Year: 1876

We concede that in mere law and strict con-
stitutional right the federal government has
nothing to do with the internal affairs of the
States. But we all know as a matter of fact
that the politics Of the States follow in the
wake of federal politics and are completely
controlled by them. This absolute domina-
ton resembles that Of what is called fashion
in social life. There is no legal right to pre-
scribe the form of bonnet or dictate the cut
of a garment, and yet fashion reigns su-
preme over the attire of men and of women.
Our fashions in politics also operate
outside of law, and tho control
they exert is equally absolute. 1t
would be absurd to ignore the influence of
our established political customs. which are
"a law unto themselves" In point of fact
custom, and not law, controls our politics.
Nothing in this country is more firmly rooted
than the custom of subordlnating the politics
of the individual States to federal politics,
and this control is none the less real because
it is outside of the constitution. It would
be absurd to hold that such influence is
allowable for mere party purposes but cam
not be exerted to establish justice and insure
domestic tranquility" which are among the
declared objects of the constitution.


We are accordingly of the os,inion that
Mr.. Tilden may very properly, in his letter
of acceptance, express his sentiments re-
specting the relation of the two races and
the general state of affairs in the Southern
States. In his annual messages to the Legis-
lature of New York he did not hesitate to
discuss at great length tho question Of the
currency, with which he had no concern in
his capacity as a State Governor and with
which the Legislature he addressed had no
concern and it would be odd indeed
if rs n Presidential candidate, in letter
meant for the whole country, he should not
dare to give his views on question of such
grave national consequence as the state Of
affairs in the South. The solidarity of ma
tional and State politics is fact which can
not be denied, and no candidate for the
Presidency should hesitate to speak out and
tell the country plainly in what direction his
extra constitutional influence will be ex-
erted if the people should clothe him with
that high trust.


Governor Tildens duty seems clear and
simple in relation to the Southern States.
He may properly declare that he will not
permit such abuses of the federal power to
control State elections rs have been prac-
tised and are again in contemplation in
Louisiana, but he should also declare with
an emphasis which will make itself felt that
the whole moral influence of his administra-
ton and it's whole legal influence, SO far as
the constitution and laws clothe him
with any authority, will be exerted in
the interest of justice and equal pro-
lection to both races. His legal power Of
interference may amount to little, but his
moral influence as the Chief Magistrate of
the country and his political influence rs
the dispenser of the federal patronage in the
Southern States will make his will of more
force than legal enactments, and he ought to
leave the country in no doubt as to the way
it will be exerted. His election depends
more on Northern than on Southern votes,
and there ore hundreds of thousands Of
Northern citizens who would gladly vote for
him as reformer if they could be satisfied
that the rights of both races in the South
would be protected with equal zeal in the
event Of his election.