The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-03-24

the year.
Removal of the Seat of Government.
Last Thursday forenoon the House OF Rep
resentatives was taken by surprise by the I'M
heralded advent Of a resolution, introduced
by member from the extreme eastern coun-
" In the State, for the immediate removal of
the seat of government from Augusta to this
city. We happened to be present at the time'
and heard what was said upon the question.
We did not int. d to take any other notice of
the matter than what appeared in our tele-
graphic report of proceedings, and would not
now had not writer In the Advertisements
doabtedly the proprietor Of that paper, who
Is member OF the House-in yesterdays is
sue, made an unmanly attack upon Mr.. Kings
bury, one Of our city representatives, and la
bored to place him in false position before
his constituents. The writer referred TO rep
resents Mr.. X. as having been betrayed into
the awkward position of opposing the remov-
al, and when he saw his mistake, oil bunglng-
ly padding back to avoid the snags which
ssch opposition would be sure to develop
8mOuR his cOnsltututs. Notuibs SOuiu uS
more unfair, or opposed to the truth.
Mr.. Kingsbury needs no defense at our
hands. As a man he takes the highest rank.
His character, socially and morally. is above
suspicion - has never been assailed. As
lawyer be is honorable and high mnded-a
clear-headed and safe counsellor, who is in
finitely above the pettyfoggng intrigues and
low schemes that too often dishonor the pro-
fession. He is scholarly, urbane and gentle
manly, and never descends to the use of dirty
weapons TO carry his point. As member Of
the Legislature he Is liberal and statesman
like, and would study such an economy as
COMFORTS with the dignity and promise of a
great and growing State. As representa-
tive Of the city of Portland he never loses
sight Of her interests, but he does not forget
that Portland is q portion of the State,
from whose interests she cannot be sep
arated II she would, and would not be if she
could. He has no desire to build up his city
by unfair means. to take snap judgment in
any matters pertaining to her growth, or, in
his labors as legislator to confine his vision
within her corporation limits.
A few words touching the question in hand.
The session was understood to be within a
few days of its close. A large number OF the
members had been excused from further at
tendance, and had left for their homes. The
question Of removal of the capital had not
been limited at during the session by any men,
Der upon the floor. Matters Of great and
overshadowing importance were engaging
the public mind, which should for the present,
at least, exclude all disturbing elements. At
such moment and under such circumstances,
the motion for summary removal was made.
The Portland delegation felt embarrassed,
were liable TO be misunderstood and to be ac-
cused of completely in the affair. 1t would
naturally look upon the face of the movement
~ though they were engaged in an underhand-
ed intrigue. They could not afford to occupy
90 unenyiable position. Mr.. Kingsbury,
therefore, stated the surprise with which
the proposition took him. lie said he knew
nothing of the origin of the movement, and
he deemed it ill-timed and injudicious at
such moment. Mr.. Smith of Westbrook-
whose friendshipt y for Portland is well under
stood-attempted TO force Mr.. X. into false
position, but every person who was present
knows the signal failure that attended his ef-
forts. Mr.. Kingsbury believed Portland to be
the place for the seat of government, that her
citizens would cordially welcome its return to
their midst after thiriy-two years absence,
and that the day was not distant when such a
consummation would be reached; and If re-
quired to vote he should heartily vote for il
now, though he doubted il the people demand
ed such movement at the present juncture.
One word more. For weeks past an indi-
vidual Of this city has been button-hong
members upon the seat-of-government ques-
ton. This Individual is well known to he q
special protege OF the Weslbrook member, and
there were those at Augusta who did not
hesitate 70 express the opinion that his move
ments were insugated by Mr.. Smith, and that
Mr.. s. was really at the bottom of the whole
movement; notthat he expected to accomplish
the purpose Of removal, but simply hoped to
take the Portland delegation by surprise, and
force them into position that would indicate
20 the Portland people that he was a better
and more faithful guardian of their interests
than their own chosen representatives. The
object Of such ruse is easily understood.
We need not say that the representatives
from this city will gladly do all that is high
minded and honorable to make this the capt.
tai Of the state; but nothing dishonorable.
They will lock to the general good and the
public welfare and convenience. They will
be influenced by higher purpose than selfish
ness-than the mere beneHtting of a hotel prop
erty near the future capitol, in which they
may chance TO have an interest. We hope the
Wsstbrook member is influenced by motives
equally disinterested and honorable.
Death of Gen. Edwin v. Sumner.
The death of Gen. Sumner, at Syracuse, n.
Y. OF congestion of the lungs has been given