Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-12-04

TO The Editor of tie hennejec Journal.
1t is queer state of things when one writing
from the Capital on the last day Of the Autumn
of Presidential year, cannot inform your readers
wLo is TO be our next President, nor premise to
bis Cabinet and his policy. 1t is great hardship
to the average correspondent to be deprived of
these very fruitful sources of sensation and spec
ulation ist because of the trouble of few cleo
toral votes.
But this much l can say, that the Developments
of the last few days before the Louisiana Return
Ing Board very likely TO inure largely in favor
Of the claims of the republicans there that fraud,
intimidation and butchery were the weapons used
against them in the election in that State; and
that, if these claims justified, the State will be
willingly given 10 the republicans by all fair
minded men even if the ballots did not do so.
When such men as Trumbull and Palmer &C
knowledge the nustie of their party in that State,
the republicans of the North doubt the facts
There has been enough and too much doubt ex-
i-ting even amongst staunch and reliable republi
cans at the North relative to the stories of intimi
dation, outrage and murder at the South.
These facts as related often and repeatedly BY
tLt 10 OlUeT laCI3 IN our lIS-
tory, somewhat stale by reason of their frequency
and men were coming to regard them either as
improbable, exaggerated or irremediabe, and so
became unconcerned and careless of the results
While they slept. the enemy worked viglantly
and outrageousy. Now, men ofthe North begin,
la!most too late) TO see the terrible dangers.
They begin to the fruits and successful results
Of the war perverted and turned against them.
They see an emancipatcd race, who they expect
| ed would be power in the land to keep down
the spirit of barbaiism and hate by their political
influence, now SO terrorised and subjected that
their political aid is likely to be entirely lost even
if it is not by such agency used in contrary d.
recton The North Is magnanimous and easily
forgets. The South never forgets. And this diff
ference, at this epoch in our nations history,
works injuriously to the North, and therefore to
the whole country. Thanks to the Ruler of the
Universe, believe he has, by means of the late
election, and, probably, narrow escape of the re-
publicans from defeat, brought the party of free
dom to its senses, and that, hereafter, the main
question-that of preserving intact all the rights
and privileges of every American citizen, be he
| rich or poor, black or white, or whoever he NAV
be, shall be kept steadily in view-even at the
'front.' until its Importance and perpeuity are ever
lastingy established throughout the length and
breadth Of our land. Fortunately, too we have a
firm and courageous captain at the helm, who
will use his utmost endeavors to guide the ship of
State clear Of all perls. He will see to it that no
riots, bloodshed or incipient rebellion shall have
sway so long as he can prevent it. Long after
thpsp trpuhiosnu,a Ill
shall have reason to thank Grant for hi. far sight
edness, promptness and GOODNESS at period which
Otherwise might have brought us into disaster
and perhaps chaos. Whatever mistakes he ha s
made, he made none this time.
The opinion still seems to be gaining that Hayes
Is certain to win If the electoral vote should be
peaceably declared for him well and good but if
Congress should choose to interfere and ascertain
the facts, the advantages are still 18th the repub-
Leans. The result would be disagreement as
to any President being chosen, and the 9Th OF
March would find the constitutional prov ision in
the ascendent and republican President at least
temporarily in the White House.
But trust that ere this letter reaches ycu the
final result will be surely declared by the Electo
raj vote itself, and when the Electoral vote is
finally declared, and no further obstacle of leg
islative character takes place, the retiring Pres-
dent will see to it that his successor is duly and
peacefully inaugurated.
business here, meanwhile, as everywhere, is
disturbed by the unsettled condition of affairs.
The large clerical force in the Departments are
the most anxious class, expecting, of course
complete bouncing in the event Of Tiden's inau-
guration. Many Of these, by reason Of the long
continued success Of the republican party, have
become used to the belief that Washington would
ne life time residence, and with their scanty
means have Invested in real estate to the extent of
homo for their families. Many by extreme pru-
dence have cleared oil their Indebtedness on their
homes; others, and by far the larger portion, are
| stu greatly in debt, and, in case Of change of
Administration, would probably lose nearly all
their hare earnings in this way. Mofal-The
Government clerk, being temporary FIXTURE
should never invest beyond his actual means I'M
less he be a Spectator cares little for future
events. faa
Next to the employees, the merchants and yea
ders are interested. Fearing the general exodus