Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-07
The Gravity of the Political ~itua-
ton.
tn Ne Fyitor Of the journal

| / y
ton.
| To tie Editor Of the journal.
The nominations Of both parties have been
| made; the platforms adopted, and the two great
political parties have settled down to certain bases
of action which will develop more clearly as the
canvass proceeds. 1t is hoped that the true lovers
Of the Union are aware OF the gravity Of the pol-
| ica outlook, and of the danger which awaits the
American nation in the event of the election Of a
democratic President at this time. Under the
guise of re form and the gush of hatmonizing the
sections Of country, the democratic party hopes to
win.
What is this democratic party? 4 substantial
echo of the sentiment existing at the outbreak Of
the rebellion covered by the thin gauze Of "Union"
and "reform" which, in their heart of hearts
means the rights of States according to Calhoun,
and the spos Of office.
Any one who has even csrelessly studied the
phases and actions of the lower branch Of Congress
must readily admit that the democratic members
of the North are not only imbued with the senti-
ments actuatng their southern political brethren,
but that they are led and governed by them as
fully as before the war; that, under the name of
patriotism, they are trying desperate game-that
of binding the eyes Of the Northern people, and
lulling them into repose. in order that the reins
of Government may once again come into demo-
cratic hands.
n Then the North may wake to find itself again in
the meshes of States Rights, Notification and those
perncious doctrines which have caused the sacri-
flee of thousands upon thousands of human lives,
and millions upon millions of treasure. There
may be those who will laugh at this view Of the
subject; but those most acquainted with the Sc
cret designs and purposes of these artfu politicians
aud nearest the places of action, most likely
to be correct in their conclusions, and such
are their conclusions. The assertion is
rect that the democratic party if once in por-
or, Aaring bean placed in po@er By a confined
South, acN be gorerned IN its action By the South
This fact alone should stimulate every liberty low
| ing man in the country to renewed and most de-
| termined efforts to prevent the success of the
| democratic party.
| Again, the present canvass is to be conducted
| on plan subversive Of the highest and best prn-
| ciples of American government. Money is to be
| lavishy used for the decentralization of the voting
| population The leaders of the opposition while
| putting forth in a platform certain "glttering
generalitles" relative to the necessity ofpurfcation
| and reform in the politics and administration Of
government and in the civil service, combining
| system utterly at variance with their dec
| aratons, that clear sighted person can fail to
| discern that their protestations and manfestoes
are hollow hearted and not worth the paper they
| are written upon. The change from a republican
| to a democratic administration would not only
lx;, ~. 81 1cC
again into the foreground but would bring all the
other evils which grow out of purchasing ones
| conscience and influence with money.
| Let it be understood then, that the democratic
leaders intend to form a financial pool from
| Vhich they intend TO draW resources sufficient to
| purchase their pay into pocer. This must be met
| by the other side with almost superhuman effort,
to first, arouse patriotic, honest sentiment among
| the masses; secondly, to work individually and
unitedly to prevent election frauds and demoral-
zatons wherever they may be found.
A third danger which is impending is the deter
mlnation Of the South, aided by the influences
and money Of Northern doughfaces to carry, if
| possible, every Southern State for the democratic
party. The methods of cajolery, promise, threat
and terrorism will be used without stint as either
them openly and often loudly boast that no power
of individuals organizations, or the government
itself prevent the consummation of this
scheme that they meant what they said, and that
peaceably if they could but forcibly if they must,
they would perform this part Of their contract
with the democratic party.
S. S. Cox, their doughfaced northern ally, in
dicated this purpose when, in the st, Louis con-
vention, he said we could do without the army
appropriation until after Notwithstanding that
he wished the Administration to be perfectly help
less in its defence of the loyal voter in the South
| believe so far the Administration is concerned
it will do all that lies in its power Crippled it is
by rebel House,, to prevent violence and fraud
in the Southern States in November But the
fact must not be overlooked that this determine
ton on the part Of the Southern democracy is
sullen, unyeldng one and likely to be successful l.
The danger in this crisis lies greatly in feeling
of security in the republican party, an overwcen
ing confidence of success, because of its past
record aud the soundness of its present utterance
of principle. The Union party must look the
dangers square in the face, count the formidable
weapons to be used against them, and then con-
solidate and utilize every engine and instrument
of warfare of which they are possessed, and fight
boldly, diligently and increasingly from now on
until November next. 1t is of no use denying the
fact that the democratic party have strong candi
dates, some strong arguments and many effective
weapons to use in this canvass. Sensibly admit
ting these facts the republican party all the
better prepare themselves for the conflict, which
will be most bitterly waged both sides, and
success most desoerately cOntended for Heaven
save us from the danger Of again succumbing to
actual Southern rule. E.J.B
Washington, d. C., July ., 1876.