Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-05-21

tv fear to have its action probed Has it any
thing which it is anxious to conceslf Then why
this obstinate determination to shut out fair play
If this nvestigai ion must proceed, let IT be based
upon broad and far reaching demand Tor all the
facts. Let it reach from top to bottom and include
every alleged irregulsrity or fraud IN the Presl-
dental election. As the democrats are now re-
| solved see nothing but mischief, immediate and
4 general in their plan. 1t will disturb the peace
| and quiet Of the whole country and have most
Injurious effect upon ali our industrial interests.
am willing that IL shall be understood everywhere
| that am not only for the Hale amendment, but
for any amendment that is germane to the question
OF fraud on the Presidential question. Let 1t en-
brace all sides and allegations. Then the country
W III be satisfied. At the same time 1t should be
understood that these Investigations must not be
made with the slightest view whatever for an at
tack asssment upon the title OF any person
whose tenure Of office has been settled by constr
tutional authority.
What then is the movement actually at
tempted P 1t is not only unfair. cowardly
and fraudulent in method, but II is papa-
bly, revolutionary in purpose. The repub-
Leans had abundant right to oppose 1t on
either ground or on both grounds. They
were right in demanding an amendment
making the investigation broad, fair, and
impartial. if there was to be any investi-
CATION. But they were also right in re-
slsting any and every inquiry which is de-
signed to disturb, or is based upon the
presumption that this Congress has any
constitutional power to disturb the title OF
a President duly inaugurated. The dem
ocratic resolution is not only indecent
and knavish; il is an attempt to get up
new rebellion against lawful authority
In either aspect it could be resisted as a
matter of right; in the latter it was du-
" to resist it.
We are glad that the able republicans
of the House adhered throughout to the
position they did, and glad, also. that they
have placed their reasons before the coun-
try. Let them keep this firm stand and
fight revolution at every step. The first
and immeasurably the most important step
for the peace and prosperity of the coun-
try is the entire abandonment or complete
defeat of revolutionary schemes. The
men who talk OF impeachment as posi-
BILE result and excuse are guilty Of cheat
unworthy of gentlemen, for they know
that they have no. the least idea of max
ing William A. Wheeler President. The
men who pretend that there is no inten
ton to disturb the Presidents title are
proved guilty of falsehood, first by the
very language of the resolution as to the
Maryland memorial, aud second by the
action of the democratic caucus on a res
olution disclaiming such intent. There is
no way, except by revolution, to Gust
President and Vice-President who have
been duly inargurated. and recognized
by both Houses of Congress, and whose
right is sustained by the courts. Until
the revolutionary intent is wholly defeat
ed republicans ought to treat all cOmpro-
misses and adjustments that may be pro
posed precisely as "peace-at-any-pflce"
Coppelheads were treated when the first
rebellion began.