Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1879-09-05
a Timely warniny.

FROM ONE WHO HAS BEEN TIm0UGH TUE MILL
Among the men who became dissitis-
ned with the Republican party in the
closing years Of Grants presidency, and
switched oil into the Greeley movement,
was Hon. \ Sawyer, collector Of Gus
toms in Maine After the election in 1872
he went In Florida. and began the puhlica-
tion Of an Independent paper, taking sides
however, As most Sh-callrd independent
papers do. against the Republicans. In 1876
Since thai tim, he has lIad an opportunity to
witness the course OF the Democratic party.
which is now in power in Florih. The re-
suit has been such as 10 lcail Mr. Sawyer 10
write to the Lewiston JoHrHHi to urge his
old Republican associates io do their utmost
TO carry Maine. The letter is So candid that
we append I"rti"n Of it, simply adding
that the writer is vuuchcd for as entitled 10
the fullest confidence:
| 1t requires no very great knowledge Of or
| binary human nature, Eor of the promises Of
minority parties, Ia know that there is a vast
misses and performances Coming here IS
did after the presidential campaign nt 1872.
and not altogether satisfied with the leaders
nf the Republican party at home or in the
nation, l was prepared tn synpathilr with
the honest southern man in his claims for
recognition as an American citizen; and
also in his plea for having restored To him
his former influence in the management oi
the politics of his native State,
II WAS all REASONABLE and plausible. The
appeal was Ia the ht st impulses Of our M
lures Then the men who bad from nrccs-
Sitv been the leaders uf the Republican parry
in the South. and who we're lis representa-
tivrs. were not of the highest types 10 he
found This fact went a good way To make
many Old-tmr Republicans, that sought y
holnr here. Sympathi2r with the feeling -
often manifested ty iair-min.ed Southern
mel.
But. as remarked. fair promises and pa
triOtic asSevcratiuns arr huI ''slittrring gen
eralitics. after success. This state, by ami
through Republican assistance. elected what
was then termed 4 conservative Democratic
State administration. The sequel has proved
the plr:is, is 81 nii>uumrT, lur it is anything
but conservative. Not perhaps T., th,' wish,
or Predetermined purpoSr of the governor.
hut from the force pt circumstances.
have been out of power for long term ot
wears that they have H. practical experience
in legislation. nor Just appreciation uf their
own political status. or the demands ni
people just emerged from slavery BtSdr>
all this, there are more utlicc-scrkrrs In thc
square acre in their party than ever was
known before in any parry. and tins with
out, rs a general thing. any qualification
Then il is not safe To trust party in power,
Is we find by experience, who still retain all
their old prcjudicrS and feelings toward the
colored people. Fire will not burn nor the
floods drown this ingrainrd prejudice toward
the colored race whom the nation must pro
tect. or he stigmalizrd as dcrclict in duty th
its own citizens.
so. while | am not what is termed
bloody shirter." unhcSitatinsly say that
the time has not Yet come when 1t viii hc
safe to turn over the legislation of this great
nation to the Democrats. II will hc bad all
around. 1t will hinder immigration. II
will retard the substantial progress and the
peace of this portion uf the country | regret
To add thai within few weeks hands of
white Democrats, in several counties in this
State, have perPetrated outraEcS ON some
colOrcd people that would disgrace Comachc
Indians. 1t is this lawlcSS spirit ot the
worst element of the Democratic party that
lll3ll party hlltl NtllliH HIS HN'Nl lP lNil
This element will h. upprrmnSt and Will
possess the secondary class Of offices. viii
give tone and character 10 the party Tor it Is
the noiSiest and the mnsi active
Let me add that the best interest at the
whole country, certainty Of the whole south,
If this State is a tar sample Of the south. de
mands that the Republican party retain its
supremacy in the nation and continue Ia
until there is manifest better spirit among
southern Democratic politicians. confess
To a change ol mind in this regard since Wit
Messing in this State the return OF the Demo
craCy Ia power. and noting the domi' ting
spirit of the hadrrS al the extra session ut
Congress. Pardon me If there Is manifest
any seeming rsntiSm in these few words, for
| write because. aS the old saving is. Il
have been through the mill In other words
| have been IN a situation tHr over siN wears
tn watch men. and | note the DRIFT Of public
opinion in the South, ami have hr,n undo
ccivcd III some things tliat are cured only hy
lrin. an eve witness.