Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-03-05
CiNII WAR

The supreme trial of the constitution
came at last under the tremendous pressure o
civil war. We ourselves are witnesses tina
the [ MON emerged from the blood and hrt
OF thar conflict, purified and made stronger
for all the benehcent purposes of good gov
ernment; and now at the close of the mrs
century of growth. with the inspirations O
its history in their hearts. our people hav,
latels reviewed the condition of their nation
passed Judgment upon the conduct anc
opinion of political parties. and have regis
tered their will concerning the future admin
i>tration of the government. To interpret
and 10 execute that will in accordance with
the constitution IL the paramount duty of the
executive.
Even from this brief review is manifest the
fact that the nation is resolutelv facing tC
the front. resolved to employ its best ener-
sies in developing the grea, possibilities o.
the future Securely preserving whatever
has been gained To liberty and good govern
ment during the century, our people are de-
termined TO leave behind them all those Bit
ter controversies. including things which
have been irrevocably settled. and the fur
Their discussion of which can only stir up
strife and delay the onward march
WHAT TIE WAR SETTLED
The supremacy of the nation and lis laws
should be no longer subject of debate.
That discus sion which for half century
threatened the existence of the Union. was
closed in the high court of war by a decree
from which there is no appeal. That con
s,itution which was made in pursuance there
of, is and shall continue 10 be the supreme
law of the land, building alike upon the State
and the people This decree does not dis.
turb the autonomy of the states. nor inter
fere with any Of their necessary rules of To-
cal elf-government, but il does fix and estab-
lish the permanent supremacy of the Union.
The EQUAL RIGmTs or THE CoLoREp MAN.
The will OF the nation, speaking with the
voice ofbattle, and through the amended con-
stitution, has fulfilled the great promise of
l116b by proclaiming Liberty throughout the
land TO all the inhabitants thereof" The ell.
ovation of the negro race from slavery to full
rights of citizenship. is the most important
political change we have known since the
adoption of the constitution of 1857. No
thoughtful man can fail 10 appreciate its be-
nefcent effect upon our institutions and peo-
pie. 1t has freed us from perpetual danger
of war and dissolution.
1t las added immensely TO the moral and
industrial forces of our people. 1t has liberat-
ed the master as well rs the slave from rela-
ton which wronged and enfeebled both. 1t has
surrendered to their own guardianship the
manhood OF more than 5000, 600 of people,
and has opened 10 each one of them career
of freedom and usefulness. Ii has given fresh
inspiration TO the power of sell help in both
races by making labor more honorable to the
one and more necessary to the other.
The influence of this will grow greater and
bear richer fruit with the coming years. No
doubt the great change has caused serious
disturbance to our Southern community
This is to be deplored. though it was unavoid-
able; but those who resisted the change
should remember that under our institutions
there was no middle ground Tor the negro
race between slavery ami equal citizenship
There is no prominent di-frlnchised peasan-
try in the United States. Freedom can never
yield its fullness of blessings SO long as the
law or its administration places the smallest
obstacles in the pathway of any virtuous citi-
zen.
The emancipated race has already made
remarkable progress. With unquestionin0
devotion to the Mon, with gentleness not
born of fear. they have followed the light as
God gave them to see the light" They are
rapidly laying the material foundation of self
support, widening the eye of intelligence and
beginning to enjoy the blessings that gather
around the homes of the Industrious moor
They deserve the generous announcement of
all good men, SO far as NV authority can
lawfully extend they shall enjoy the full and
equal protection of the constitution and laws.
EouAL SUFFRAGE.
The free enjoyment of equal suffrage is
still in question. and frank statement of the
issue may aid its solution. 1t is alleged
that in many communities negro citizens are
practically denied the freedom of the ballot
In so far as the truth of this allegation is
admitted, it is answered that in many places
honest local government is impossible if the
mass of intelligent negroes are allowed to
vote These are grave allegations. So far
as the latter is true. it is only palliation that
can be offered for opposing the freedom of
the ballot Bad local government is GER
tainly great evil which ought to be pre-
vented. But to violatee the freedom and sane
titv of suffrage Is more than an evil; il is a
crime winch If persisted IN will destroy the
government itself. Suicide is not remedy
If in other lands it he high treason to com
pass the death of the king, it should be
counted no less a crime here to stranglc our
sovereign power, and stifie its voice.
1t has been said that unsettled questions
have no pity for the repOsc of nations. 1t
should be said with utmost emphasis that this
question of suffrage Will never give repose
or safety to the States of the nation. until
each within its own jurisdiction makes and
keeps the ballot free and pure by the strong