The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1878-12-24


The southern Election Frauds.
From Harper's Weekly.
The practical Acknowledgement OF
the colored citizens in the southern
states il matter Of national concern,
because il involves the possible deci-
sion Of the presidential election by vio-
lence and fraud. IL is, however, an
EVIL for which there is no immediate
legal remedy, and is one, moreover,
which IN it's nature Is remediable main
" by other than legal methods. The
presidents message will probably las
published by the time this paper is Is
sued. IL is reported that he will point
out the perils 10 be apprehended from
such dlsfranctisement, aud that he
will urge congress TO secure the free
exercise OF the suffrage as far as II can.
IL may, however, be assumed, that the
present democratic house will do Moth
ing upon the subject, and will be dls-
posed 10 regard the suggestion as an
rilOrt 20 revive an old cry. That is a
foolish ground for the democratic
house or the democratic press To take.
The renewed interest in the southern
question is not the result Of any repub-
lIc.n "scalawaggery, bat of demo-
cratic stupidity aud crime. Nor Is the
evidence of that folly and rascality
doubtful or partizau. IL comes from
democratic sources. The most conclu-
-ive exposure of the lawless spirit aud
fraudulent scheme OF the democratic
managers in South Carolina is that of
nm old unquestionable democrat-Jas
B. Campbell. II will not be enough.
10 reply 10 his assertions, 10 try q
blacken his character; 1t will be nee
essary to dIsprOve his statements Of
fact.
At the late election Mr.. Campbell
was an independent democratic candi-
date for the state senate ia the Charles.
ton district, aud four days before the
election be published letter to the
democratic voters OF Charleston conn
". He plainly exposes the democratic
ring which manages the party, aud
which he describes as close corpora
ton ruling with a political tyranny
hitherto unsurpassed. He describes
the legislation produced by this RUG,
which reduced the number OF voting
places by one-third ia the city and two
thirds in the country, compelling poor
.aboriug men to go generally from five
- fifteen miles, and in some instances
even forty miles 10 vote; and lac plain
" denounces the frank Reputation by
ms managing ring OF good faith aud
justice toward the colored voters. Mr.
Campbell offered himself TO the voters
as Hampton democrat, holding that
Gov. Hampton had advocated fair
aud frank policy Of good faith and jus.
tice toward all voters. But the special
correspondent Of the Herald--a gentle
nan who has no republican prejudices
says that when Governor Hampton
came 20 Charleston 20 speak, he be.
trayed his friend and spoke for the
managing ring against him, lest he
should lose a chance Of election as SEN
tor Of the United States. And the cor
respondent justly asked why the state
authorities, from Governor Hampton
down, do not take cognizance OF these
crimes, instead Of trying 20 shield the
criminals and punish the victims. THE
ruling spirits who govern Us, says Mr.
Campbell, IN his letter, "do not wish,
will not allow, the colorod vote" TIE
dominant democratic policy in South
Carolina aud elsewhere could not be
IN re treDchantly or truly stated.
This u the policy and these are the
crimes which have reopened a question
that all patriotic and honorable conser-
vative men believed 10 be in fair way
of settlement. But IL is not, fortunate
ly, bloody-shirt reopening, aud the
position of Mr.. Campbell aud the sup
port he received from the colored vot.
ers are among the most cheering signs
Il the situation. IL shows that the
true course Of patriotic citizens il not a
Wholesale vituperation of the South
and the southerners, but a clear recOg-
milton Of the fact that there are south.
ern democrats who are both patriotic
aud courageous, and who are 90 be
sustained in their contest with the
dominant ring. A party. however, will
he judged by the character Of It's con-
troll. II the spirit Of the executive
commit which Mr.. Campbell de
scribes dictates the course Of the party
in South Carolina, or IN any other
southern state. the good sense and
patriotism Of the north in both parties
will conclude aud vote accordingly.
Aud II the democratic press in the
northern states-as now seems proba.
bls-proposes TO justify fraud aud vio.
leuce in southern states as necessary 10
, keep the control in the hands OF the in.
e. ligent white men Of property, it will
ouly the more surely promote the close
and hearty union of all men OF oil par
ties at the north TO secure the national
I government against such control.
Southern leaders like Senators Lamar
and Gordon ought 10 learn without de-
lay that II they and the more intelli.
I gent citizens Of Their section are afraid
either 10 speak or 10 act ia the presence
of each hagrant and upquestionsble
offenses, they will forfeit all respect
from honorable men in this part Of the
country who earnestly desire that SEQ.
tional politics shall disappear. They
should know better than any that the
sure way 90 relieve al reputable ci,i.
zeus in their part az the country from
the iguominy of these wrongs, which
are indisputable, is TO see that the
most thorough action Is promptly TAX
eu by the state authorities, and that
the protest oi men like Mr.. Campbell,
who are known 90 represent Gu honora
ble class. shall be supported.
A woman's cinb ~ Boston gave p tea
party O. Mrs Lucy stone the nihe- day