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

mortal Douglas-"peacet to his ashes" Not
withstanding the form of that great American
statesman lies Wondering in his grave, yet,
thank God, the principle of popular sover-
eighty still lives, and has an eternal abiding
place in the hearts of the American people
The recent action of the voters Of Somerset
Is an unmistakable demonstration of this fact
We believe that political combinations,
such as those by which this act was accom-
plished, can produce only injury to the coun
try. and oppression to the people, and should
be discountersneed and resisted by every true
friend of impartial rights and free govern
ment.
We now desire return to the condition of
things which existed prior 10 the passage of
this despotic act by the last legislature. Is
there any valid objection to our having it?
This question embraces the simple, yet i'm
pSrtant principle of right and wrong. Its de-
cision requires the abandonment of his politi-
cal principle by no one. We believe, that
with the exception of Skowhegan, there is
not single town in the whole county of Som
erset which would by Its popular vote, to day,
deny US this request, and we cannot believe
that this intelligent body, or any individual
member thereof, hasthe least inclination or
desire to force upon the people of that coun-
ty, the preparation Of an act so Numerically
opposed to their own views and wishes, and
one consummated in way and manner so
obnoxious.
We now request reconsideration of this
whole matter, after which, the people of the
county not only desire, but claim the right,
to decide by popular vote, this vexed ques-
ton. This once done, we pledge ourselves
to calmly and quietly acquiesce in such de-
the understanding that the same shall be per-
manent and final, we will trouble the legisla-
tive halls of State no more with this subject
Viewing this question from an unbiased stand
point, We cannot believe that there is any
member of this House whose intuitive percep-
tons OF right and wrong are so obtpse, whose
judgment IN the matter of fairness and Justice
is so clouded, that he will say we make an
unreasonable request
We believe that the refusal of last inter
to allow popular expression upon this sub
Jeet, was bold usurpation of the rights of
the people. principle dangerous in its ten
dency, and which if continued, will certainly
prove pregnant with evil, discord, and the
most bitter and hostile feeling.
Why, sir, the act Of itself, brands the peo.
pie of Somerset as non compes aentis, and
pronounces guardianship an indispensable
requisite. Nor does it stop here, for after,
in its superior wisdom and judgment, having
decided Us proper subjects for guardianship,
that legislative body went still further, and by
this act declared that we were so far dement,
ed that we were not capable and should not
be trusted to exercise the privilege invariably
granted to the minor of fourteen years, viz
the choice Of our own guardian, but virtually
said 10 us and the world, that kittery Point,
Pressure Isle, Madawaska ard Monhegan,
were better capable of judging of our wants,
approaching our necessities, and deciding
hat fpr Hrr hos Oh ~
were. Flattering indeed to the voters and
tax payers of Somerset, was it not? We de-
nonnce the act as an extreme insult 10 the in
telligence, and diabolical outrage to the
feelings of the honest yeomanry CT that
county.
In democratic form of government like
ours, legislative dictatorship in local, and
more especially county matters, is impossible.
And it may as we'll be understood first, last,
and every time. that the yeomanry of Somer-
set believe that counties, and even towns,
have some rights which the State legislature
is bound TO respect and any attempt to de.
stroy. or even abridge such rights, is an ex-
pertinent fraught with the greatest danger,
and must inevitably result disastrously.
In certain monarchical countries the consti-
tuition thereof denies to those subjects who
may consider themselves injured or oppres-
sed, by government acts or officials, the right
of appeal. upon the erroneous principle, or
supposition, that the "king can do no wrong"
But thanks to Divine Providence, such is not
the case in this democrat republic, nor even
in the State of Maine. The sovereignty of
the people has no. yet become totally annihi-
lated, and God grant that no American citizen
may ever witness its destruction.
4 republican form of government, never so
carefully guarded and restricted, may be SUBJ
-. -
there is point beyond which legislative in
reference must not, and cannot safely tres.
pass upon the rights of individuals and locali-
tics. That point has been reached, yea, pass
ed. in our case, and as the accredited repre-
sentative of a portion of Somerset county, l
now demand redress. This demand is based
upon the great and fundamental principle of
all republics, viz, the right of the people to
a voice in all laws pertaining to their gov
eminent, and more especially such enact
ments as pertain directly to local. and iudi-
vidual interests. This admitted, there ia not
the first shadow of reason why the people of
Somerset should not enjoy the privilege, and
exercise the right of designating directly, by
their vote, the town in which they choose to
hold the courts of the county. Is there any
valid reason why the legislature should claim
the right to act for US, and so much in opposi
ton TO our own wishes in this matter, so long
as our action does not materially conflict with
the interests of the State: Upon the same
principle, and with equal proprety, might the
general government claim the right to regu-
late the local and domestic institutions Of the
State of Maine The principle holds good in
equity. Are we ready for its application? l
believe there is not an individual member of
this House who would for moment hesitate
TO answer this question decidedly and most
emphatically inthe negative. Is there a sim
gle exception? Why then apply to Somerset
a principle by which you yourselves would
refuse to be governed? Why attempt to force
upon the people of that county the continua-
ton and perpetuation of an act so diametrical-
ly opposed to their views and wishes, and
which any body of freemen, possessed of the
least self-respect or independence, would re-
sist to the bitter end? How much preferable
instead the golden rule, which so unmstaka-
bly, teaches us to ''do unto others as we would
that others should do unto US.
Now we are SO presumptuous as to sincere
ly believe that we possess in that county all
the elements which are really an indispensable
requisite to a wise and judicious decision of
this question, and whether presumptuous or
otherwise, we firmly believe that we are as
capable of judging for ourselves in this mat