St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-03-26

this statement. but in making it the
organ of the British aristocracy betrays
its ignorance of American character
and history. At one time during the
first administration of President Lin
coin no man in the country was more
unpopular than he, and criticisms OF
his policy were fierce and universal.
But, as the months rolled by aud the
wisdom of his policy was demon-
strated, public sentiment changed. and
he was reelected with practical unan-
unity. During Gen. Grants first ad-
ministratiOn many egregious plumbers
were made. and. in the Judgment of
many, there were crimes committed or
attempted. His attitude relative to the
acquisition of San Domingo in 1871 was
so unpopular that lie wasvigorously de
nounced on the floor of the senate by
leading members of his own party, and
as vigorously cenSured by his party
organs, and, had he been eligible to
reelection, would have been defeated
Oil this issue alone. And yet. while the
people of the country have never ap
proved of his San Domingo policy, they
overlooked it, and he went to his grave
one of the most highly honored and
sincerely mourned citizens of the re-
public.
Our British brethren do not seem to
understand American character. We
seldom treasure enmitieS Or nurse our
wrath against parties or individuals.
Events sometimes demonstrate that
contemporary judgments were faulty,
and time heals the wounds that mo-
nentary differences have made. De-
liberation serves to bring to remem-
brance the good qualities with which
man or an administration may have
been marked and to dwarf the errors
that have been made. Although we
never forget an injury or a crime we
can forgive it. and readily do SO if it is
shown that the fault was committed be-
cause of a mistaken judgment or undue
zeal.
1t is. perhaps, true that the Demo-
cratic administration is not popular to-
day. Congress has moved too slowly in
some respects, and has failed to meet
the public expectations. The party in
power has suffered in consequence. But
all may be changed in a year or two.
1t may be demonstrated that the course
taken was the wiSeSt one to pursue,
and that any other would have pro-
duced widespread ruin and disaster.
We can Judge no more fairly of the
work of this administration by what
has been accomplished thus far than
we could judge Of a painting by the
first draft of the artist-the mere out
line of figure or scene, the crude lines
of chalk or charcoal that to the artists
eye ale guide to form and color, but
to the uninitiated are but senSeleSs
DETACHMENT of the canvas.
Our British critics should not be too
hasty in forming or expressing their
judgments on American affairs. They
may have to revise them at later day,
and it is never pleasant to ''crawhsh."
1t is better to bide the elimination of
events and policies, and after they have
brought their full fruitage to sit judi
cially upon them. Tie probabilities are
that in due course of time the policy OF
the Democratic party as enunciated i'll
the Chicago platform will be carried out
to the full satisfaction of the party and
the people outside of the party fold
who approved of that platform. AT
any rate it will do no harm to suspend
judgment. 1t is discourteOus aud fool
ish to criticise work but half COM
pleted, or perhaps just begun. The
Times should be sure it is right and
then go ahead. Americans will not find
fault with its criticisms upon a CON-
pleted work or policy, however little
they may care for either its criticisms or
its praises, but it will conserve its own
reputation best by abstaining from ill.,
natured comment upon matters yet III
their incipiency and conditions as to
which it is in profound ignorance.