Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-07-21
PRACTICE as. PREACHING.

The insncerity of the democratic party
in the adoption of the new departure is
being practically and conclusively shown
by the proceedings in North Carolina. In
that state the democrats succeeded through
the divisions and follies of the republic
cans in getting possession of the state
government. Their first step after they
obtained the power was to remove the
governor by a partizan impeachment
trial. Being successful in that, they are
now aiming to overturn the whole work Of
reconstruction and reduce the negroes as
nearly as possible to the condition of
slaves. 1.-The means proposed" says an
exchange, ''are as simple as they are au-
dacious and unconstitutional. The consti-
tuition of the state, adopted in 1868, and
approved by Congress, is to be set aside
or changed so as to place the newly-fran-
chised colored citizens more completely at
the mercy of the KuKlux than at present,
Notwithstanding the provision contained
In the instrument itself that it shall not be
altered within ten years from the time of
its adoption. But the men who did not
hesitate to plunge the country into all the
horrors of war in the desperate attempt TO
destroy the Union and perpetuate slavery,
and who, since abandoning armed REBEL
lon and pretending 10 return to their ALE
glance, have banded themselves together
for the purpose of committing assassina
tions and cowardly outrages against their
political opponents, are not to be banked
by constitutional limitations. The KuKlux
majority in the General Assembly have
passed an act providing for general cleo
ton on the first Thursday in August, at
which the people are to decide whether or
not convention shall be called to amend
the constitution. This act did not receive
two thirds majority (Which was required
in such case, even by the old constitu-
ton of the state), and is in plainest con-
fict with the section prohibiting any
change in the organic law, which has re-
ceived the sanction of Congress, before
the year 1878. Both the Governor and
Supreme Court of the State have declared
the measure unconstitutional and the re-
publican papers are warning the conspira-
tors that the success of their scheme must
result in a collision with the General gov
eminent, with all its inevitable train of
evils to the people.
Nothing probably can prevent such
calamity except defeat of the movement
at the approaching election. If the Ku-
Klux programme succeed, and the popu-
lar vote can be secured for a convention,
the first step will be to displace the pres.
ent judiciary elected by the people. ant
substitute others chosen by the Democrat
ic Assembly, to remain in Office for lie
Then if Congress does not interfere the
whole fabric of reconstruction. embody
ing all the privileges that have been Sc
cured to the colored race, will be destroy
ed. and the State be given over to rebel
Democratic rule"
This shows how much dependence can
be placed in the professions of the demo
cratic party, as found in the new depart
ure, that they will abide in good faith b,
the guarantees of the Constitution. Witt
the power once in their hands the work o
revolution would become general in the
southern states. North Carolina is a fair
example Of what they would do in the
states at large if they once had possession
OF the general government.