Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-01-01
naiIp sSsnnetst 9ournal
AIGU STA.
SATURDAY MORNING. January /. 1870.
TIE NEW YEAR POLITICALLY.

In political point Of view the new
wear that breaks upon US to-day will be of
momentous Importance. We stand at
that point in our history where the two
great contending ideas which struggled
for mastery during four years at the cam
mons mouth, are to test their strength at
the ballot-box. We thought that when
the rebellion was ended by the triumph OF
the Union cause, the doctrine of State
Rights upon which Secession was founded
was dead and beyond the possibility Of
resurrection. But this proves to be de-
fusion. We find that the dangerous here
sy which has cost US so many valuable
lives, such vast sums of money, and so
much of suffering and sacrifice, is still the
controlling principle of the democracy
Upon this they have taken their stand.
And if the democrats could succeed in
electing their President and obtaining con-
troll of the government, we should see car
ried out on a larger scale what we have
lust witnessed in the national house OF
representatives men who fought for
the Union forced to take back seats and
those who fought against the government
brought to the front; while the idea on
which the rebellion was founded would be
restored to all Its former power and pres
tige and the Union idea be trampled un-
der foot. Under whatever leader the de-
mocracy may fight the campaign, or what
ever appearance they may assume. the
main issue which they have in sight Is
the restoration of the principle on which
the Southern Confederacy stood, which in
cludes Of course the return to power Of
those who fought against the government,
and recompense to the rebels for their
losses and sacrifices in the war.
The nation therefore stands at the open
ing of this new year in the presence of a
vast impending peril. Were the nation to
falter in its support OF the republican par
" it would be confronted with a danger
rs imminent as that which summoned our
people to arms in 1861. But the heart OF
the North is true to the sentiment which
inspired the Union armies. 1t is needful
however that the gravity of the situation
be understood. The real purpose of the
democracy must be exposed. Fortunately
they are exhibiting to the country through
their course in Congress their true charac'
ter better than language can describe it,
and impressing upon the public mind the
danger Of trusting them with power much
more effectively than the republican press
or orators could possibly do. With a wise
nomination, a sound platform, and united
and well directed efforts on the part of the
republicans. there can be no such thing
as failure to elect republican President.
Given such result the year will end
auspiciously as regards its political pros
poets. Beaten on the battlefield in 1865.
and beaten again in 1876 at the ballot-box,
the idea that the Southern Confederacy
rested upon ought to be buried so deep as
never to be heard of again.
There are other great issues pending in
the campaign soon to be inaugurated, but
the issue of life or death to the Union,
which is forced by the Bourbons and ex-
Confederates into the election, is of SUR
passing Importance.