Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-07-13
Chamberlain and Blaine.

In our last issue We had space for only
brief reference to the speeches made by ex-
Gov. Chamberlain of South Carolina and
Hon. James G. Blaine of Maine at Henry
c. Bowen's Fourth of July celebration at
Woodstock, Conn. Gov. Chamberlain's
address was neither more nor less than a
harsh and severe criticism and condemna-
ton of President Hayes's southern policy.
He represented the President as II shame
less conspirator, declared him guilty of a
"treacherous policy" that he scrupled not
10 "betray the friends who had trusted
him and the cause he was sworn 10 up.
hold )" that he perpetrated a "bold, arrant
usurpstion, without even an excuse that ii
was undertaken in good cause;' that his
deliberate action in grave public crisis
was "lalse to every dictate of political hon
or, public justice and good morals" etc.,
etc. After arraig mug the wisdom and jus
tice of those measures which have given
South Carolina and Louisiana local self
governments, Gov. Chamberlain said that
"the President found the State government
of Louisiana complete in its organization,
unquestionable in its validity, except urOn
grounds which directly and equally i'm
peacbed his own title, and that it was his
duty to interfere in behalf of the Packard
government with the whole force of the
army and navy" The sending of com
mission to Louisiana he denounced as "a
bold and arrant usurpatlon," and toward
the close he even declared that The Presi-
dent had been guilty of "a crime more
xvopiOn au1 nnnordonaIla fhan tha crinna
against Kansas, which aroused the sleeping
conscience of the North" In addition 10
accusations like these, Gov. Chamberlain
also charged the administration with de.
linquencies in civil reform, with commiltal
to the silver scheme, and with connivance
at subsidy plots charges which, to say the
least, have not yet been substantiated. We
give these quotations simply as indicating
the general tenor of Gov. Chamberlain's
speech. In reference to it it is unnecessary
to say more than that the average Republi-
can sentiment of New England, or of the
country, does not approve of its spirit or
uphold its accusations. AS regards the
condition of affairs in South Carolina and
Louisiana, it cannot be denied that such a
stage had been reached that Gen. Grant
himself has declared that, had he stayed
longer in Office, he should have withdrawn
the troops precisely as Mr.. Hayes did. The
country appreciates and admires the mod
Grafton, prudence and sagacity which has
been displayed thus far in all of President
Hayess public acts, and the mass Of the
people will not easily be diverted from q
cordial support OF his administration. The
chief thing to be regretted about Gov
Chambsrlain's speech is that he should
have been led into such an exhibition Of
querulous discomfort, in marked contrast
with his former self-control and subjugs,
ton of all personal interests.
Senator Blaine's speech was principally
devoted to a discussion Of the presen
troubles in Mexico, founded upon his pro
fessed belief that efforts are being made il
some quarters 10 precipitate an invasion o
Mexican territory which shall ultimately
lead TO the annexation of Mexico TO th,
! Unlled States. His position on this pOin