Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-03-08

found it entirely in accord with his own sent
ments, and hence the formal tender Of an appoint
ment to Mr.. Key, after an intercourse between
those gentlemen last evening, which established
the identity of their respective views on the South
ern question.
Mr.. Key in response TO protests from old party
associates against his acceptance upon the ground
that the Presidents purpose is to divide the South
ern democracy and reconstruct the republican
party in the Southern States on q far more
popular basis declares that it is his desire TO see
the color line 10 southern politics broken, also that
restored pace and commercial prosperity are Of
more present Importance than party success.
Mr. Keys appointment has been earnestly an
tagonlzed by some prominent republicans, in the
fear it would commit the administration to the
abandonment Of existing republican organizations
especially in South Carolina and Louisiana, and
the surrender of their adherents to the tender
mercy of their foes. 1t is claimed for the presi-
dent that his tirmness in upon the fact that the
general line of policy in regard to the south which
he had determined to test, looks to no such conse
quence as desertion of old friends His desire is
TO secure an honorable and amicahr CON ln-c
of the existing southern difficulties by of
the wise and honest men of both parties in the
south, on terms that shall be just and cred,abe to
all alike.
As a beginning he was resolutely determined
to tender an olive branch TO the south, by taking
into his cabinet some one intelligent southern
democrat, who bad fought on the confederate
sue, Dut Is now thoroughly true Us well Us dDlC.
10 this end he his disposed TO take General Joe
Johnston, but Mr.. Key was found Jess objection
able 10 the republicans, and SO he was finally
chosen.
The significance of the appointment is in its no.
tice to the south that the new adm ni.tration has
70 purpose which cannot be freely disclosed TO
and discussed with an honorable representative of
their own section, and who is 10 full sympathy
with the best elements in the southern opposition
party: This it is claimed clears the way for what
is to follow.
Vice President Wheeler is TO be no cypher in
the government lie will be invited to participate
in the administration as freely as if he was mem
Der of the cabinet 1t is hoped that after the SEN
ate adjourns, he will head a commission to be APP
pointed by the president, to visit the south, care
fully study the situation in Louisiana and South
Carolina, and ascertain upon what honorable
terms all the troubles there can be acceptably
placated by state action, with such support and
cooperation as the president rightfully ex-
tend. The presidents friends say that if this pol
icy fails it will be the fault of the southern pco-
pie themselves, and will be so regarded. They
say also that if ii succeeds it will break down the
color line in politics, by detachng the old wings
and Douglas democrats and organizing them into
an administration party of whites to whom the
blacks will naturally adhere.
The above is given as the general plan, the dc.
tails OF which must depend upon the results Of
careful cabinet consultation and liberal inter-
change OF views with patriotic aud clcarheade
men, whose character and position entltle them to
be heard.
Not Confirmed.
In the executive session of the senate, none of
the cabinet officers were confirmed, all the nomi-
nations being referred to the appropriate commit
tees, without any discussion.
Under rule of the senate a single objection to
present consideration of any nomina refers it
to the appropriate committee, and when the very
first one, that of Evarts, was announced, Blaine
moved lts reference tn tho cn An FOREIGN
relations
Mr.. Conkling demanded the reference of the
nomination of Mr.. Schurz TO the finance commit
tee.
Quite number of senators demanded re ference
Of Mr.. Keys nomination. In fact there was more
or less objection to every one of them, and there
is a probability of an excited debate over them
when they come before the senate again.