Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-12-03


result Is mainly due 10 influences not
easily measured or remedied by legal
protection but IN the S ates OF Louisj-
ana aud South Carolina at large, and il
some particular congressional districts
outside Of those States, the records OF
the elections seem to compel the con-
c,usion that the rights Of the colored
voters have been cverridder, and their
participation IN the elections not per
m,tted 20 be either general or free.
CuNaRrss MUST INVESTIGATE
II will be for The Congress for which
these elections were held to make such
eIsr nations into their conduct as may
boz Appropriate 10 determine the validity
Of 'he claims ~ members 10 their seats.
In the mean al lie it becomes the duty Of
the executive and Judiciary depart
meutS o. the government, each in its
province. TO inquire into and punish
violations OF the laws of the United
States which have occurred. can but
repeat what l said in this connection IN
my last message, that whatever SuthoTi-
~ rests With me 90 this end shsll not
hesitate 10 put forth, and am unwilling
70 foyego a renewed appeal 10 the lsgis-
ia.urcs, the courts, the executive author
ties, ans the people OF the States where
/ these wrongs haze been perpetratsd, TO
CIV 20 air assistance toward bringing TO
justice the blenders aud preventing q
repetition Of the crimes. No means
within my power will be spared 10 ob.
tan q full and fair Investigation Of the
alleged crimes, and % secure the con-
vctoD and just punishment Of the
Guilty.
1t IS 70 be observed that The principal
appropriation msje ior tho department.
4 Justice at the last session contained
he following clause: " Aud for Lel-sy-
ug the expenses which may be incurred
% the enforcement Of the act approved
February Vlty-eightI, eighteen nun
5rei sUd seveuty-one, entitled An set
e. erasri an Get approved May thirtieth,
+ t.rh;,eu hundred aud seventy, entitled
/ A. cc' % enforce the rights Of citizens
b u The United States 20 vote il the sew.
tral States Of the Union, aud for other
purposes, or any sets hnCnistory there
. ~ or suppleu eutaTy thereto.
I, s. the opinion cf the attOrcey-gen
c-e' thet the expenses Of these proceed
i--s Will largely exceed the amount which
vss thus provided, aud rely confident
" upon Congress 70 make adequate ap.
. Tr7rrstous 20 enable the executive de-
r.r'm.nt 10 enforce the laws
MATTER OK GENERAL INTEREST.
respectfully urge upon your at;eu-
ton that the congressional elections, IN
every district, in very importar. sense,
are Justly matter q political interest
aud concern throughout the whole coun-
Try. Each State. every political party,
Is entitled % the share Of power which
Is conferred by the legal and oousbtU-
ronai sufl age u is The right OF every
citizen. possessing the qualifications
utcscrIueI by lsv, 10 cast one unintimi-
dated ballot. and to have his ballot
honestly counted. So long SIS the exer-
c-ss Of tins power aud tho enjoy
ug-t 81 this right are common and
,Jual, prac,ica Y as well IS formally,
sui mission q tue results Of the suffrage
. VIII be accorded ilysliy and cheeriully,
aui al the departments Of government
VIII feel the tine yig5r Of the popular
viii thus EXPRESSED. No temporary or
administrative interests q the govern
u-lt. however urgent or weighty, will
ty,~ disulace the zsa, % our people in
the defense OF the primary rights Of
citizenship. They understand that the
protection of liberty requires the main
terpce in inll vigor, Of the manly
methods Of free speech, free press, and
free suffrage, and will sustain the full
authority Of government 10 enforce the
laws which are framed TO preserve these
i-estimaLle rights. The msterisl pro-
cress and wei arc Of the States depend on
tie protection afforded 70 their citizens.
. There can be no peSce without such pro-
lection. no prosperity without peace, and
+ the whole country is deeply interested
10 the growth snd prosperity Of all its
parts.
While the country has not yet reached
( complete unity Of feeling and reciprocal
confidence betwe . the communities so
lately and SO seriously estrsnge5, / feel
al absolute assurance that the tenden-
cies are in that direction, and With in
creasing force The power OF public
ouirion Will override al political preju-
/ dicss. and ali sectional or State attach
neuts. IN demanding that all over our
/ wide territory the name and character OF
citizen of the United States sbsll mean
+ one and the same thing, and carry with
, them unchailsnged security and respect.
Qua FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Our relations with other countries
continues peaceful Our neutrality IN
/ contests between foreign powers has
4 been maintained ana respected.
Toe uu versgl exposition held at Paris
+ 5urcC the past sumner has been at
tended by large numbers OF our citizens.
. TIE bret period allowed for the prepar-
/ atom AID lrrsrc'ment Of the cJntnbu-
lions OF our citizens to this great eI
position was well employed IA energetic
sri judicious Efforts 10 overcome this
! d.saivautaCe. These efforts, led and
directed by The commissioner general,
n.re -emsrkablv successful, ana the
exh uit.ou Of the products Of American
ministry was creutahle srd gratifying
no SCOPE ana CHAR ctsr. The reports OF
he Tlited States commissioners, giving
IFS results H. detail, VIII be duly leli
before YOU. Cur participation IN this
,erna,:oaL competition for the favor
and trade Of tie world may be expected
20 produce useful and important resdlts,
/ in prouoti ne intercourse, friendship
and commerce With other nations.
THE SILVER CONFERENCE.
I In ecco- lance with the provisions Of
I the act OF February Is 1878, three con-
! uiss.oners were appointed 10 an inter
national conference on the subject Of
/ adopting 3 common ratio between gold
snd silver, Tor the purpose Of establish
I i1g, internationally, tie use Of oimetsl'
/ u. money, and securing h1Ity q relstiTe