Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-03-31
Bull-Doser Hampton.

Wade Hampton is fair sample oil the
Southern bull-dozers, a chip OF the old
block whence came the Bully Brookses,
the Masons. Davises, and all others oil that
sort, who were conspicuous IN the slave
holders rebellion With all the arrogance
and insoence of his class, products of the
institution of slavery he carries weaker
head upon his shoulders than the average
buli-dozer.
In order to effect. if possible, an adjust
ment of the difficulty in South Carolina
concerning the State government, Presi-
dent Hayes invited Chamberlain and
Hampton to Washington 10 friendly con-
ference with himself and Cabinet, that each
claimant might have opportunity to be
heard in person in regard TO the matter in
dispute between them. Chamberlain at
once accepted the invitation, and without
parade or buster presented himself
promptly at Washington. Bull-dozer
Hampton, however, at first thought it be-
meath his dignity to notice the Presidents
invitation, but finally sent the latter let
ter filed with insolence characteristic OF
the bull-dozing aristocracy. announcing
grudgingy his intention to appear.
So few days ago he began his march
on Washington, which was conducted as
though he were some High Mightiness on
semi-military expedition. AT every con-
siderable place where the train stopped he
addressed his fellow bul-dozers who had
assembled TO greet him, giving them to
understand that he was much bigger
man than President Hayes, going to Wash
ington to demand his rights, and swearing
so help him God to take nothing less. The
following is a specimen of his talk:
Nv Frisnds,-I go to Washington simply 10
state before the President the fact that the people
of South Carolina have elected me Governor OF
that State. / go there to say to him that we ask
no recognition from any President. We claim
the recognition from the votes of tue people OF
the State. 90 there TO assure him that we are
not fighting for party, but that we aie fighting for
the good of the whole county. ! am going there
to demand our rights-nothing ess-and so help
me God, to take nothing less.
and at other points where the notice had
reached of the coming of the bull-dOzing
hero. he made talk like the above, firing
the hearts of his auditors as did the news
of the butchery of the blacks at Hamburg
the first act of slaughter and intimida-
ton ia the movement by Hampton to carry
South Carolina by the Mississippi plan.
"My people tell me to hold on" said he,
'and SO long as they have right to give
me such advice. so help me God. l will
hold on" The listening crowd of ex-
rebels OF course admired the insolencc and
threats of the speaker. ltreminded them
OF 1861 when the South was rising in arms
against the government. The spirit was
the same. 1t was defiance to the flag Of
freedom and its representative at Wash
ington.
Arrived at Washington Hampton conde-
scended to notify the President Of his
presence in the city. He is attended as
his select companion and friend by Butch
er Butler. the leader who struck the first
blow for Hampton at the Hamburg mass
acre. With this assassin 10 guard his
person and brace Of lawyers to counsel
him in legal matters, Hampton awaits the
issue. That he will get his rights and
nothing but his rights we sincerely hope.