Rensselaer Union, Volume 1, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 May 1869 — The Administration. [ARTICLE]

The Administration.

It will be recollected- that just prior to the inauguration of General Grant as President, the Democratic press rif the North attempted the role of the prophet, in predicting an early and radical disagreement between the President and Congress, and the speedy downfall of the Republican party. It was even suggested that the President would have to' look to the Democratic party for support in carrying out his policy. And Mr. Pruyn, representing the minority on the committee ap pointed to notify the new President of his election, gave voice to Democratic expectations, and patronizingly assured Gen. Grant that he could confidently look to the Democrats for support of his (hopedfor conservative) policy. It is true this gushing frankness provoked a laugh, in which Tt was said the President-elect goodhumoredly joined. But this did not quench the zeal of the Democratic press. Nor did the enunciation of a strong Republican policy in the Inaugural Address convince them of their mistake: As politicians the editors were wise in their own conceit, and they yet hoped for a disagreement between the Executive and Legislative branches of the Government. How does the case stand now? The President has steadily pursued the policy enunciated in the Inaugural, and his Administration is recognized as strongly and wisely Republican. There is perfect accord between him and Congress, and our opponents are not gratified with even a semblance of a quarrel The reconstruction message offered a good opportunity for a breach, but both the House and the Senate showed alacrity in carrying out the suggestions of the Executive. The President was entrusted with the duty of providing for elections in the three States not yet reconstructed, and there is general satisfaction with the situation—a feeling of confidence that the work will be promptly and fitly attended to. Our Democratic opponents, however, disappointed in their hopes, and with their desire for revenge unsatisfied by a remarkable indulgence in outrageous personal abuse of the Executive and his friends, are now engaged in firing the Southern heart, that the new Constitutions in Virginia, Mississippi and Texas may be voted down, thus protracting indefinitely that military rule which they affect so much to deplore, and rendering it possible to break down the Administration before the people. Thus the same policy which was pursued toward Congress, which prevented the reconstruction of the three States above named, and which, through murder, intimidation and monstrous wrong, earned the States of Georgia ahd Louisiana for Seymour and Blair, is being used now to defeat the Administration, and keep alive a little longer the expiring flame of Democracy. Grant is for fin im mediate reconstruction on the basis of justice towards all classes. The Democratic party is in favor of a continuance of disorganization and anarchy in order that its existence may be continued. We do not look for an acquiescence by the Southern people in the policy of the Democratic politicians of the North. They held off for a time, hoping for great favors through a Democratic triumph last fall, bat they cannot afford to stand out longer for any temporary advantage it may be to their heretofore political allies. They will lose all by voting to be deprived indefi nitely of participation in the Government Through reconstruction will come the privileges, improvement and security they seek. As for the people of the North, we are satisfied that in future elections they will endorse the administration of President Grant, as they have heretofore.the principles which underlie his policy. We have had occasion heretofore to •peak in terms of commendation of the course of the President in regard to the Alabama treaty and the Cuban revolution; and we might justly speak as explicitly and favorably of the manner in which he is carrying out the work of reform in the Revenue Department There has been a pretty clean sweep, and we have the assurance that further change* will be made, if downed necessary to secure an honest

collection of the revenue. Good men have been selected tor officers, and we may confidently expect the work of reform thoroughly accomplished The President has never been known to do anything by halves. There has been some complaint in the ranks of the party at the distribution of the offices, but this inevitably falls to the lot of any Administration. Disappointed office seekers have talked freely, and correspondents for the press have generously aired their grievances. This is best—the press acts as a safety-valve. Our own correspondents have done their share of this work, and doubtless some people have been made happy in consequence. We do not suppose anybody misunderstood the character of their services. Upon the whole, therefore, there is every reason for Republicans to be thankful that at last they have an administration which truly represents the liberal ideas of the age, and which is unselfishly seeking to administer the laws in the interest or the people.—Cincinnati Chronid*. April 38 th.