Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-02-17

who evidently thought that Gen. Davis, hav-
ing ALREADY d, nouncod republican practices
before the Boutwell, committee, would prove
a bad witness for Mr.. Blaine. But il proves
to be as the Senator moving the investigation
had supposed Gen. Davis declares that
there is no protection for those who choose to
be independent in politics in Mississippi and
his evidence is the more conclusive because
his previous position has freed him from pref
udice. He is SOutEerncr, an cX-Conicder-
ate, and one of the original ''firc-eatcrS. -
having declared in Congress, in 1859, that
if the then Senator Seward should announce
in the South the opinions which he proclaimed
in the Senate, the people would hang him. 1t
appears that the Southern people with whom
Gen. Davis has recently had To do are not
very different from those of twenty years
since. He now testifics that any white man
daring TO hold views different from those of
the white democrats in Mississippi would
have TO face not only ostracism. but the as
sassin's knife
The witness otiense was not repubicanism
He is not republican at all but grccnback-
er. lie is simply not democrat, and il
was for that, and because he sought TO obtain
negro votes and to organize the only portion
of the electors from whom he could hope for
any support that the democrats made haste
Congress. and spoke before number of
meetings in company with his democratic OPP
ponent; but while the latter was allowed to
speak his mind in peace, the obnoxious green
hacker was frequently Interrupted and dis
turbed. He received threatening letters to
deter him from prosecuting his canvass, and
on several occasions was burned in etfigy
as Il furcible reminder of the esteem in which
he was held. And now he SAYS that the testi-
mony which he has given, unwillingly and
only because ii was the truth, will make il
dangerous for him to return to Mississippi.
Mr.. Nassar. who was one of Gen. Davis
supporters, confirms his story. He says that
there is no protection for negroes except such
as white men choose to give them; that they
are unquestionably in majority in the State
but are powerless in politics. He ascrbcs
the difficulty to the young men of the demo-
cratic party, and believes that the greater
part of the whites are opposed to the existing
policy, but that they can make no headwal
against the restless violence of the more rcck-
less and ambitious.
twill be seen that the condition of Missis-
sippi. as described by these witnesses. be
trays, in every respect, fragrant violation
of the principles of republican govern
mcnt. 1t is not only the rule of one
party, and that the minority, and of one race
III l. HlSN tnc rule Oh II minority OF the CON
trolling party This rule is maintained by
fraud and violcncc--by violence, where that
is sufficient, AS being simplest and most con
genial to ''our young men," who are the lead
ers. and by fraud where the former is not sue
cessful. According to the doctrine Of Sena-
tor Morgan of Alabama, recently announced
in the Senate. this is matter which does not
concern the Northern States. 1t is purely To-
cal. as slavery used TO be. guarded with like
jealousy as n ''local institution" If the poo
pie of Mississippi choose to submit to it. that
is their own affair. The national government,
at any rate, has no right 10 NEEDLE with it.
But this doctrine will hardly be accepted in
the North. The ant-democratic policy of the
Mississippi democrats affects and may he said
to control, the political complexion of tn,
House of Representatives and influences thai
of the Senate. Next wear it may detcrmn,
the choice of the President. It is, therefor
grave concern for the entire nation, and one
which cannot with safety be neglected. 1t i
particularly the duty of the republican party
to defend the country from the consequence.
of this outrageous violation of the principles
of free government. Their first most imper-
alive obligation is to oppose at all hazard.
the repeal of the Election law. which. under
President ready to do his duty, and Cor.
gress willing to support him, may yet be fount
apotent instrument to enable the people of tho
South to rid themselves of the dcspotism L
which they are now in several States subject