Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1878-11-21

At last the orders have been sent from
Washington for the arrest OF those parties
IN the South who were guilty OF fraud or
violence al the late elections. The \ lmin-
istralion seems 10 have become convinced,
at last, OF the TO draw it mild inability OF
the State officers. to fulfill the promises
made to him OF protection I" every citizen.
in his civil and political rights. Little
doubt remains that the President proposes
TO use every means at his command TO pun
ish those who have 50 openly and willfully
violated the laws that are the foundation OF
Our stability as Government. Right here,
however, the President appears To be met
by very serious obstacle. In the State OF
South Carolina, an officer of the General
sG52yfTJpJmHtp e' ees 6oana 10 rs so, nG
in all cases of conflict OF authority the con-
stable takes precedence. The following
letter from prominent citizen OF Charles
ton. S. C., will suffice to show how dan
serous it is to be recognized as an officer
OF the General Government:
During the counting Of the votes on the
night OF the 9TH inst. al the poll in the town Of
Oranseburg, IN the county Of the same name
and in this Congressional District. sandy keitt
regular United States Deputy Marshal. en-
deafored 10 obtain admission 10 the room
where votes were being counted. Upon being
refused admission be exhibited his commission
a a tnited States Deputy Marshal Without
any act OF violence on his part. the State con-
stables at once seized him aud hurried him of
10 laii. The next morning Trial Justice of the
STATE ISSUED warrant against him, charging
him with attempting 10 force himself into th,.
room where votes were being counted. Re-
member, the law Of South Carolina REQUIRES the
counting OF votes in public, and under the law
OF south Carolina he had a. a citizen a right TO
witness the count.
heitt's trial was fixed for last Monday. but
on that day, by instruction Of Disirict-Aitorney
Northrup, United states COMMITS >iOner who
went from Columbia to Oraugeburg issued
warrants under Section 5.je2 for all partie.
who had interfered with keitt while in the di.-
charge OF his duties. aud who had refused him
permission 10 witness the count. Next day,
while heu was quietly standing in the streets
Of Orangeburg, he was surrounded bv a crowd
OF Democrats, including those whom he had Ar
rested. Some drew their pistols 10 keep keitt's
friends from coming 10 hi. rescue, while other.
beat and cut him up feariuly. After nearly
killing him, heiit was carried of to jail, while
his as,ailanls were allowed TO walk OF undj.-
iurbed. He is now lying in Jail for having the
sudacity. IN the State of South Carolina 10 ex-
hlblt commission from the Government OF the
tnlted ststes. and that Government is power
less 10 protect him."
Whether the State authorities will dll0,o
the President to punish offenders or not re.
mains to be seen. 1t is just possible that
they will conclude that the time has not
yet arrived when they can again safely as
sert the supreme authority of the state and
while waiting. will allow justice TO take its
course. Those who have been lulled into
the belief that the Southern question was
at last settled, have received some sad
awakenings in the last month Men are
asking each other daily. if II can be posi-.
bic that the Southern question is not set
tied. A recent letter by Gail Hamilton.
says:
1T is question which is vital great
crowd OF witnesses have agreed that IL is dead
Ii was stabbed 10 the house Of its friends. A
multitude OF public men, of political writers.
OF merchant princes-the rich. the religious he
literary. elergymen. professors, poets, stood by
consenting unto its death. They buried it safe
and deep. They trimmed the turf over it snug
and smooth. They Toasted on the funeral baked
Meats. They ragged against the few men here
and there who protested against their deed.
They resolved and proclaimed and exuted that
it was dead. But ii was not dead. II was bu-
ried but il was buried alive. The pipings Of
peace and festiyty above it have not been able
10 smother the sounds of dole and dresr that
ever and anon come up from that cruel grave.
And as sure as there is God in Hearen ,ckO
rules among he nations. IRE are drdping on
10 a stcin and stern resurrection
1t is pleasant TO call this fanaticism. but
il is not the part of wisdom.