Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-03-20
Southern Policy.

States, from that which the general gov
eminent has sustained in those above
Nsson's and Dixon's line. When any
disagreement has arisen, the first ques-
ton has been, (which side will the ad
miniSiration support? ?" as though there
was or could be any choice in the matter.
II is well known fact that the national
government cannot make nor interfere
with the several State governments. It's
utmost power is to suppress rebellion.
and decide. upon legal evidence alone,
which Of the contending forces is sus-
tanned by the constitution. The govern
ment can have no southern policy. or
northern policy. 1t simply has an in
fAllible rule. by which it must measure
al cases, whether from NJ aine or Texas,
California or New York
The impression. if such sn impression
really prevails, that the government may
support one party or another in the
south, has grown from misrepresentation
of facts, and the terrible cries OF partissns.
True, the administration has sent troops
into South Carolina, into Louisiana and
Arkansas during the past eight years for
the purpore OF establishing State gov
eruments. But this action has not been
in pursuance OF any policy. except that
laid down in the constitution, which
guarantees TO each State republican
form OF government. Ii the State
authorities OF any commonwealth. rep
resent that anarchy prevails to such al
exten, that they cannot suppress it, the
general government must furnish tie
means 10 establish peace. Ii there were,
in this State, or in any New England or
Middle State, an organized band OF ma
rsuders, or 3 company Of sufficient size
70 seize the government, the Executive
At Washington would be obliged 10 do
just what be has done in these Southern
States, when appealed to for assistance.
Much has been surmised concerning
President Hsyes's Southern Policy" 1t
is first reported that he will recognize
one OF the conteuding parties in LouiSi-
ana and then the other Mex. we hear
that be will remove the national troops,
and allow. the party TO stand which is
best able. But We DO not conceive that
any statesman could pursue the latter
course. In Louisiana there is 8 state OF
affairs calculated to excite alarm among
all who have faith in republican govern
meut. There We see the seeds which. in
France have destroyed each successive
attempt at self government. and which
have also oyerthrown other proud en-
pires. 1t is the rising Of sn Lneducated,
inscriptions class who, caring for moth
ing but self. sre ready TO sacrifice every
patriotic and humanitarian sentiment for
personal preierment. l, is anarchy. Ii
these men have sufficient force 10 over
throw the existing government and
maintain another, that is no reason why
they should be allowed so to do. The
majority is not always right nor is Justice
always with the mighty. Ii the minority
IS right in this case, it should be sustained,
and always sustained, if it never grows
strong enough to support itself. At the
request OF the regular government,
troops were introduced into these States
and they cannot be removed until the
same authority indicates that they are no
longer needed.
True, the present case is more comp.i
Gated than q simple uprising or rebellion.
The complication arises from the fact
that both contestants claim 70 have been
legally elected. Il seems TO US that the
general government has no right to 90
behind the returns il this matter. l.
IS the duty Of those in authority to stand
by the certificates of the retiring officers,
and 10 furnish such assistance as may be
needed by the incoming administration, in
order that i! shall be firmly established. Il
is fundamental principle in our govern.
ment. that the States shall manage their
own internal affairs. 1.-THE legal authori-
ties prove reCreant 10 their trusts, the
people may displaee them at the ballot
box. But they have no right to forcibly
eject an officer and then ask the national
government to let them alone, when the
legally constituted authorities call for
assistance. That is all the confederate
States asked tor when they seeded from
the Union. That is all any criminal asks
for-tO be let alone. But law is made fJr
the sole purpose that such may not be let
alone. Tia man commits crime repeated.
ly.ss soon as his sentence has expired, the
law will as frequently seize and con6ne
him.
So it Is in these disputed States. ievery
time there is an election these retellious
spirits rise and contest with the regularly
appointed authorities their positions, the
law must as frequently repress them. 1t
is very poor argument that if The
authorities cannot maintain themselves
they should fall. Right always must
struggle. Wrong is the more powerful
and will prevail in hail the conflicts, if
right is not fortified by supreme strength.
The same argument would as fully prove