Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-07-13
PROFESSIONS AND PRACTICE.

PROFESSIONS AND PRACTICE.
... The model democratic Legislature OF the
period, that of New Hampshire, adjourned
Friday. tits followed into retirement by
the fervent wishes of the greater part OF
the people of that State that they may
never see another like it. They have had
enough of democratic rule to satisfy them
for decade at least. They have tried
change of parties to promote purity in pol
itics, and now know by dear experience
precisely how it works. They have found
out that political reform, as understood by
democrats, consists simply in turning re-
publicans out of office, no matter by what
means, and filing their places with DEM
ocrats; in treading an independent and
impartial Judiciary in the dust and sup
plying its place with partisan Judges
and in gerrymandering senatorial and
representative districts in order to secure
the control of the democrats in the State
against the popular majority.
Before these reforming democrats came
into power in New Hampshire, they spent
q great deal of denunciation upon the re-
publicans for filling vacancies as they &C.
Cured with men of their own party,
claiming that democrats should be con-
sidered and admitted TO share in the Off
ces. The same kind of language has
often been heard here in Maine and has
answered the purpose Of obtaining liberal
recognition in many ways for democrats
But no sooner does that party get the pow
er, than instead of setting an example OF
liberality in the distribution of patronage,
as might reasonably be expected from
their previous language, they set to work
to sweep every republican out of office
that they can reach, not waiting for vacan-
cies to occur in the regular order by ex-
piration of the term of Office, but remov-
ing officials by address and without any
complaint of inefficiency or dishonesty in
the occupants, solely to make room for
democrats. Not content with removing
county and State officers, they overturn
the Judiciary also. in order to bring the
courts under democratic influence and
place democrats in the Judges seat.
This is reform with vengeance. II this
thing is done when the party get control
only of a single State what would be the
consequence should they secure MAORI
ty in Congress and elect President
Would republican be considered as hay
ing any rights that anybody would be
bound to respect? Would he be safe from
Ku-KluxingP Would there not be reign
of terror inaugurated such as has had nc
equal in this countryP Would there be
any security for property or life under a
dispensation that would make the courts
the humble instruments of partizan hatred
and despoliation
II anything could be calculated to drive
sober, candid men from the democratic
organization it is such an exhibition as is
seen in New Hampshire. The more pru-
dent men of the party raised voice OF
warning, but it had no effect to stay the
headlong course Of the hungry crew that
controlled the legislature. All the loud
declarations and professions of the past
in favor of more liberality in politics, less
partizanship in the distribution of Office,
publication of the civil service, are the
merest mockery and sham in the face OF
the disgracefulspectacle presented in New
Hampshire, where the tribunal to which
the people look for justice has been dragged
down beneath the feet Of pot-house poll
ticians. Here is the proof of what democ-
racy is, which those who please may COM
pare with what it pretends to be, and
judge what situation the country would
be in were that party to again get the
power In its hands.