The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-07-02

Step-An Able, Manly, and Patriotic Let
ter.
The Madison wis. Journal is in re-
ce;pt of the following letter from Capt.
Hugh Lewis. in which no forsakes the
Democratic communion and unites his
fortunes with the Republican party.
Capt. Lewis is q one-armed veteran who
fought valiantly throughout the war,
even after lie was crippled, and has al
ways been up to this time prominent
and exceedingly active and influential
worker in Democratic circles. He now
holds o well-paid position in the veter-
an messenger corps OF the National
House of Representatives, and, 1t is
understood, was recently offered pro-
motion, which he refused. His motives
for change are evidently. therefore.
purely of patriotic nature, and not
emanating from personal considera-
tons:
FOR twenty-five years have been an act
i've member OF the Democratic party, doing
everything In my power TO place its candi-
dates In control of the various departments
of government. During that considerable
period i have marched In its professions,
contributed and disbursed money for its cam
many of its leaders, and filed TO the best OF
my ability some OF its humble Offices. have
studied the ways and doings of its sages ana
counselors, watched closely its general course
more recently at short range-digested and
proclaimed Its professions OF principles, and
learned its platforms almost by heart.
should l not know the Democratic party?
i think know Its secret workings, its capa-
bilities, its heart, its conscience. i also think
know its true value to the citizen, its true
worth TO the state.
The conduct and enunciations OF the DEM
ocratic party have not always met my APP
prevail, and have openly 80 delared as oc-
casion arose. Sometimes i had misgtyings
concerning the sincerity OF those WHO as
sum q TO be its oracles and high priests; and
my faith In the ability OF those whom the world
believed TO be patriotic TO cope with those who
cared nothing tor principle or country was
not always firm. Sometimes, too, In spite of
campaign enthusiasm and the rigor OF party
ties, j found myself debating whether the
Democratic party, with so much in It that I,
a Democrat, could not indorse, was the one
TO be fully intrusted with tho control and
guidance of the destinies OF nation as
mighty as ours. Although hope had these
contentious with doubt, yet the name of
Democrat sounded sweet in my ears, and L
struggled on for success really believing
that after all victory would bring TO the front
the ablest and truest generals, the wisest
and most conscientious statesmen OF my
be safe, the country prosperous, the people
contentcd and happy.
Last fall the long-looked-for and long
fought-for victory came. The Democracy,
chastened by many disasters, was placed at
the head of public affairs: the real trial of
it's virtues and craftsmanship which had ex-
pected would wipe out all my doubts had at
last come. Three months OF that trial are
now before us, and what miserable record
It is! AS IA new broom always sweeps
..1n - thff
land administration must be accepted as
more cautious and conservative than any
that will follow.
Yet. what do we see? Instead OF broad,
progressive statesmanship; instead of an
honest, healthy reform of the civil service;
instead of guidance by men OF ripe attain
ments and full experiences; instead of
clean-cut and high-toned administrative pol
icy. we have long series OF false pretenses,
demagogy, personality, and plumbers.
We SEQ appointed 10 high Offices drunkards,
social il not criminal outcasts, and partici-
pators in election butcheries and frauds;
enemies OF fair and free elections; enemies
of our benefcent public school system;
former and present enemies of the Union
men uncleansed of treason, unrepentant,
unreconstructed. and with their disabilities
yet upon them. Can soldiers who left limbs
on the battlefield stand these things? Can
they condonc and fndorse them? IL there be
any such. am not of them. 1 want no more
to get the present administration in, and /
shall fight still harder to get them out. They
are not the men 10 ruc the country in this
day OF enlightenment and progress.
Look ut the vast system OF blackmail and
perjury inaugurated by the Postmaster Gen
eral. We're afiidavits for pollticA purposes,
against friends and ncighbors, ever heard of
befOres We're men ever before libeled and
slandcrod ut Wholesale by agents OF the Gov
ernment' Was there ever time when so
n n inf, had 20. l,
reversed 10 satisfy public opinion2 Was
there ever before time when it was n polit-
zeal crime for n man TO attend caucus and
vote or speak his party convictions?
NJ. And after the current four years
trust the present reign of falsehood, mas
querading, sham, retrogression, and black
mail will end forever.
This step of mine is taken upon no sudden
impulse. 1t has been well studied, well con-
sidercd-has been growing upon me for some
time.
1 also fully understand my humble posi-
ton. L do not expect to create a political
revolution nor throw the present admins
tyation from the track.
After seeing the Democratic leaders placed
in charge of the ship OF state have lost faith
in even their fair-weather seamanship, aud
therefore. just as my party Is entering upon
an era of power and patronage, take occa-
sion TO announce my convictions so that no
one can impugn my motives. More espe-
cialy as shall no longer TO looked upon IA
an indorser and defender of those things
which cannot possibly defend and indorse,
and SO shall be no bearer of false colors,
open TO no charge of espionage or coward
ice.
Let mo be fully understood. i am no Dem
ocratic mugwump kicking against d.sap-
pointmcnts or fruitless ofbce seekings; but
am and wish TO be considered full-fiedged
Republican and in perfect communion with
the Republican party-the only party capa-
BILE of properly governing this country and
fulfilling the manifest destiny of its people
the party that after seeing them both tried,
most nearly meets my approval and accords
with my convictions.
fear no consequence ask for no quarter.
expect no reward. but am doing simply what
/ believe TO be right would rather live on
musn and milk with party that attempts to
be lair. patriotic, and honorable, than be the
grand mogul of the present crowd of black
mailers, slanderers. and dispensers of pat
ronage by means OF falsehood and false pre-
lenses HUGH LEWIS.
A Democratic Play in Three Acts.
Act I.-Removal, because of alleged