The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1823-04-01
CUMBERLAND DISTRICT.

tONtDi-htAhND DtG
What are the prospects Of electing STEPHEN
LoNGFELLow, Junior, representative f this dis
trict in Congress
A few obvious truths may be of some use in
answering this question and aiding at the same
fine to promote the desired result.
Mr. LoNGFELLow was the first candidate pre-
scented 10 the public. He was nominated in OPP
position to no one. He was put up on no party
princiPles--but purely as the most suitable per-
son to represent this district.
The nomination of Mr.. I.oNGFELLow has been
received with great general satisfaction and
cordiaIity. 1t is acknowledged by all, that no
better man could have been named. No one
could possibly have been selected, for whom the
electors, as individuals, entertain kinder feel
| ing or more profound respect. Party ASIDE, 1t
will be agreed, that there is person in the dis
trict. whom they would be more pleased or proud
to place in Congress
Moreover, there is an increasing number a
mong us, that are willing to abjure all party con-
siderations, and unite in giving their suttrages
for the best man, whatever may be his politics,
for any of those offices which the public good re-
quires TO be filled with integrity and ability
from President of the United States down to Sc
lectmen Of the town.
Further il is fact that many vine have hon
Ssli1 ilOul WI l<ONIr fLLcH ga oOtbS
political points, will give him their votes, because
they know his excelence,and because they know
also how TO respect that independence, which they
choose to erercise themselves.
Again, it is fortunate circumstance that there
never was greater freedom from excitement
among us.-Tss is favorable, as in times of high
party heat, it is more difIicnlt to distinguish and
dujustfcg to superior worth. The question then
IS not rcbo is the best man, but tchich belongs
! to our party All other claims Of the candidate
are merged in those of the partizan. But now
the mere pa-tizan stands but poor chance.
It is true that there are couple of other can
dilates. nominated since Mr.. LoNGFELLow; both
gentlemen respectable in their professions and
of unohjectionable character But il is no dis
paragCment to either Of them not TO place them
on par with Mr.. LoNGFELLow. 1t is enough
that he is cnquestionably tie best qualified among
thousands.--it is not necessary to compare him
With individuals.
1t is a circumstance which will have its weight
with the electors, that Mr.. LoNGFELLow has new
ever sought for any public Office and even now
INDEPENDENTLY consents to be a candidate. He
has taken no part ia politics for some time past,
and has no prediction for political life. The
pubic has probably learned in some meas
to appreciate this rare quality and under
SRdlGLS lDlL IL - HIS Interest " Str
vices of those, whose talents are capable ofbeing
most useful to themselves aud the community.
Ii we wish our voice to be heard with respect
10 Congress-ifwe wish to be represented with
effect on the important questions there pending--
and to send from this district as we have so long
heretofore done, the ablest and most distinguish
ed representative from .HaSne--we shall give
our votes for Mr.. LONGFELLOW.
And whom can VIC send that is better acquaint-
cd with the principles Of legislation, jurispru-
dence, civil and cor titutional law and political
economy Where shall we find a better agent
or an ADLER advGc ate for the commerce and nav
igation of this town, the agriculture aud indus
try ofthe Country tie rights and interests of the
state
Bat lnally,aE these circumstances combnel--
this calm and absence Of party heat and freedom
from politial exeitement-~even the very high
character aud preeminent qualifications Of the
candidate biinsclf are in danger of operating an
fayourably to his election. Two other candidates
are in the field, and as they arc put up on party
principles, il is natural to expect that they will
receive party support. And party will carry
many man 70 April meeting who could 9TH
erwise hardly DO started from his chimney cor
ner.--It is not desirable to create any political
contention, where the only object should be to
Select the most suitable man TO send 10 WASH
iNGToN. But it behoves all who wish that our
business there should be done ,ceH, and that our
representative should be heard upon the floor of
Congress, to recollect that that result depends on
tteRs.--Let them remember too, who it was that
rode twenty miles over Virginia roads in the
worst weather on his old white horse to give his
vote for the one he thought to be the BEST
MAN
It's with unmingled pleasure and satisfaction
that the friends of order and moderation in
this county, have looked on the manner in which
the respective merits and claims Of the opposing
candidates for a seat in Congress, at the APP
preaching election, have been discussed before
The publc--that public which ought to demand
and receive of every one, who would address
them, not vituperation, but argument, not satire
or scandal, but impariiality and truth. Not a
| shade Of difference is now discernabIe in the
sentiments of the two great political parties on
any subject of national policy. TLe rancour
which once agitated them, now slcers, VIC trust.
forever, and the public good relieved from the
influence Of prejudice and intrigue, will be the
sole and sacred object OF their regard. In this
benign and truly patriotic spirit, let the electors
of this district decide between their two candid
ates. AS 10 rob Mr.. Anderson, would not enrich
! his op; oucnt We will leave him, what nf ron,,