under the constitution, and al
once the perfect reconciliation OF the
sections will help the business interests
OF the whole country, while the just sen
timent towards the South will proclaim
totally new era in our politics
The fair minded Republicans in the
North feel that it Is in the power OF the
Northern people to come 10 the aid Of
the South and help US out of the difficulty
caused by the alleged race problem,
and the simple practical and straight
forward way TO Dit is 10 ignore the idea
advanced by certain leading demagogues
that the Southern Republican vote Is SUP
pressed
Mr. sherman theory il that because
the census in some States shows ne
gro majority and the elections show Il
Democratic majority, therefore 1t IL
proved that the Republicans are bull
dozed and prevented from voting
Upon that theory he proposes plan OF
machine management never before
thought of, a system Of Federal con-
troll over Congressional elections
that may put any district in the hands OF
a board of Federal supervisors appointed
at Washington, with a minority Of the
IOhIA ltpit5tnltN ny TIC (tluDNAht' anu
the majority instructed beforehand how
10 override the popular will and count
the vote according to the requirement of
a number to elect the Republican candi-
date That is not the reading Of Mr..
Sherm.n's bill, but it expresses the spirit
and working of the plan, and the inter
view with him which we have published
bears out that construction.
Of course General Hsrrison's mind has
been poisoned by the flow of fslsehood
and prejudice that has poured into his
ears ever since be was elected, but 1t still
remains Tor his better Judgment to per
ceive the opportunity for such stroke
of policy as would be certain not only 10
make him the greatest President since
the war, but would also save bis party
from one of the responsibilities 10 which,
In the course of four yesrs, 1t will be
called 10 account.