Daily Kennebec journal., 1878-05-30
From the New York Tribune.
Do They Mean Revolution?


siblity of an attempt at revolution. 1he
Tribune is very far from desiring to ex-
cite groundless apprehension or unneces-
sary alarm. But ii is quite AS possible to
err in the opposite as in thus direction, by
closing our eyes to the inexorable logic
of events. 1t may be that the calm and
serene people who laugh at the absurdity
of the idea that revolutionary purposes
are seriously entertained by anybody OF
consequence, are as far wrong, In their
confident sense of security, as the ner-
yous persons who excite their mirth by
what seem to be causeless and visionary
fears. 1t is a good thing to have faith in
the people and in the Government; in the
loyalty Of one and the strength and sta
biljiy of the other; and ID estimate al
their proper weight and value the vapor-
ings and threats of INSCRIPTIONS pelti-
clans and disreputable newspapers. But
it is well TO remember, also, that We have
had one atten pt at revolution, and that ii
burst upon us at a time when many public
men, equally sagacious and far-slghted
with those who are contemplating the
present aspect of affairs with such seren-
ity, were equally confident that the danger
then talked of was imaginary, ard that no
real peril existed. We should be weak
indeed If those costly years from 1861 to
1865 had left US exposed to the constant
terror OF its repetition. We have shown
already, by our restoration to full citizen
ship OF those who undei t,ok that enter
prise, the courage of confidence coupled
with the magnanimity OF free. full pardon
But we should show greater weakness did
we forget the experience or fail to prof
In u sensible, reasonable way by its les
sons. Let US remember. in the midst ol
our confidence in the p" pie and the Gov
ernnent, that revolution is not 80 in p IS
sible AS il seemed twenty years ago. Nor
is il 50 easy to laugh down those who con-
slider the revolutionary tendencies OF the
Congressional majority matter Tor serious
consideration. In 1860 We only knew
from the history of other nations the ante
cedent conditions OF revolutions; we
know them now from our own. 1t is not
the impulse of timidity. but the dictate OF
prudence, to compare those conditions
with the present.
The same party-as party, unrepent-
ant and Observation-Disclosures now rs
then the National peace. Now as then
its violent aud revolutionary elements,
though opposed by the more orderly and
resp ,ctable. make up in vociieration and
energy and persistence whatever they
lack in numbers, and step by step carry
their points, drawing alter them nearly all
the conservative and patriotic but weak
men Of the party. 1t was the bowling
dervishes of Democracy who set on foot
the rebellion in 1861; it is the same class
that to-day have dragged the party well
along on the way to revolution.
Only few weeks ago the Democratic
members OF Congress permitted themselves
to be put on record, in series OF inter-
views which have not been to any extent
denied, as opposed 10 the entire purpose
and plan which they have since disclosed
In the Potter investigation. But is it ior-
cotton how, in 1860, when the pl ms for
the rebellion were proceeding aud almost
perfected, we had the same sort OF testi-
mony. protesting loyal y to the Union aud
opposition to secession, from men who in
few months were in arms against the Gov
ernmentP Not but that tn, y were honest
in their professions; they were few
weeks ago, and are now. But the thing
TO be remembered is hat, above all things.
they are Democrats and partisans. They
were dragged int } secession and rebellion !;
they are being dragged into what may or
may not turn out to be second atte III pit at
the same experiment.
In 1861. when they struck the first
blow against the Union, it was found, al
most too late, that they had prepared be-
forehand for the event by gripping the
Government in every department essen e
tial to its defence, especially in the Army
and Navy. If any one doubt, that the
present conspiracy-ior that we deem to
be the precise definition of the movement
runs on all fours with the last democrat
iS attempt 10 overthrow the Government
let him read the record of this Congres SIS
and its efforts to cut down and imp air the
efficiency of the Army and Navy. In
these and other Particulars which will oc-
cur TO every rejecting man who has watch
cd the current OF recent political events
there is enough TO awaken serious atten-
ton. if not to excite alarm.
The Bangor Commercial assumes the
dictatorship of both the democratic and
greenback parties. 1t has named the can
didstes. laid down the platform. and de-
clared the terms upon which the demo
cratic party will proceed 10 swallow the
greenbackers in the coming camp ,ign
Really there is no need OF either patty
holding a State Convention. Marcelius