Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-12-30
From the Republic
PAYMENT Of REEL DEBTS.

item
"Mr. Vance, Of North Carolina, introduced a
bill (H. n. No. 22S) to repeal Joint resolution OF
March O. 1867, and the act of February 4, 1867,
prohibiting payment to any person not known to
be opposed to the rebellion; which was read first
and second time
The bill offered by Mr.. Vance repeats
thc.ioint resolution of March 2, 1867, which
loyal Congress enacted for the protec-
ton of the United States Treasury. In
der this joint resolution no claim for dam
ages done, or property used during the re-
bellion, could be entertained or paid by
the United States, unless the loyalty OF
the claimant was clearly established. 1t
has proven safeguard; and has exclud-
ed class of unjust claims amounting in
the aggregate to several hundred millions
of dollars. The act of February 4, 1862.
authorized the Secretary Of the Interior to
strike from the pension-roll the names Of
such persons as had taken up arms against
the Government. Other laws of a similar
nature have been passed from time to
time, having for their object the exclusion
of war claims presented by those who
were engaged in the rebellion.
Mr.. Vance, in the first flush OF demo-
cratic ascendency, opens a direct ilre up
on these loval barriers, and has at his
back powerful influence in the House OF
Representatives. Ofcourse this infamous
proposition, the effect Of which, if legal
lied, would be to double our national
debt, cannot become law. A republic
can Senate and loyal President stand in
the way of its enactment. Still, the ami
mus of democracy is seen in this PROPOSE
ton of the North Carolina member. His
bill reflects the views Of every Southern
democrat. and at least n majority Of those
coming from the North.
1t is safe to say that the control OF The
nation by the democracy would cost the
Government not less than 81 900, 600 with
in the next four years Among the claims
awaiting the restoration of the democratic
party are the following:
Payment for all slave property for
damages done to private property by mill
itary operations, ior supplies taken by Oh
furnished to the army; refunding the cot
ton tax; payment for property, contra
band of war, seized and contiscated.
These are among the leading claims held
r, h. Of
ey to power. These are among the claims
that would be pressed for settlement ifthe
bill offered by Mr.. Vance should ever be-
come law.
1t is well for the loyal element that still
controls the Government to note the Drift
of democracy. and to take such action as
patriotism indicates to prevent the humil-
iating and disastrous surrender which the
democrats are building their hopes upon.
The action Of Mr.. Vance in the House in
proposing to break down the barriers
which loyal Congress has erected for
the protection of the nation; the rejection
by strict party vote OF Mr.. Forts just
resolution. giving preference to disabled
Union soldiers in appointments made by
the House; the wholesale dismissal of
wounded heroes from positions they had
long occupied with credit, and the substi-
tuition of Confederate officials, are such
startling indications of the revolutionary
policy to be pursued by the democracy
that its encouragement and support by the
American people will be little short OF a
crime against the Republic.
We call upon the true friends of the ma
ton to organize for its defense. Let re-
publican clubs be started everywhere to
keep the people thoroughly posted on the
condition of affairs, and to arouse them to
sense of duty during The Presidential
campaign. The common enemy is vigi-
liant and our friends must meet it with
equal vigilance. Local prejudices must
be laid aside until the great question of
national safety is decided. Good men
must band together for the common de-
Tense. Personal ambition must bend 10
the public good The skies are bright for
a glorious republican victory in 1876.
But victory depends upon activity, hard
work, and upon that laudable spirit of self
sacrifice that prompts each patriot to for
get self in his devotion to the country he
loves.
We call upon the republican press
of the nation to renew its efforts in behalf
of the noble party whose overflow would
be death blow to the Union. Plain words
must be spoken; the truth must be pre-
sented; the mask must be torn from de-
mocracy, and the dangers following its
restoration so clearly shown that no pat
riot Of average intelligence need err in
forming correct judgment as to his duty
in the Presidential campaign. Republican
journals throughout the country have
struck grand blows for liberty and justice
in the past, but grander work is still be.
fore them. The Centennial year will be
one of inspiration to patriotism; let all