Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-01-25
ought Jefferson Darts 70 be
IpaeStied

This is The frst question presented by
The Democracy TO be acted upon by the
House OF Representatives at Washington.
IS the first act in the Centennial year.
Ii IS the first thing introduced by those
who have promised reform and reconcile
alton. Amnesty had been offered to every
citizen srd soldier O, the South before
this year OF 1876. except those who hsd
violated their oath OF allegiance 10 the
Government excluding only about $50
persons. All others had been restored to
every privilege Of citizenship and to The
houors OF official station as witnessed Snd
illustrated by the election and presence
OF some 90 Southern members 10 the
present House OF Repre- ssutaiives.
The clemency OF the Republican party
IS shown in the most conspicuous manner
by its treatment OF those who fcmented
discord and rebellion. No. s. man for
treason or rebellion has lost his life OF fer
any political offence or crime which he
may have committed. Davis was Kept in
prison 3 short time and then bsiled out
and set "a; liberty. Thousands upon
thousands OF the Commune in France
were imprisoned aud many thousands
died on the scafold or were sent to the
penal colonies 10 stone tor their attempt
10 subyeI, ne civil government. Here
rot one life was placed in jeopardy for
this cause.
A republican House voted ia the last
Congress TO give amnesty even to al
those 80 men who had engaged in re-
bellioa in violation Of their oa,hs, not
including J. Davis; bu, the Senate did
not CONCUR. The sober, discreet action
ofthat body was approved by he country.
Republicans everywhere were satisfied
that the time had not come 10 amnesty
the representative head OF Slavery and
the arch foes Of Freedom.
Now the Democrats introduce Bill TO
amnesty The few who have no, been am
Eestied, including Davis. They have the
majority and they propose TO carry the
measure through without debate and
without amendment, But why this at
temp. 10 stop debate and discussion ;
Why are the members of the House who
may desire debate or amendment delib-
eralely and pUrposely denied this priyi-
lege-a privilege dear to Republicans,
and disias,eiul to tyranis only? l. there
anything Inconsistent with magnanimiLy,
justice or reconciliation 10 asking or de-
m2Dding the rights pertaining to The
members OF every deliberative body, Is
Il possible that any set OF men 10 this
nineteenth century can Introduce bill
into any legislative body, stop the mouths
OF members by resort TO the Parliament
airy paddock aud then claim that their
antagonists have Haunted the bloody shirt
because iorsoOth you can't quote facts or
history without hayiDg the bodies Of
those who are The bene6eisries Of the
proposed enactment The democrats
introduced this question and they are re
sponsibls for all that follows II they
have heard what they would ike TO have
smothered or suppressed they have only
heard ~ hat they ought to have expected
The republicans were ready 10 yield
amnesty 10 all but Davis. They were
unwilling to restore him 10 honor and
perhaps 10 power and perhaps to the
head OF another rebellion.
The real question is "Do The pople of
this nation desire that J. Davis shall be
restored to citizenship, to honor and to
power Are the people ready to welcome
him as a Representative OF 8 Senator ?"
Ready as the people ars to forget all that
ought TO be forgotten. and 10 forgive a II
tha; ought 10 be forgiven. anxious az they
are to coneiliate and heal all thai ought
10 De cOuciliated or healed, they are no.
3! this time prepared 10 take this LAST step.
Let The people review the past. let them
elothe themselves with that charity which
covers multitude OF faults. errors, and
every moral and Intellectual obliquity,
and answer the question as If each were
individually responsible for the decision
ne may make in tie sight OF the highest
tribunal known 10 man, TO nation or to
justice, end then decide Will the deeis-
ion now be: Restore him to citizenship,
to every privilege claimed by innocent
men or deserved by life devoted 10 the
welfare OF mankind? Let every citizen
answer.