Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-08-08

pare favorably with the service performed by
the same number at any Of the larger ports.
The expenses of the district since took it
have been reduced more than one-half, while
we have collected from every source in twelve
years more than the democracy collected
from the same sources in thirty years.
Every one knows, that the Customs Service
as whole, pays its own expenses and puts
vast sums into the Treasury; and no official
of the service is ever paid by tax upon the
people, save in the way of duties upon imports,
80 per cent. of which is collected upon liquors,
cigars, tobacco, fine silks, laces and Injuries,
and not upon articles bought or used by the
great mass of the people.
One word more These collection districts
exist by law, as at present arrange d, and only
anact of Congress can change them. In his
last annual report, Secretary Sherman rec
commended that law be passed authorizing
the consolidation of two or more districts.
where total collections of either amounted
to less than $40, 900 annually but the demo-
cratic Congress gave the recommendation no
heed, and took no action in the premises.
As to the manner in which my duties have
been performed, | refer, first, to all persons
of every political party, who have had bust
ness transactions at any of the various ports,
and secondly to the department where my
record is made up. And now, | finally ap-
peal to the honest judgment of the loyal peo-
pie of the country, to say whether | shall
speak freely my sentiments upon political
matters, so long as see to il that no public
duty entrusted to me- is neglected. My rea-
sons for so speaking, are the follow ing
Whea the war of 1861 broke upon the coun-
try, in our family of seven brothers, six were
living, all in good health. all united and
dwelling together iapcace and harmony, each
inf tnl in nj tllu nth oil
with bright prospects for the future. Four
of us enlisted in the army, and the only one
who returned was the writer of this docu-
ment. The other three losing their lives, one
from eleven months Of cruel. inhuman treat
ment while a prisoner of war in rebel pens,
the other two dying in the South from that
terrible disease, the soldiers worst foe and
most mortal enemy, the disease certain edi-
tor undertook to slur our present standard
bearer for having.
My chief cause of Otfense to the patriot
who edits the Standard, seems to be because
] have spoken for the republican party.
have given my reason for so doing, and as we
discover that in this year of 1879. the same
spirit that killed my brothers, with quarter
of million more of the hest sons of the
land. is again threatening the peace and per-
petuity of this nation, do you expect we
will keep silent?
The course for every one is made plain
and for one do not propose to remain silent
because individuals of doubtful loyalty dur
ing the war. are attempting to suppress free
speech. intend to do all in my power to
turn back the tide now threatening to engulf
us, in order that Others in the future may not
have to pass through the sufferings. and ex-
perience the losses which so many of us have
once before sustained. And so, with malice
toward none, with charity for ALL" mean to
do everything in my power to vindicate the
honor of the vast throng of my fallen COM
rades, who persisted defending the institutions
of our fathers against the hosts of treason.
JAMES A. HALL.