Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-02-24

God-given rights, and now seeks to tax the
fruits of our labor, while at the same time 1t
denies to us the privilege and right of ex-
pressing our opinion upon a matter which so
nearly and vitality concerns US. In this we
have experienced a slight foretsste of the des-
potic power which exists in the iron heel of a
pigmy Tammany ring. But slight as 1t is we
have no particular desire for more. This has
been sufficient to satisfy US, and with Gods
help we intend to guard we'll the future. The
determination is rooted down deep in the
hearts of our citizens that the gag lac never
SO strongly and faithfully enforced by wick
ed and unholy ring, shall not succeed. .
Mr.. Speaker and gentlemen of the House,
we may speak warmly and somewhat pointed
ly upon this subject: yet we have no apology
to offer. So far from it that we would scorn
the man-yea, we would scorn ourselves
even, could we inactively stand and coollys
and calmly witness this despotic and tyranni.
cal invasion of the most sacre rights of the
people.
Thank God, the spirit Of '76 is not yet ex-
tinct. That spirit to-day animates the,
hearts and controls the acts of the yeomeptys
of Somerset, and they are bound and deter.
mined to resist tyranny ana oppression, aris.'
ing from whatever cause, whether at home or
abroad. They have been driven to renew
al of this fixed determination by recent in
justice. They believe that submission with.
out desperate struggle, would be ignoble,
cowardly and contemplate.
Mr.. Speaker, we believe that the. several
counties, so far as their internal affairs are
concerned, should be sovereign andindepend.
ent, SO long as their action does not material
ly conflict with the Constitution or interests
of the State. And we furthermore believes,
that such legislative interference. without the
consent of the people, Is entirely uncalled for.
out of place, and in the most obnoxious
sense offcious. Upon the same principle,
and with equal propriety, in equity, might the,
legislature claim the right to decide who shall
and who shall not serve as county officers, !
locate our county roads, and run our county
machinery generally. Why not? Upon the
other hand, but with equal propriety and
equity, might Congress claim the right to re-
move the State Capital from this city to Port
land. Why notp .e
We believe that this movement was con.
ceived in fraud, and consummatedi in advance
of the sober second thought of a great major
ity Of the members Of the last legislature.
We believe that legislative action was impul.
sive and incensiderate, and initiates very
much against the peace, prosperity, and gen.
eral interests of the county. And we feel
equally assured, that the intelligence, candor,
and honesty of this legislative body, will most
emphatcally denounce and condemn that act
But what shall be done? Wherein lies the
remedy The deed has been consunmated,
and sorrow and regret unaccompanied5 BY
prompt, firm, and decisive action, will avail
nothing. 1tbecomes our duty, as legislators,
TO look this matter fairly and squareIy in the
face, promptly decide what. under the cir
cumstances ought to be done, and then as
promptly act. The originators of Sine as
ure, have ''sown the wind" and should now
expect to ''reap the whirlwind." Now gen !.
tlemen, we not only desire and request your
assistance to refer this obnoxious actto.the
people, but in the name of an oppressed com.
munty, we demand it, as being in strict ac-
cordance with the great principle, so unmis.
takably inculcated by the Golden Rule
Objection may be raised upon the ground
of so soon undoing an act of the last legisla-
ture. But, gentlemen, I firmly believe, be-
yond shadow of doubt, that had ii not been
for certain squeamishnesso on the part of one
branch of that body in short, false pride, that
this unholy, unrighteous and illegitimate
bantling would have been s,rangled by its
own parents in its early infancy, for immed.
lately after the passage of this act, when by
limited local representation and apetitiopy ri
nature and effect, and the enorinitya of its ifi.
justice came to be known and better UNDER
stood. the House Of Representatives prompt.
ly, and by an overwhelming majority, voted
to submit the whole subject to the people.
This movement, however, was defeated in the
Senate, If am correctly informed, simply by
a tie vote. Such was the effect of better
understanding and the sober second thought
upon the very men who but a few days before
passed the act So that repeat what firm
ly believe, that the idea of so soon repudiat-
hntr MI z1 C-i-
was the only obstacle, which prevented a
majority of the Senate following the noble
example set them by the House.
Now, Mr.. Speaker, ] believe there is no
surer index to great and noble mind moth
ing in the mental possession of man, either
individually or collectively, more ennobling
or commendable, than true and genuiae con-
triton for wrong committed, accompanied by
a full and frank confession of the same and a
manifest Willingness to make speedy iand
ample reparation. / believe that this princi.s
pie applies to the State with equal propriety,
as to the individual. When State hat, BY
legislative act, committed great and oppres-
sive wrong it surely can be no symptom of
weakness or disease, to exercise true and
heartfelt contriton FIR the same, and mani
fest a willingness at the earliest possible mo-
ment to make full and ample reparation. We
hope, therefore, and trust, that no member of
this House will have the least hesitancy, or
feel the least delicacy upon this point
Again we repeat, that this question en-
braces the simple yet important principle Of
right against wrong; justice against injustice;
freedom against oppression; the people
against the ring but its decision requires the
abandonment or sacrifice of his political
views by no man belonging to either political
party. We therefore appeal to each and ev-
cry member of this House to take this subject
into careful consideration; examine well the
facts, giving every point in the case its due
weight, both pro- and con-, and then let the
final action be in strict accordance with the
dictates of each individual conscience.
Finally, Mr.. Speaker, we desire it distinct
ly understood, that we come before you, not
as cringing supplants begging for mercy
neither do we come as fawning sychopants
some great favor, but instead there
Of, we present ourselves in the full conscious
pride Of America Recommendations of Maine,
and as such, we most emphatically and imper-
tavely demand cur rights.
The Washington Chronicle speaks in terms
Of praise ofthe lecture on. .Aristocracy" re-
GENTLY delivered in that city by Hon. Seth T..