Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-03-01
DESPERATE CANE OF THE E1-REBEL
DENOCRAT IN LOLISI4NA.

DESPERATE GAME OF THE EI-REBEL
DEMOCRATS IN LOUISIANA.
Worse than the confessions of Rob
ert Toombs about the manner in which
elections are carried in Georgia are the
hieh-handed proceedings of the ex-rebelSto
gain control of other southern States. In
Mississippi and Louisiana they are moving
to-thrust out Ames and Kellogg by i'm
peachment, in order that no resistance may
be made by State authority against their
plans to buy or drive the negroes to vote
the democratic ticket. Governor Ames IS
q native of the State of Maine, where he
is respected as much for honor as bravery.
But be is republican and therefore heaven
and earth will be moved by the ex-conied-
crates to blacken his character and re-
move him from office.
Governor Kellogg holds his place by
popular election and solemn agreement
made year ago between leading men of
poth parties in Louisiana, and sanctioned
by vote of Congress, that he should not be
disturbed in that Office during the remain
der of his term; but his removal being
necessary to the success of the plans q
the OK -coniederates to buy and drive the
blacks into submission to democratic rule,
they have also moved, against large re-
monstrance of the business men OF New
Orleans, to impeach and render Kellogg
powerless. What the impeachment OF
Kellogg is for, how the object aimed at by
the democrats is to be accomplished,
if at all, and whot results may follow from
the outrageous proceedings against kel-
logg, are shown in an editorial of the New
York Herald of Monday. That sheet in
forms its Louisiana friends that they will
perpetrate blunder by impeaching Kel-
logg. This is putting it very mildly to
say the least. Then it goes on to speak OF
the situation as follows 1.-The movement
is trick. more dexterous than wise, for
putting the democratic Speaker of the
House in temporary possession of the
gubernatorial chair with view to the
next election. 1t is not so much an act OF
justice against criminal as scheme for
gaining party advantage. By the con-
stitution OF Louisiana an impeached officer
is suspended from his functions until The
conclusion OF his trial, and in kellogg's
case it is calculated that such suspension
would be equivalent to an absolute remov-
al. The legislature is about to adjourn
and will not meet again in regular session
until next January. when Governor Kel-
logg's term will have expired. If he is i'm.
peached now, and the Senate should not
be in session to try him until the legisla-
ture meets next year, the impeachment
would have the same practical effect as
conviction and sentence, which is the re-
suit aimed at by the democrats.
In order to get beforehand with his enc
mics and defeat their game Kellogg has
called an extra session of the Legislature
to meet Immediately after the adjourn
ment but his authority to issue such call
is disputed On some technically Of which
we cannot judge. not having copy of the
Louisiana constitution at hand. But if
the republican Senate responds to the call
the trial will proceed, and there can be no
doubt Of prompt acquittal. If this is
accepted as valid the democrats will have
made great furry for nothing; but if the
right of the Senate to try and acquit is
disputed the State will be disturbed by a
new bloody conflict leading to federal in
reference for restoring tranquility.
There is no excuse for mourning SO great
a danger, and as the whole movement is a
political trick the public sentiment of the
country would justify federal interference.
That unfortunate State has suffered
enough from civil disturbances, and it is to
be hoped that the passions OF reckless poll
ticians will be held in check by the united
public opinion of the business classes, who
have nothing to gain and much to lose by
renewal Of the old conflicts"
From this explanation of the Herald it
will be made plain to republican readers
that another of those outrages on civil
rights for which the South has been noto-
rious is on foot in louisiana 1t may re-
suit as the democrats wish, but AS sure as
the love of liberty and justice still live in
the North, such deeds will unite and
strengthen the republican ranks. and make
them inyincible over all that rebeldom
North and South can bring against them.
The Indianapolis Sentinel. Hendricks organ,
looks upon the Connecticut democratic platform
rs indicating that the Eastern democracy are