Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-05-08
JUDGE EELLErS views

The democratic papers that have I'M
dertaken to present what they are pleased
to call the views of Judge Kelley. Ohe
Maine Standard among the number.) are
corrected by Mr.. Kelley himselfin letter
recently published. twill be seen by the
letter that Mr.. Kelley has not changed his
opinion in regard to the existence or de-
gree OF turbulence in the South. Ga that
point he expresses no change. 1t is only
as to the efficacy OF the Force Bill as a
remedial measure that his opinion is
changed. Mr.. Kelley supported that bill
in the late session of Congress. For that
act he expresses regret. believing that it
is more currency instead of stringent leg
islation by Congress that the South needs
to restore it to healthy political condi-
ton.
This is the sum total of Mr. Kelley's re-
cantation, out of which has been manu-
featured the flaming articles in democratic
papers representing him as stating that
the reports of outrages in the South were
false. In an editorial in its last issue un-
der the following startling heading, ga
Repentant Republican Leader-Falsity of
Bloody Shirt Reports Admitted at Last"
the Standard says:
'sThese frank admissions on the pant of Mr..
Kelley indicate very clearly that he has been sin
cere in believing heretofore, the hideous tales OF
outrage, oppression and blood retailed through ad
ministration sources, and it shows how totally un
reliable all information is that comes through
those channels. If he, occupying Appointment Pc.
siton in Congress for years, with all the sources
of information open TO him that such position af
fords, could be thus deceived and imposed upon
it is not very strange that the masses of the re-
publican party in Maine who read and rely upon
such organs as the Journal, Press and Wing 70,
their information should continue to believe in the
absurdities, "gross exaggerations" and 'delb'
crate falsehoods" now depicted by him.
How bitterly the Journal and its correspondent
"Bloody Shirt" denounced the Standard ant
other democratic papers last Autumn for denying
the truth of reports of Southern outrages and fol
attempting to ridicule them. What will they say
now! VIII they have the manlincss to admit thai
we were right ard they wrong, or will they per
sist in slandering the Southern people and theil
democratic neighbors in the North in the face and
eyes Of the facts stated by Judge Kelley; 1t i:
but few weeks since Mr.. Blaine was rehashnc
these "bloody shirts" and thew rebellion" stories
ON the stump to the people of Connecticut. What
viii he do now' viii he frankly admit that his
charges were ''unfounded" or will he cling to
them and charge his brother Kelley with treach-
cry or stupidity"
If our readers will compare the above
from the Standard with Mr.. Kelley's let
ter found elsewhere in these columns,
they will readily see what "absurdities, )"
"gross exaggerations' and deliberate
falsehoods" that paper has imposed upon
its readers. Having SO enthusiastically
embraced Mr.. Kelley, we presume the is
sue of next week will endorse his idea in
regard to more currency, which is really
the important thing in his estimation of the
recent views which he has expressed con-
corning the South.