Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-05-25
The Democratic Revolution.

The movement against President Hayes
started by the Potter investigating resou-
ton, keeps on its revolutionary way, not
withstanding that here and there dec
laration from democratic sources attempts
to make it appear that the resolution Is
not of an iuctndiary and lawless chaIac-
ter. There is power behind 1t which Is
persistently impelling the movement.
When Mr.. Blair's memorial in favor OF
an investigation by Congress OF the Presl-
dents title was first made public, 1t was
considered by those who did not know bet
ter. a very absurd piece OF business, OF
which Congress would take no notice.
Nevertheless we see the House compelled
70 give attention to Mr. Bair's mad pro-
iect-as it was first considered 10y many
and after long and sharp parliamentary
struggle carried through the House 10y the
practically solid democratic vote OF that
body. and measures authorized which
threaten the peace and stability OF the
government. If from a beginning APP.
parently SO weak has sprung up the Potter
investigating committee. a one-sided, par
tisan body, having the elements OF revo-
luton in its composition, who will feel
ia stified 10 declaring to what extent MI
Tilden's ambition extends or what limit
there is to his power over the democratic
party?
It is noticeable that in all the proceed
ings had in the House in relation to the
fraud" investigation, the democrats have
studiously avoided taking any position or
making any declaration that would pre-
vent them lrsn taking steps TO remove
President Hayes from his office. If they
have no intention OF assailing his title and
attempting to turn him out OF his seat, it
would be but small thing for them to
say so. but they steadfastly refuse.
They were asked by Mr.. Hale while his
amendment to the Potter resolution was
pending if they intended to attack the title
of the President, but they gave only eva
sive answers, tending TO conf i'm the
impression that their purpose is to inau-
gurate revolution.
Again, when Carter Harrison, a demo-
crat whose conscience seems TO have
troubled him because he voted for the res
olution, offered on Wednesday last, in the
House, resolution declaring that it is
out OF the power of this Congress to an
null the action OF the iorty-iouIth Congress
declaring Hayes and Wheeler elected,
there was an opportunity for the demo-
Gratis to put themselves on record as op
posed to disturbing the title Of the Presi-
dent, yet they refused to avail themselves
of it, opposed the resolution. and indig-
nantly rebuked Harrison for introducing
the resolve and compelled him to with
draw it.
So long as the democrats in Congress
maintain their present attitude in
this matter, SO long the peace OF
the country is threatened, and the fear OF
coming revolution will prevent the
revival of business aud continue the
prostration of all the interests upon
which labor depends for support. Ii they
do not mean mischief why this reluctance
to declare their object in ordering the n-
vestigalionP Their silence is expressive
1t is menace We know there are demo-
Gratis opposed to meddling with the Presi-
dents title, but the leaders of the party
are facing the other way, and will control
the organization, as they controlled /, dur
ing the rebellion. The clear, paramount
duty OF patriotic citizens is to stand to.
gether, without regard 10 party lines, il
opposition to the revolutionary schemes OF