Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-08-07
From the Albany Journal.
The Mississippi Republicans.

For wears after reconstruction, MlsSl-
ssippi was indisputable strong Repub-
lican State. 1t had n clear undeniable
Republican majority Of 10000. To-day
on a free and fair vote, it would show the
same result. But in 1873, 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 over
mastering power, abandon the field and
present this year no ticket at all.
We publish their address in another COL
umn. 1t is a calm, unimpassiOnate state
ment of the reason which dictate their
action. Without "sullen complaints or
spiteiul examinations" 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 to 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 a
minority. We call ours free govern
ment. We are accustomed to speak Of
the rule of majorities. What a common
tray is 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 Yazoo county
stood thus republican, 2,433: democra-
tic, 922. In 1875, when the Mississippi
plan was first put in operation, the vote
showed the amazing change republican
I; democratic, 4,044 Again in the
Presidential contest Of last year it was
as follows: republican, ,; democratic
1872! These amazing figures tell their
own story. No rational man need to be
assured that such an astonishing change
was not produced by natural or Legitimate
causes. 1t was the combined work Of
fraud and terrorism. BY such agencies
extending throughout the State the Dem
ocratic minority, under the lead Of the
old masters, overpowered the Republican
majority made up largely Of class that
could be intimidated. And onceEin con-
troll they have firmly established their
supremacy beyond any present possibility
of disturbing it. The republicans yield
to a situation which they cannot help.
That they have made their declaration
with no partisan bitterness or rancor l:
shown in their acceptance and approval
of the spirit with which the President ma:
acted The unhappy situation of thelr
State certainly cannot be ascribed to any
thing he has hone, since the Mississippi
crime was consummated nearly two years
before he entered the Presidential chair
But whatever its bearings upon any nc
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 a State over
ridden and subjected as Mississippiis and
when they see the same force employed, tc
make q 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 &c
their country against this purpose Of the
South is the command to patriotic duty
and public safety.