Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-07-19
Rebel Claim. and Rebel Pensions.

Before the rebellion people gave little
heed to the warnings which they received
of the possibility of such a catastrophe
They were treated as political clap-trap,
intended to serve the purpose of catching
votes, and worthy ofno real notice. New
ertheless the rebellion came. The pro-
phecies of its coming proved true. The
unbelief of the public did not prevent it.
Now we stand face to face with demo-
cratic nomination for President made bya
solid democratic South for purposes of its
own. II that nomination should be follow
ed by the election of Hancock it is sure to
place the governing power of this country
in the hands of the men who fought to des-
troy it. No sane man doubts this. but
when it is suggested that such revo!u-
ton of affairs would be followed by con-
sequences fraught with vast evil to the
country, we find the same fatal increduli
ty about the designs of the South exists
in this case as before the war, and the
same liability to let things drift and trust
to Providence to avoid disaster. Neverthe-
less it becomes all the more the duty of
the republican organs to sound the alarm,
and to keep before their readers the dan
gers likely to result if Hancock is elected.
The people doubted but the rebellion came
lust the same Mr.. Seward said it would
be over in ninety days but it continued
four years. Men may sheer at predic-
tons of trouble if Hancock should be cleo
ted. but those who sneer may learn to
their sorrow The mistake they MAKE.
One of the subjects upon which a great
deal of Incredibly is expressed is the pay
ment of rebel claims and rebel pensions
should the rebels succeed in electing Han
cock. Yet this matter is not one to be
treated lightly but deserves the most Sc
rious consideration of every intelligent
voter. Already the amount of Southern
claims presented to and recognized by the
democratic House amounts to the large
sum of S22i, 900, 900. The democratic
House voted to send these to the Court of
Claims but the republican Senate defeated
the bill This class of claims, says the
Albany Journal in an article upon the sub
ect,'' can very easily be doubled, tor
there is no doubt the losses of the rebels
by the war; asde from their slaves--was
more than quadruple this sum, large as it
is. Indeed it is claimed in some quar-
ters that their losses greatly exceeded the
national debt. and we are not sure that
this claim is an exaggeration. If so these
1924 200, 900 which have been already Civ
en- democratic recognition could be easily
swollen to 1000. OOO, 900 by little shrewd
ciphering and hard swearing-and there
is probably no class of men who can
unless it be an occasional loyal Maior-Gen-
eral.
With Senate and House, with a Pres
ident and Cabinet, and with legislatures
in half or more than half the States. Gas
will be the case if Hancock is elected) in
full accord and sympathy with the Solid
South. the barriers wisely reared against
these rebel claims could be easily removed.
And then-'visions of glory spare my
aching sight'-what a harvest of rich
ness 1924 1000. 00O-the sum already for
mally recognized by democratic House of
resentatives-wOuld have grown into
still vaster proportions, until every beggar-
ed rebel Brigadier would become million
aire. and every Mo- thcrn mechanic hcw-
er of wood and payer of taxes to honor
the drafts OF these rebel leaders upon the
national treasury.
But this class of claims would simply
stand at the head of the list. As Union sol
diers are pensioned it will be insisted thai
rebel soldiers-equally brave and equally
patriotic as they construe patriotism
shall be pensioned also. Indeed this
claim has already been made. The hun
grv brood could not wait until the sever
al departments of the government were
brought into line with the rebel Brigaders
whose commands were so arrogantly
issued and so implicitly obeyed in the two
Houses of Congress. And not only has
the claim been made and a pension solicit
ted by a rebel soldier wounded in battle.
but Senator Brown. of Georgia) had
the audacity to stand up in his place and
argue in favor of the application. not as
an isolated case. but as embodying a
principle SO just and equitable that it
would vet receive official recognition at
the hands of the people. This case was
one ofthose coming events which cast
their shadows before; and ifthe democrat
ic party. backed by the Solid South. :
shall win in the pending contest. these
rebel heroes will swarm in the Halls of
Congress to have their CORY wounds
staunched by the proceeds of the taxes
imposed upon the loyal men of the loyal
North.
We trust the people will he warned in