The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1862-09-04

@.AND SATAN CAME ALsO.n-We were sorry
to notice on Monday evening", at the sword
presentation, that some of the speakers ythe
editor of the Press among them), couNn't fail
to lug in the everlasting Niger and maiign the
Democrats, of whom very large number of
the battalion arc.-IArgus,
So far as the above dclectable item refers to
the "cditor of the Press" there is not parti-
Gle of anything but falsehocd III 1t, unless 1t be
mixed largely with maiignity. The editor of
the Press did not allude to the "nigvcr" either
directly or indirectly, in any shape or manner,
nor could any words of his be tortured into so
much as am allusion to the negro, or to any
question of "niggerism." We would stop here
but for the baseness of attempting to fasten
upon us breach of propriety of which the
Argus own friends were alone guilty. The
everlasting Niger was brought in, but by
whom? First, by Mr.. Er-Quartermaster Pat
ten, late of the Maine cavalry, who resigned
before he was brought face-to-face with the
dangers Of the battle field, and before he had
seen an enemy! Mr.. Patten denounced "nig-
gerism," called upon the young men of the
battalion to say if they were going to fight for
the ''nigger," and was lavish in his explosives
and illustrations, some of which, uttered in the
presence of gentlemen, and in the immediate
hearing of ladies, regard for common decency
forbids that we should repeat Second, the
Everlasting niger" was dragged in by Mr.. ].
T. Emery, who assured the young battalion
that while they were going down South to put
down secession, he and others would stay at
home to put down the mother of secession
abolitionism" These were the only gentle
men present who, in any way, referred to the
negro or niggerism, and as they are both the
sworn friends of the Argus, we suppose that
paper will consider it all right.
"Malign the Democrats" How malign
them? The editor of the Press said not a
word about Democrats; did not allude to
them mentioned them in no way whatever
He did say that while his age excluded him
from participating in the active works of the
recruits, he hoped to aid in recording their gal
liant deeds, and in seeing that full credit is
awarded to their patriotic labors, and that
while they were conquering the rebels in Vir
ginia, he would aid in taking care Of rebel
sympathizers in this State-if unfortunately
such should be found here-who may set up a
fire in the rear oil our noble soldiers and as
perse their honor by decrying the war in which
they are engaged as an unholy one. This is
what he said, and he was not little astonished
to discover that any individual should be rest
less under such remarks, and betray evident
signs that he was i'll at ease. All that we can
cay is that nothing nersonaI was Intended and
if any gentleman present felt that he was hit, it
must have been owing either to his excited i'm
agination, or to his having some very sore
spots about him. We will only add that "the
editor of the Press has the personal assurance
of officers who received presents on the occa-
sion referred to, that not word was uttered
by him in violation of the strictest propricties
of the occasion, or that was not received with
favor bp the members of their company.