Daily Kennebec journal., 1878-02-13
Beginning to See the Truth.

President Hayes and those who have
upheld his southern policy are beginning
TO see the mistake they have committed in
regard to the South. The prosecution OF
the Returning Board Of Louisiana has had
the effect of opening their eyes to the
temper of the southern people. All that
the President has done in the policy of
Cancellation has but served to encourage
the White Leagae of Louisiana to assail
his title, TO persecute those who support
ed him, and embolden them TO endeavor
through the courts of the State to disgrace
his administration AS one built upon fraud
and corruption. The letter of Sherman,
Matthews and others to Anderson, is in
dlsputable proof that the current Of feel
ing 10 administration circles has ceased 20
run in the conciliatory channel as strongly
as it did. The Washington correspondent
OF the Boston Journal makes some pretty
plain admissions in the following. pub.
lished in Mondays issue OF that paper:
There are Indications that President
Hayes may find that he has reposed too
much confidence in the political honor Of
Southern politicians, and may feel it hi,
duty to modify the Southern policy which
he inaugurated soon after he became
President. lie then announced his wish
that this policy should not be condemned
In advance of its trial, and declared that
should it fail to accomplish the desired re-
suits, no one would ascertain the fact
sooner than he would aud no one would
have to petition for Il change. 1t was his
desire to promote the peace aud happi-
ness Of all the people at the South, aud he
would not hesitate at any time To adopt
such methods as would secure that end.
1t now appears that he was then deceived
The prosecution of Anderson and other
members of the Returning Board at New
Orleans appears to be in direct violation
OF solemn pledge made by what was
known as the Nichols Legislature. on the
10th of April, 1877, before the recognition
of Nichols as Governor by the Admins
tration. The Commission of Visiting
Statesmen" was then In New Orleans. en-
deavoring to adjust the political troubles
there, and Congressman Gibson, Ellis aud
Levy OF Louisiana were at this end of the
line, with Senators Gordon and Lamar
looking alter Democratic interests. On
the 10th day OF April, 1877, these Con-
gressmen joined in telegram to Cover
nor Nichols and the Nichols Legislature,
to the effect that before they could expect
anything from President Hayes they must
give him some assurances that their future
conduct would not cause him to regret his
action in abandoning the Packard Govern
ment. On the subsequent dav the Nichols
Legislature passed a series of resolutions
which were telegraphed to President
Hayes. signed 10y them aud Governor
Nichols. IN which it was pledged that the
policy of the Administration should be
sustained. that the anti slavery amend
ments should be accepted in rood faith
that white and colored children shonld he
educated, and then in conclusion they said
"Desrous of healing the dissensions thai
have disturbed the State in years past and
anxious that the citizens of all political
parties may be free from feverish ankle
ties Of political strife and join hands in
honestly restoring the prosperity of Louis
lana, the Nichols Government will di.
countenance any attempted persecution
from any quarter OF individuals for pas
political conduct" President HAYES be
lieves this pledge, especially the las
clause OF it, TO have been violated by tlt
indictments and prosecutions Of the mem
bers OF the Returning Board. as these in
dictments have been found and theg,
prosecutions conducted under the person
al direction OF Governor Nichols and In
Attorney General. The President decline
to make any statements on this subject
but the members of his Cabinet, especial
ly Secretaries Sherman, McCrary ant
Thompson, and Postmaster General Key
talk very plainly and without hesitation