Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-07-21
Ilailg sitnnrb:t sournal
A u a. u - Il A,
Saturday, Morning, July II, 1877.
From the Albany Journal.
The MisSissippi Republicans.

The Mississippi Republicans.
For years after reconstruction, Missi-
ssippi was indisputably strong Repub-
lican State. 1t had clear undeniable
Republican Majority of 10000. To-day
ON a free and fair vote. it would show the
same result. But in 1915, by the most
fragrant intimidation and fraud, the Dem
ocrats captured the State and have held
it in an iron grip ever since. And now
the discouraged, demoralized Republi-
cans. feeling how futile and useless
would be hopeless contest against this
overmastering power, abandon the field
and present this year no ticket at all.
We publish their address in another col
umn. 1t is calm, unimpassionated state
ment of the reasons which dictate their
action. Without "sullen complaints or
spiteful ordinations" they set forth in
moderate terms the plain facts of the stu
alton in their unfortunate State. This fair
and candid presentation of the simple
truth ought 10 make deep impression
upon the patriotic people of the North, to
whom it is an extraordinary spectacle
that the undoubted majority OF State are
driven altogether from the field by the
INSCRIPTIONS power and prescription of
minority. We call ours a Tree govern
ment. We are accustomed to speak of
the rule of majorities. What 4 common
tary in the successful overthrow of the
majority party in Mississippi-an over
throw so complete that it practically dis
bands
There is no exaggeration in the state
ment. A simple fact will test its literal
truth In 1872 the vote of Yaz)o county
stood thus: republican, 2. 433; democratic,
922. In 1875, when the Mississippi plan
was first put in operation, the vote
showed this amazing change republi
can I; democratic, 4,0i4! Again
in the Presidential contest of last year
it was as follows: republican, . dem
ocratic. 1872 These amazing figures
tell their own story. No rational
man needs to be assured that such an as
tonishing change was not produced
by natural or legitimate causes. 1t
was the combined work of fraud
and terrorism. By such agencies ex
tending throughout the State the Dem
ocratic minority, under the lead of the
old masters, overpowered the Rspubli-
can majority made up largely of "A class
that could be inundated And once in
control they have firmly established their
supremacy beyond any present posssibili-
ty of disturbing it. The republicans yield
to situation which they cannot help.
That they have made their declaration
with no partisan bitterness or rancor is
shown in their acceptance and approval
of the spirit with which the President has
acted. The unhappy situation of their
State certainly cannot be ascribed to any
thing he has done, since the Mississippi
crime was consummated nearly two years
before he entered the Presidential chair.
But whatever its bearings upon any &C
ton which has passed it should serve with
other facts to give the whole country a
warning as to the future. When the pat
riotic men of the land see State over.
ridden and subj ected as Mississippi is and
when they see the same force employed to
make a solid South and then aiming at the
National Government, they should stand
together against the dangerous scheme.
The union of all men who are true to
their country against this purpose of the
South is the command Of patriotic duty
and public safety.