Year: 1878

markable for the omissions which imply
reconciliation with his political party than
ior recommendations looking to Legislative
action. We do not assert that the Presi-
dents extreme moderation is not wise, for
there is nothing in the immediate situa-
tion which calls Tor boldness, and
experience has taught him. the in
utility of displays Of political vigor which
evaporate in the mere utterance. The
party composition OF the two houses
is such that no really great measures Of
legislation are possible at this session, and
the President wisely abstains from offering
futile propositions. Plain and neryeless as
this Message is, the President evinces
good sense and sound discretion both in
what he says and what he omits.


The most noteworthy OF his omissions is
his total silence on the great subject OF a
reform in the civil service, in which he has
heretofore taken SO jealous an interest.
In his letter OF acceptance and inaugural
address this topic held the foremost
place, and it occupied large space
IN the annual Message of last year II is
not probable that he has changed his views
on this subject, but he has learned to dis
tinguish between what is desirable and
what is practicable, and will no longer
obstruct his usefulness in other respects by
an urgency of which the only effect has
been to estrange the leading men Of his
party and to cripple his influence. 1t is
more consistent with his personal self-re-
spect and official dignity to make this tacit
retreat than it would have been to indulge
in complaints or apologies. His silence is
significant, and will be generally interpreted
rs betolening future harmony between the
President and his party in Congress.


The other striking omission is not quite
SO suggestive, because it is imposed on him
by change of circumstances. In his Mes
sage Of last year President Hayes dwelt at
length on the excellent effects of his South
ern policy, claiming that it had been notably
vindicated by the restoration Of peace and
good feeling and by more humane treat
ment of colored citizens and greater respect
for their rights than had existed at any pre-
vious time since their emancipation. There
is nothing OF this congratulatory tone in the
present Message. Events have disappointed
the confident hopes expressed by the Presi-
dent last year, and he repeats only that part
of his former declarations in which he
pledged himself to the full protection Of
every class Of citizens. This change Of tone
is justified by events and explains itself;
but it will also contribute to unite and
strengthen the republican party by re-
- >ak,
its leaders and the President.


The attitude of Mr.. Hayes toward the
perpetrators of the recent election frauds
is just and wise, and he ought to be sup
ported in it by fair.minded democrats,
as he is certain to be by the whole
republican party The President in
dulges in none Of the screechy ex-
aggerations which are SO common with
the faunters Of the bloody shirt. He is
careful not to make his accusations broader
than the facts. He does not arraign the
whole Southern people, but only the COM
paratively small number of localities in
which the frauds have been perpetrated.
This discriminating moderation OF state
ment and the evident spirit Of regret in
which the subject is treated are fitted to
secure the candid construction of just and
thinking democrats. The Presidents APP
peal to the Southern people to correct
this evil themselves is we'll directed, and
we trust that It may be needed The
democratic party could not commit a
greater FOLLY than it would be to array itself
against this part of the Message. President
Hayes does not seek party advantage, but
only justice and equal rights He has every
motive for wishing the success Of the South
ern policy with which he set out, and would
gladly see it vindicated by such action on
the part Of the South as would Justify the
confidence he reposed in that section. Here
is golden opportunity for the democratic
leaders to prove their sagacity and
their sense Of justice. If they will give q
vigorous support to the President in the
reasonable and moderate position which
he has assumed on this dangerous and ex-
plosiye subject they can take the wind out
of the sails of the bloody shirt republicans
and destroy the most effective part Of their
political capital. But if they should make
war on the President for this portion of his
Message they will reap the consequences in
q solid republican North in the next Presi-
Dental election.


Excepting the Southern question and the
recommendation Of precautionary measures
against the introduction Of pestilence the
Message is chiefly devoted to o brief history
of onr foreign intercourse and o recapitu-
lation of the leading points in the several
department reports and Endorsement of
their recommendations. The President ex-
presses firm and confident belief in the
success Of resumption under the laws as
they stand, and does not desire any impor-
tant changes in them at this session. I'm
the present financial condition Of the conn