Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-10-30
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.

LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
HE POLITICAL rssUE-THE KEYNOTE STRUCK |
BY MIR. BLAINE LAST wINTER-THE NORTH
ALIVE TO TIE OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES OUT |
RACES AND THE ADMINIsTRATIoN-THE GEN. |
ERAL OUTLOOK.
WASHINGTON. ID. C.,
Oct. 10Th, ls76.
| To the Editor oftle journal:
Here, as in all other parts of our ex ,ensive
country, the principal topic absorbing public at
tention is the political issue, over which, in close
| and exciting struggle, is engaged the two great
political parties which were face to face during
the more deadly strife of the rebellion. As the
time draws near for the result of the issue, one
feels that aside from Partizan feeling the balance
must weigh either in favor of the great moral is.
sues that have hitherto prevailed, or against them
in favor of progress or againstit for those prn-
clplcs which have raised this nation to a glorious
position among other nations or in favor of those
elements which retard bar the rising spirit
which has been born of real and exalted freedom.
| The feeling of fear and alarm at the possible
victory of the baser elements in our politics takes
possession of the thinking Masses as the question
is now brought home so forcibly and positively.
The assertion that there is danger in the success
OF these elements is no bug bear or Illusion. 1t is
positive fact which cannot be evaded dispersed
| by any reasoning or diversion.
When it becomes patent to the patriotic citizen
that the votes of united South together with the
bad elements of New York and Indiana may, per-
haps, govern the destinics OF this nation for four
years OF longer, then it is that he begins to real
ze the perilous condition of affairs, and feels that
| sa. ,,n
into the mighty Struggle with heart and soul
with zeal never so melted and purpose never so
| determined.
| Mr. Blaine struck the keynote in the House
! last winter, and then warned the country of the
very danger which now hangs over it. Apathy
unbelief and over.confdence led the people into
condition which nearly destroyed the availability
of the power of the country; and it was only by
the heroic and mastery exhibition Of this danger
followed up by gigantic blows against it that the
sense, split and resolution of the Unionsts were
again aroused 10 degree which presaged of VIC
tory in the future. Even this timely action was
not snftcep to fully convince public sentime nt in
the Norh. Tae outIages in the South, which
have been from the most reliable of sources con-
firmed have, in part been DOUBTED excused, OF
ment at the North-covered, they have been,
by Southern specious p.eainss or Northern
doughace apologies.
But now the truth dawns clearly and well de-
fined, the southern States. one by one, through
the well planned action of marauling aud secretly
or openly armed white clubs backed ny the dem
ocratic leaders fall into the democratic column Of
States.
What should have done months sgo-the de
persion of these clubs and the sationing OF Nj
t ted States troops wherever this intimidation was
apparent, to preserve the peace and preserve the
free exercise of the elective franchise (for that is
all the reason which demands the military there
has been done at the latest moment, after the
suits of intimidation have had their effect to that
extent that those States once overwhelmingly re.
publican can only be classcd as pos IDLY republi.
can with the chances the other way. The timidlty,
or in some cases, magnsnimty of the North rela-
tive Is Federal troops in the South, has led most
certainly to these results; and now, when the
facts stare them in the face they must not blame the
Administration for it has had to yield, in great
measure, to this very feeling which obtained to
considerable degree at the North. The republi-
Can cause in the South is not yet altogether hope
less, and II is fair TO presume that We may redeem
few of those States, but it will teach the Union
party lesson which, l think, will never be for
gotten. Leniency has very nearly upset the
publican party
But there is still assurance of the triumph of the
right. The old union spirit at the North is quick
ened; the fires of enthusiasm are burning bright
ly, and are spreading by means of the enkindliug
-
Blaine, Ingersell, Schurz, Banks and the numer
Gus other veteran leaders. The danger OF South
ern supremacy, as in years gone by has startled
the Northern hosts into rsdoubled energy for their
own safety, and over hills and mountains, where
freedom has her securest throne comes the cheer.
ing intelligence that the people are alive TO the
momentous issues low before them. Reports
from California and Nevada. from the great North
west, and the Middle and Eastern States are alike
of the most encouraging nature. The battle is
acknowledged TO be close and severe one, but
the faith of the masses in the triumph of right is
still mistaken. New York State is coming up
grandly to the position taken by the other North
ern States ranking with her, and nothing but
frauds in New York city (if they can be perpe-
trated with success) will prevent her adding her.
self to the column of Republican States.
Upon the whole, then, the outlook is growing
more and more favorable. There is still good
chance for republican victories in North and
South Carolina and Florda-perhaps Louisiana.
With these, victory is certain without New York
and Indiana; but with New York victory is GER
ain anyhow. T.. J. B.
II P0LIIIC4L.
Gov. Hayes had q noble body guard at the Ex-