Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-03-30
Governor BovntOn.


The letters Of Governor Boynton to Bul-
lock are going the rounds of tine state
press, and those who hope to make capl-
tai out Of their own construction Vi 'Ien
phraseoIogy are putting forth every ehOrt
to misreDresent the motives that I'M
doubtadIv actuated Mr.. BOyntOn in
saol,in,- office at BullOck's hands.
All az rs that can recall the condition Of
Caoroia at the time these letters were
written remember that the necessity for
reputable men IN every community ac-
cepting office under the Bullock regime
was conceded in the hope that law, order
and justice would thus be subserved.
Many Of the best men of the state sought
and obtained positions from Bullock.
That able iurist. the Hon. VIM. b. FleT-
ing. was urged for the Judgeship OF the
Eastern Circuit. He failed to receive II,
but the late Hon. VIM. Schley was ap-
pointed and filled the position with ability
and to the satisfaction of the public for
number of years. In fact, it was consid-
cred a sacrifice to public interest Tor
Democrats of. prominence and integrity
to accept office at BullOck's hands. GON-
ernOr Bovnton was urged by his fellow
citizens. assembled in public meeting, to
serve as agent under the Freedmens
Bureau. to the end that justice might be
obtained. The bureau was the only
agency that could control the lately freed
slaves, and it was reckoned a sacrifice to
patriotism for Democrat to accept such
a position.
Those days OF trial have gone by and
Georgia to-day is sovereign and free.
Yet, even now, although the two
great parties are about to
prepare for the National
contest Of 1884, any Democrat is free TO ac-
cept Office under the Federal administra-
ton, if in so doing he does not prove re-
creant to party fealty, and he deems that
he can serve the people of his State by
taking such course. To cite another
illustration: Capt. John W. Anderson, of
this city, accepted Federal appointment,
vet we do not remember that he was Os-
tracIsed politically by so doing.
We mention these instances because
| this crusade upon Governor BOyntOn, I'M
warranted and unfair as it is, is calcu-
lated to mislead many ordinarily clear
headed people, who do not habitually give
way toprejudices.
Surrounded as we are by the security of
! to-day we are apt to forget the trOublOus
| past. While we recall the tyranny of the
BullOck-Hurlbut-BlO cabal, who
were prOpped in power by Federal bayO-
I nets. let us remember the men who made
sacrifices for the public good. Governor
BOynton did his duty as did others, and,
| if he is to be censured for performing it,
then all who like him sank per-
sOnal interest for the welfare of
the people must be Judged alike. But he
needs no defense, were the motives that
have prompted this .oaatt attack upon him
i9S,.eag lman they must appear to the
veriest tyrO in politics. Every sensible
man knows whence. this assault proceeds
and its object.
The campaign or canvass should be
conducted on the ISSUES of to-day. Men
are coming among us from day TO day
who never served Georgia, but, on the
contrary, did her harm. They are well
coined as American citizens. Ii is within
| their power to serve the State. and their
sons may be among the great GeOrgians
of the future. The record of Gov. BOyntOn
[ in war is that of a gallant soldier fighting
bravely for his native State. His record
| in peace is that of an honest citizen
faithful to his people and his party. OF
his opponents we have said nothing in the
way of disparagement. Let the contest
proceed in a fair, open, manly manner.
The man whose record permitted his cleo
ton to the Presidency of the Senate can
not be assailed upon it when he aspires to
the highest honor the State can bestOw.
The whole question as to Governor
BOyntOn's fitness for the GOvernOrship
reduces itself to these three heads: Is he
honestg Is he capables Is he a sound
Democrat: To the three inquiries no
man can give a negative reply.
Lord Randolph Churchill, prominent
Tory leader, in a recent. speech at Wood
stock. made use OF the following ''truly
lOyal' language when speaking of the
British Government:
"'YOu have to do with a government of
impOsture, an administration of make
/ believes, whose every act is either a sham
or a fraud Never, since the days of the
infamous cable. has this country witness
ed such a set of political impOstOrs in the
councils of the Crown In their govern
ment of Ireland, however, they have aban-
doned the paths of political impOsture,
and have entered on the high road of pO-
litical crime AT a particular time, so
base was their policy, that they forced the
Crown To RELY for their authority i'm Ireland
on the assassIns of Phoenix Park" q
Mr.. Biggar or Mr.. Parnell, were they to
employ the above language, would prOba-
bly, land in Kilmainham. But Lord Ran
dOlph is an Englishman and Peer.