Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-08-20
Revival Of Shipbuilding.

pays especial attention to matters connect
ed with shipping says: LAT no time dur
ling the past ten years has there been so
much energy displayed as has been THIS
''season in the building Of wooden vessels
land it is gratifying to note so hatterlng
prospect ahead for this very important
Interest, and that it is rising with in
"creased vitality from the chronic condi-
..tion of decadence into which many be-
''lieved it had fallen"
Every word of what is here stated by
our cotemporary is true. The shpyards
of Maine have shown new life this sea-
son. The ring Of the axe is heard in them
as before the rebellion. Some of the large
shipbuilding places like Bath, have exper-
fenced the revival of business in larger
degree than smaller places, but all along
the shore the influence of favorable
change is felt. Wooden ships have
weathered the cape of Rebellion and will
soon be in smooth seas with fair and pros
porous gales, providing men are sent to
Congress who are faithful to the shipbuild-
ing interest and have ability and influence
in that body, and the government contin-
ues in hands which are competent, loyal
and true, that will keep it steady in its
present course.
But suppose Mr.. Greeley should be cleo
ed President of the United States what
would be the prospect for shipbuildingP
With the violent couvulsion that the coun-
try must Undergo when the government
passes from the control of those who
saved it from destruction to the hands of
those who strove to destroy 1t, as it would
if Mr.. Greeley were elected, every inter-
est in the country would suffer and none
more than shipbuilding. One civil war
ineagsy wiped oug'coeI n.sree sat, and itl,
another it would be clean gone, so that
the English, like the Dutch Admiral,
might sail the seas with broom at their
masthead as far as we were concerned
Mr.. Greeley's friends of course will say
the idea of any disturbance by his election
is absurd, but that does not make it so.
The condition of the public mind is such
that small matter might kindle a great
fire.
| Our people are not yet ready to see the
Cabinet occupied by rebels and the impor-
tant places of the government passing into
their hands How would our gallant tars
nd boi, 1lov off
to have Admiral Semmes for Secretary
of the Navy? Or our army be pleased
with Beauregard or n 3. Forrest for Sec
rotary of WARP Yet this is what Mr..
Greeley's election would cause to be at
tempted. This is what clasping hands
across the bloody chasm means if it means
anything. 1t is the central idea involved
in his nomination'if we can believe him
or Mr.. Sumner. And herein is the great
danger. The common sense and sturdy
loyalty of the country revolt at the thought
of such humiliation of patriotism at the
feet of traitors. Such disregard of JUS
tice for the Cancellation of those who COM
mitted the greatest crime men can perpe-
trate against their government would
arouse a tempest Of Indignation in every
/ loyal State.
The prosperity of shipbuilders is de-
pendent upon the peace and prosperity of
the country. This can only be assured
by the election of Grant and Wilson.
Wendell Phillips urges the negroes to vote
for Grant as they value property, life,
wife or child" If Greeley is elected, says
he, farm, concentrate, conceal your prop
"erty,-out organize for defence. You
twill need it soon and sadly" The only
defence of the negroes in such an emer-
gency as the election of Greeley. if they
would maintain their freedom, would be
the bullet and bayonet. Having the gov
eminent with them the old rebel masters
would indulge their hate to the colored
man without hindrance except such as the
strong right arms of the latter might in
terpose. If the loyal States could smother
their Indignation at the humiliation await
ing them by the nstallment of a rebel
government at Washington, and endure
the pensioning of rebel soldiers with other
kindred acts. they could not quietly fold
their hands and permit the monstrous
outrage against humanity which would be
inflicted upon the colored people of the
South. So if Mr.. Greeley were elected
the country would be like a magazine,
single spark would create an explosion,
the consequence of which would be APP
palling. Under the the firm and steady
hand of Grant peace will be maintained
and our reviving industries which sank
under the war, like shipbuilding, will con-
tinue to improve.
With the election of Grant and Wilson
we need to send from Maine to Congress
men of influence and strength ia council
and debate, such as James G. Blaine and
Eugene Hale to represent shipbuilding