The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-08-31
James Bell Of New Hampshire, and
Isaac Reed Of Maine.

The political history OF these two Gentie'
men for the past wear. presents Striking
parallel, and n still more striking contrast
Each was selected by the wings in his own
State TO be their standard bearer in the quo
ernatosial canvass, and each faiied o, a''
election. Without any inquiry or analysis
Of the causes that led to their deleat, u Is
sufficient to cay that the people is'nea u;
and in their sovereign capacity OF iree anu
independent voters, they so desided It. NO
ccnsure upon the personal or political repu'
tation Of either candidate was intended 10
be conveyed, and none iras conveyed: Luz
result was only an emphatic expression o,
the popular desire to be released IRON ola
party ties, and party watchwords. ana 10
form new and more vigorous como!na'ions
to resist the one great evil with when ths
free people Of the North are SO seriously ana
alarmingly threatened. Messrs Bell and
Reed may be termed victims, but they were
honorable victims 81 this popular wish and
popular necessity. In this, their cases were
precisely similar; if one had cause OF com,
plant, the other had it equally; MIR. Bell had
Il indeed in greater degree Than Mr.. Reed
because he was supported by a smaller irac-
ton Of those who were, and still are ms
political friends. 81 much for the parallel
ism OF their political histories.
Now for the contrast. Mr.. Bell, when
he realized the triumph Of Metcalf, the Re-
publican candidate, bowed gracefully to the
popular will, and expressed his entire salts
faction with the result. The Republican
party embodied all the principles for which
he had contended, and us mere names are
but fit for children's quarrels, he at once saw
that his influence coul ID only be eihcient LOT
good by going with the party which poth
reason and necessity pointed out as the one
destined to give free, emphatic expression
of Northern sentiment on the question
which supersedes all others. He according.
" announced himself member OF the Re-
publican parry, ready and willing to do ser.
vice whenever he might be called upon and
his noble speech at the Convention in Port
land aitested the sincerity Of his convictions
and the earnestness OF his labors.
But how different, how sadly different,
has il been with Mr.. Reed. With nc
inst cause of complaint, with no position
" hich could give him any right to lead OF
dictate, he yet seems to smart like spoiled
child under defeat, the causes OF which
he seems not to have the philosophy to an
alive, and to DO bent on taking revenge upon
individuals on account Of the action OF a
Great party. Insteid Of sustaining the
principles Of the Republican platform, which
he has always proiessed to have at heart
we End Mr.. Reed acting in loving harmony
with the supporters Of the Pierce Admins
ira ton, ard accepting nomination from q
body of men whose published principles are
identical with those which are pur forth by
the party which supports Judge Wells
For this abandonment Of all former profess
ions, he nay in his own conscience excuse
himself. aud 20 that Judgment we are will
ing to leave him. He has shorn himself o
all influence for political good, and with
bitterness Of feeling when too late to retract
his steps. he will find himself powerlcss and
alone. The men who arc now using him
will drop him when their reckless expert
ments shall have ended in dissraceiul failure
and they will leave wide chasm between
him and those who trould have been hi
friends'-Rennebse Journal.