The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1821-08-28
For THE GAZETTE.


MR. SHIRLEY,
During the present intemperance Of those
presses which engage warmly in the eleCtoineer-
/ ing contest, cool and candid man can scarcely
expect to gain patient hearing. The crisis too
IS now so near that calm discussion, even II 1t
received attention, could be only of limited ben
eft. But Sir, with your leave, propose to
show my opinion"
It is then my deliberate opinion that the pre-
sent contest for political power is disgrace to
to the state and that its aspect most disastrous
to the interests of the community for years and
generations to come. II is evident that the par
ty which has obtained the ascendancy in the
state, and to whom the dominion was quietly sur
rendered, have become divided and that the
two divisions are engaged in unreenting war
fare. Whatever may be the character or claims
OF the two candidates, 1t is very manifest that
the nomination and support OF both originates
in ambition and self-interest, both in them and
their adherents. draw this conclusion, not be-
cause each side accuse and crIminate the other
to that effect; but from the fact that each side
supports its cause by accusations by violence
and acIimony by vehemence and passion; and
with an apparent wish and determination 70 car
~ their own point at all hazards, and put down
an opponent BY any and every means The con-
test is evidently maintained on both sides with
great expence of time and money and by such
unhallOwcd means none would use who cared
for the public good; such desperate measures as
can be reasonably imputed only to ambition and
thirst for power. How plain il Is, not from the
statement of their opponents, but from the very
face of all their proceedings, that the advocates
of Mr. p. did, from the beginning. determine
that ne should be Governor, if il were possible
for their exertions to effect it. Yet any person
at all acquainted with this state knows there are
in il al least two or three hundred meu as we'll
qualified for the Office as he that he has no
claims from age, wisdom, or previous services,
above that member of others. 1t is plain that
nothing could induce him to stand forth as can
didate for the office but an inordinate desire for
power and honor; and that nothing could induce
Others to manoeuvre him into the Chair of State,
but the hope of 4 personal or party advantage TO
themselves since il is very manifest that the
public good does not SO inpeTi 0usly demand his
services as to authorize his vac ing his present
offices. II cannot be denied (wi oout that effron-
terry which will assert or deny any thing to suit
a purpose that Mr.. p. has risen to his present
eminence principally by adapting himself to the
current Unpopular opinions; and nothing appears
but he is still influenced by the same feelings.
The same may be said of the other democratic
candidate, Mr.. w. except that of veering with
the popular breath, having from the beginning
been a staunch democrat.
five Judge of either candidate by the repre-
sensations Of his opponents (lately his intimate
political brethren,) We must say he is far from
being fit for the Office of Governor i; and that
the elevation of either to the chair Of state and
of his adherents 10 his footstool, would be the
greatest calamity that could befall The State. am
sick of men who thrust themselves forward, quail
fed or not, candidates for such high respon-
sible office, ms would make man Of real merit