Daily Kennebec journal., 1876-10-12

From the New Y,prt Tribune.
A Solid South.

A solid Soulh-what does it mean? Why
does it alarm all thoughtful men? Why do
the few former republicans who now de-
fend democracy take so much pains to
satisfy themselves and others that solid
south means only a reaction In favor OF
reformP That the republican party has
lost ground at the south is not strange,
for the conduct of those who have secured
the confidence OF the more ignorant and
inexperienced colored voters has been
such as to drive many white men TO OPP
pose that party. Bat when it comes to
pass that no republican votes are cast in
counties where the colored voters are the
majority, aud where they have been more
ignorant and more under the influence of
party leaders than anywhere else, what
does that mean? In Iazoo county. Mis-.
sissippi in 1872, Gov. Ames received 249o
votes, although the republicans who were
not thoroughly partizan supported the in
dependent republican, Alcorn. But in
1875, though the republicans were united.
they cast only seven votes in that county.
Similar startling changes appeared in
other counties where the colorcd majority
is overwhelming. The recent election in
Alabama alarmed the country because, in
counties whore thousands of republicans
have voted hitherto. the entire vote of
tha, party was counted by tens. Had
these changes taken place in any county
OF white population, no matter where. il
would have seemed almost miraculous.
But does any man really believe that the
least intelligent class Of coored voters,
whose hostility TO democracy is most bit
ter and obstinate in counties where they
have an overwhelming majority. have
suddenly become converted to "reform"
SO unanimously that not one in hundred
votes against democracy
The bare statement of the question sut-
fees for candid men. All the proof that
has been accumulated of fraud, intimida-
tlon, violence, massacre, is utterly SUPER
lluous in the presence of the results.
These speak for themselves. We know,
as well as If we had been present to wit
ness every detail of the operation, that in
such counties the majority was some way
deprived Of its freedom of choice, and
overpowered by the minority. Now it is
the fundamental idea of our government
that absolute freedom OF choice shall be
conceded and maintained, and that major
tiles shall rule. They may sometimes be
vicious and sometimes hopelessy igno-
rant, rs in some precincts in this very city
majorites are. But it is none the less
assault upon the first principles of free
government if these majoriies are de-
prived of that freedom of choice which
the constitution guarantees 10 all alike.
Yet this is the "Mississppi PLAN" which
the democrats openly boast is to secure
to them a solid south. They do not deny
that means are used which must be held
utterly inexcusable. When the employer
and landowner says, Note as | bid, or
you shall not live upon my land none of
''us will employ you, and you and your
"children shall starve," that is war against
the first principles of free government.
Yet it is not denied that these and similar
means are used to coerce voters the dem
ocra,sonly deny. what overwhelming ev-
idence proves, that in some quarters
whipping, assassination and massacre are
resorted to when other means fail. Be the
methods what they may, solid south
means complete denial to the colored
voters of that freedom of choice which
the constitution guarantees to them as to
all other citizens.
| What difference does it make whether
the fifteenth amendment is nullifed by
States or practically defeated by coercion
with or without intimidation and murderp
In either case free government does not
exist and the supreme law OF the land is
defled. 1t is time for the southern DEM
ocrats to understand that neither the ff-
teenth amendment nor any other part of
the constitution can be nulilied with I'M
punty. The people of this country added
that amendment to the constitution very
deliberately because profoundly convinced
of its necessity. They will not permit it
TO be set aside, whether by refusal of en-
| ployment or by massacre. Because they
understand that a solid south means def
ance OF the constitution and war upon
free government, the answer will be
solid north.
Violence in South Carolina.
Gov. Chamberlain of South Carolina replies to