Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-01-30
JyTOL 4T TIE .S0CZX.

LNTOLERATCE 1T TIE .S0TZN.
Liberty of opinion and speech in the
South has become as obsolete under the
domination of the Ku-Klux and White
League as it was before the war under the
rule of the STAKEHOLDER. An article else
where in this paper tells the outrageous
manner in which respectable citizen OF
New Orleans was prosecuted because
when summoned TO tell what he knew of
the state of affairs in the city he dared to
diyulge the truth. What was done to him
is an example of the treatment to all in
the South who like him dare speak the
truth In regard to the social and political
condition of that section of the country.
All over the South this system of intoler-
ance prevails. 1t is practised by minis
tiers and church members, as well as in
business circles where there may be more
excuse for it, The character of no man
is SO high, as to afford him protection
against social persecution it he dares de-
clare opinions unpalatable TO the
White League. Among the rough
er class the bullet and bowie knife or hal
ter do the work of controlling political OPP
inion and speech, but in the upper class So
cial ostracism OF the most unrelenting char
acter is employed. In the last number OF
lions Herald, the New England organ OF
the Methodist denomination, is an article
which speaks plainly from knowledge OF
the intolerant spirit which rules the South
and prevails even among the clergy Of
that section, from which we copy the fol.
lowing:
While Southern politicians, ministers and lay.
men can express their sentiments, however obnox
ous they are to the convictions of Northern men
with the utmost freedom, in the pulpit, in the rail
road car in the hotel on the corners of the street
with great demonstrations of earnestness and Vi
client denunciatons even Of others holding differ
ent views, the most guarded uttcrances made by
Northern men at the South, that can be distorted
into opposition TO prevailing sentiments, are met
with impertnent sneers of social ostracsms and
is put into requisiton to drive away any one dar-
ing thus to utter, in perfectly gentlemanly way
an honest conviction. The eminent Southern
ministers that visited the Northern campmeeting,
last summer, were shown every possible attention,
and allowed every honorable opportunity to ad-
dress our largest audiences. They were frank in
the expression of their own sentiments courteous
indeed, but still not guarding severely their speech
in social intercourse. No one thought of CRITICS.
ing the freedom Of those eloquent guests. Has
one Of them however, in Southern prints attempt
cd to secure like return of courtesy for an emf
nent Northern ministers who may provdentially
visit the South, or suggested that the pastors Of
the NJ. E. Church South should pay the respect to
their Northern bretheren due to their Office, their
character, and the fraternal attentions they have
youchsafed 10 visitors from the South Our most
cultivated men, high in office, renowned for talent,
accomplished scholars, men marked for their gen
tie address, enter cities and large towns where
teveral Southern ministers have Churches, bu. not
man Of them, although the fact Is publicly known
Of their presence, offers nod Of recognition, or
proffers the slightest Christian courtesy. What is
the significance Of this: And this is no. true
simply Of individual ministers who have been out
spoken in their views upon Southern sentiments,
but Of our most conservative, fraternal and peace
seeking men. There are no conspicuous instanc-
es recorded where this unfraternal policy has been
even Temporarily interrupted There have been
10 Round Lake Camp-meetings in the Southern
States.
The most singular fact is the apparent uncon-
seousness of the existence of this hateful unman-
ly and unchristian temper, the part of Southern
men, and the evident feeling Of abuse which they
manifest when Northern persons infer and state
that there is any lack OF true courtesy or manly
generosity among the better portion Of the South
ern communities. There j. no doubt that exag-
gersted and false statements have been made and
there is also no doubt that not one half Of the per-
sonal and pecunisry injury to the Northern bust.
ness men, the social and positive violence and
brutal abuse, in portions Of the Southwestern
states, has been told. But permitting the best
portion OF society, IN a part Of Georgia where a
considerable portion Of Northern people is gather.
ing, to express itself, and what do we find 70 be
the condition Of public sentiment; The gentleman
with whom Bishop Haven has heretofore board.
ed, we are sorry to wri,e-a man from the North
with whom our friend, to whom we have hereto
fore alluded, found accommodations, with others
Southern citizens, as boarder, seeks TO give hi
own account of the difficulty to which we referre'
few weeks since. We copy his exact word
as they were written TO gentleman Of Atlanta
in explanation and justification of the unpleasant
affair: Mr.. O., in his argument, unfortunate
ly made very Objectionable point, which cause
i'll feeling, which continued to increase until it be
came too uncomfortable to be borne; hence tn
notice 10 him. cannot but think that Mr.. O.
should have had self-respect enough to hav'