The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-09-21
Our victory.


full and well considered article on the recent
victory Of the Republicans in this State we
were about writing something on the same top
IA. hut as this seems to cover the ground OF
thought We publish II as conveying correct
ideas, expressed in language as good or better
than We could find. We will only add that the
result Of the election shows eonelusiyely thM
the people Of Maine have no sympathy with
any party that stands in the attitude OF indif-
erence to the spread Of slavery. and that they
look upon all doctrines Of this character, with
nearly the same adherence that they have Tor
principles supporting and justifying slavery
Maine in the last election has been true to the
position which she has ever maintained, viz
that Of inaeIible opposition to the extension oil
slavery into the territories:
.The glorious triumph which has just been
achieved In our State for the Republican cause,
h ono we'll calculated to inspire the hope OF
ain greater victory in the nation, In Novem-
~ II has been won unler such circumstances
a. 10 show conclusi,ely, Uf II need now 10 oe
shovu) that the devotion OF the people 10 .he
Republican cause Is no mere transient eouillion
az teelinc-no mere result OF indignation NJ
,hs Kansas outrazes or at the infamous viola
tion OF the Missouri compact, as our oppo,
nsnts have always alleged-but q deep ana
ahiding determination to effect such change
Of the present policy of the government rs
shall encourage freedom and discourage slave
ry wherever the United States as nation nS
control and responsibility IN ,ne ms sti, ~
mi, end. the people Of Maine have calmly anu
steadily exercised their elective franchise,
Ave consecutiye elections, to sustain the patty
nj me only party, which has planted itself on
,hs nrinciple Of excluding slavery nom the
national territories, and upholding the inter-
cats of free labor.
The election just passed has been won oy an
immense majority-and YET withou, any y, tns
.rs,ial stimulants Afforded In 1886 by the then
prndine Kansas outrages. II has been won by
ibs deem settled, and calm determination OF the
nsonle 10 fight this battle TO the end, and In
sni,e of any and all attempts Of the enemy to
avoid the issue by pretended reputation OF
democrats doctrines, or by the setting up OF
sou,tter sovereignty humbugs. All attempts
of this Kind at evasion have been unayailhs-
as mere attempts to get rid OF the issue oy APP
pealing to prejudice ON matters OF S'a'e ad-
ministration. - =,
Nor has the victory been in consequence OF
the divisions among our opponents. 80 hr "
the State election was concerned, the TWO iac-
lions of the democratic party were unlted'
rhey both sustained the same candidate Tor
Governor, and generally for all other othcers, :
and have made strong light every where.
rhe papers Of these factions are now attribute,
inc their defeat, each 10 the other-and the
Douglas wing are charging that the Breckin-
ridge men did not support the ticket, and there
by gave the Republicans their great majority.
But This Ia not true The figures do not show
h. ON the contrary, they show that the whole
strength of the party WAS out, and thrown for
the straight ticket. The democratic vote has not
fallen of, but Is almost up TO the combined vote
Of democrats and straight Whigsin ie'O-whlle
the Republican vote Is also up to the great sep
TENDER vote Of that year. There will be but
thousand or two difference on either side. The
majority then attained Is very nearly attained
now-and that Is the real republican majority
In Maine. There has never been larger vote
i'm Maine and that fact couciusiNely shows
that very few II any Of the democrats have re-
fused 10 vote. II has been fair, stand up \
aght with the uniisd democracy, and terrible |
defeat 10 the whole party. The rork IN the |
campaign ON the democratic side has been most, |
iy done. 10 be sure, by the Douglas wing, and
the money mostly contributed by them. But
the work has been well done, so TAR rs effort
WAS concerned, and the canvass has been most
thorough one. Their candidate for Governor I
has been interchangeable in his personal exert ons ,
and there has been no corner OF the sute
unyisited by him and his numerous supporters
The PARTY never made more desperate light, !
and never spent more money. Aid has been re- !
cei,ei by them from abroad, not only In mon- |
ey 10 a large amount, but In able and distin- |
vuisbed speakers, and also by the direct per-
sonal efforts of their candidate for the Presl-
dency-it being the first time in our history
vhen n Presidential candidate has come 10
Maine 10 speak for and help his friends IN
state election. The fight has been as hard
one As could possibly be made by our oppo-
nents. and the victory Is therefore complete
and overwhelming. ..
And while We have won . noble victory, ~
has been done upon straight Republican ground
without lowering the standard OF principle
single point. Mr.. washburn has maintained
20 the u,termost the Republican doctrines In
opposition 10 the extension Of slavery, and has
everywhere taken broad, national and elevat- /
Cd view Of the contest descending neither 10
blackguardism nor to personalitics-and not
noticing the personal charges Of hisopponent,
except at the joint discussion In Augusta,when
he met Col. Smart face to face. 10 may sAieiy
Be said that Mr.. washburn essentially aided
the Republican cause by his addresses to the
people-while Mr.. Smart damaged himself in
the estimation Of the intelligent and candid
voters.