The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1880-08-07

tion.'" The case is matter for one of those
subtle and airy discussions which theorists
whose time is in excess of their business
have always delighted to pursue How
many angels can stand on a needles point?'
the old time casuists liked to ask; and Moth
er Goose was asked by the Man in the Will
derness show many Strawberries grew in
the sea?"
answered him as 1 thought good
AS many red herrings as grow in the wood
and it is in similar spirit that this alarming
political question must have reply. Part of
the heaven ordained boundary line of Mas
sachusetts was once disturbed to set off
Maine, and Maine has been reasonably pros
pered. 1t is not likely that the heavens would
fall if the country were re-districted, but it
is far more unlikely that it ever will under
go that process. In the meantime, let Mr..
Hamilton be assured that nothing would
hasten the disntegration of the Unon-the
history of the rebellion has shown it in let
tiers of flame-like the adoption and prac-
tice OF the theory of States Rights as opposed
to a National Government.
Next, Mr.. Hamilton having recovered
from his fear of the ghost he raised. de-
nounces General Grant for his appearance
as candidate for a third term, a point not
now under discussion. 1t will be General
Garfield's first term. Equally inappropriate,
and coarse and libellous in tone is long
footnote in.o which Mr.. Hamilton COM
4 <looe IL L.. r
eral Grant.
1t is exceedingly difficult to answer Mr..
Hamilton's statements; they shift about so
rapidly, they so elaborately prove nothing
at all, and are SO slightly tethered to the
truth-that the uselessness of such contro-
versy is evident. ''Every school boy"-the
umpire so often appealed to by Lord Ma
caulay-could instruct Mr.. Hamilton in the
differences between the National Republi-
can form of government and the monarchy
OF Great Britain; and when Mr.. Hamilton
understands this spoint he will see the ne
cessity of striking out large part of his
pamphlet.
The fourth chapter of this political tract
is concerning 'the practical'applicatio of
few of the principles enunciated Gin the
preceding sections" Byassuming untruths,
Mr.. Hamilton reaches curious conclusions.
He believes that President Lincoln had no
power to emancipate the black men of the
South, because the seeding States ''were
not in the possession of the Federal govern
ment, but were recognized by it and by for
eign nations as belligerents." And present.
ly he speaks of the time ''when these States
had sued for peace, and uere reaCy and o,,r-
aous to return to their duties under the Con-
stltution." 1t is reserved for Mr.. Hamilton
to record the measure of the sincerity of
that repentance.
Next, Mr.. Hamilton quotes at length, and
preserves IN book form, a rather pompous
communication written by him, denouncing
ne action of the Maine Judiciary in regard
~ iir a., al of last autumn. This
again is question discussed and decided,
so that Mr. Hamilton's rather lordly way of
interfering with our States Right to mind
her own business, may pass unchallenged
for the present. Mr.. Hamilton concludes
by quoting some agreeable lines by the poet,
Mr.. James Montgomery. All is well that
ends well-and with its tuneful and pious
close, the pamphlet may be dismissed from
notice as specimen of the mischievous
folly and falsehood into which writer.
practically ignorant of the subject which he
undertakes to discuss, is liable to fall.