Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-06-10
THE POLITICAL SITUATION.
Replies Of Georgia EditOrA TO the
New York "Tfmes.O


Times addressed a series of questions to
the Southern editors requesting infor-
nation regarding the political situation
in the South. We propose from time to
time to publish the various replies re-
celved from the editors of this State as a
matter of interest to our readers until
the series is finished. The first we pub.
lish is from Mr.. Joseph Tillman, editor
of the Waycross Reporter. Said he
There is no division in the ranks of
the Democratic party in this district, no
lack OF harmony, no reason (fOr the pres
emit that there should be, that know of.
The differences that existed two wears
ago do not exist now. Then it was the
opposition to Governor Colouitt. and
not, as was supposed, TO the Democratic
party. The efforts of the Republi-
can party, backed by the present
administration, to defeat and destroy
the Democratic party in this
State will most undoubtedly have the
effect to unite and cement the party
more indissOlubly than, perhaps, any
other one thing. Further on, when the
campaign opens fairly, there may be
brought to the surface of the political
horoscope signs of disintegration of
which there is no appearance now. but
do not think so. Local or State issues
will not be of such magnitude in the
coming campaign as to effect any impOr-
taut clange in the Democratic party;
being advised in advance of the efforts
to destroy the party will cause the lead
ers to move cautiously and harmoniOusly.
In this connection | will say: If there
should be inaugurated a movement for
grand national Union party, composed
of the best elements of the Norlh and
South, who would have for their
purposes and aims the honest
administration and perpetuitY of
our beloved republic, then the people
would go in solid phalanX, rank and file,
for such party or move. But, as be-
tween the two present existing national
parties, as they now exist, there can
never be any af1liatiOn or coming to-
gether. The very elements that surround
them in the two sections, North and
South, forbid them to be other than they
are at preSe It. 1t is easy to determine
why the majority of the better classes
North are Republicans and vice versa for
the South. There can be no successful
new party movement inaugurated in the
South, especially in Georgia, unless there
should arise a good and sufficient cause
for division of sentiment, which GER
tainly does not exist at this time except
in the frenzied brain of the disappointed
would.be party leader, or, rather, lucra-
tive (?) Office holder They see through
magnifying glasses very clearly how it is
that men who are elected to positions of
''honOr and trust'-upon scant salaries
soon grow Opulent-becOme million
aires and great men by virtue of their
wealth-hence their lOngings for the |
flesh pots where they can get their arms
well in and become great as others have |
done. So much for your first question
We Of the South have seen moth |
ing to commend, but much to condemn,
in the administration of Mr.. Arthur. We |
look upon him as vile partisan-a man
who would consider nothing too low for |
him to be guilty of in the subservience |
OF his party purposes a man who has |
not yet shown one single patriotic emo
ton; man, like Grant, whose ambi- |
ton greatly exceeds his patriotism al d |
love for our common country, but would, |
if he could, change its fundamental or
primary principles to serve his own |
selfish ends, even for the short time he
has to live. So much for Mr.. Arthur.
now come to your third question, |
viz: 'Is there in your neighborhood any |
decided expression of opinion in regard |
to the tariff? If so, what is its extent |
and nature?" This is a question of |
which much might be said The old |
Democratic doctrine of ''free trade and |
sailors rights" does not govern now as |
in the daVs of yore. The sensible peo- |
pie Of the South are realizing that it is |
only question of short while till we |
are to become manufacturing commu-
nifty, propelled by foreign and Northern |
capital if needs be. The benefits to be
derived by a reasonably high protective
tariff will be as great, and per-
haps greater, in its benefits to |
the South, than the North, for the |
following potent reasons: First, The
cotton fields are here, a favorable eli |
mate for manufacturing the year round |
we always have, the saving in transpOr-
tation is a considerable item; that manu-
featuring will, in the hands of skilled |
managers, be conducted much more |
prOftably South in the cotton fields, than |
in the North or Europe there can be no
question. and for this latter reason alone
capital will be abundantly brought and |
employed here In the face of these few
crude reasons it is not to be wondered at
that our people will, when educated to
understand the workings of the tariff,
become more favorable to its operations
than formerly, In fact, we want
a tariff both for protection and to
raise revenue to carry on the gov
eminent. God and nature has given
us the advantage we hold over the world,
that is, we can do without the aid of the
outside world, while they are very
greatly dependent upon us. The masses
will soon learn to take care of their in
terest, no matter what the politicians
may advocate. This is putting the mat
ter of the tariff in a purely business
point of view. They will favor it be-
cause it will in turn benefit them.
have hurriedly endeavored to answer
your questions according to what know
and believe to be true.