The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-12-09
The Senasorship.

u will have important duties to accomplish.
We hops 10 zee them take Efficient action In
pun,shing drafted perons who may Zee to
Canada; and in our opinion no less punish
ment should be melted out, than to forever
disqualiiy them from voting for. or holding,
any Office Of emolument or honor within the
State. Another matter which should en-
gage the attention Of the Legislature, i', to
provide for an amendment TO the Constitu-
sion % a. to exclude persons from voting who
can not read or write the English language
intsllgibly. Upon these questions In their
turn there will DO no division OF sentiment
among the dominant party. But the ques-
ton OF exciting interest which will come up
for decision, 10 the election Of an United States
Senator to succeed Mr.. Tarwell, and Tor that
place there are. only two candidates, Mr..
Hamlin and Mr.. ressenden.
Happily and honorably for the State there
will be doubt in the mind Of no legislator
in regard to the superior qualifications Of
both gentlemen named. Both are inen Of
nations! reputation, men who are known and
houored throughout the land Tor their emf.
nent and acknowledged abilities, statesman.
ship and integrity. Mr.. tlamlin was elect
ed in ls47 to fill the unexpired term made
vacant by the death Of Governor Fairfield !;
in 1850 he was elected for the long tern,
which he resigned in sc to accept the posi-
ton Of Governor Of this State, which he held
about two months, when the Legislature in
the following year again elected him to the
Senate, where hs served until called to the
second Office in the gift Of the uation. Thus
his experience in the Senate covers q period
Of more than thirteen years besides the four
years in which he has been its presiding Of.
fcer
Mr. Hamln Is too identified with the growth
and permanency Of Republican ideas and
measures, not only in this State, bu. in the
nation. and man who by birth, education
and affinity 10 too dearly beloved by the peo-
pie, for us to willingly consent tina, Maine
should lose his invaluable experience and
services; and to prevent such loss which
will come by the election Of any other man.
we do not caro- to conceal our desire that
Mr.. usmlip should be returned to the Sem
ate.
His public career has been singularly un-
exceptional. Elected as Democrat in pol.
tiles he stood upon the principles Of the par
~ as enuneia,ed in lSi9 before that party
sold itself body and soul to the demon slav-
cry; and as they swiftly rspudiared their
former position and ds.troyed the ancient
landmarks. he stood firmly by tho principles
upon which he was elected. and babe them
ndisu in 1851, early identifying himself with
tho party Of Freedom OF which no has ever
been popular leader and laborer. The
Democratic party has never forgiven him for
not following them in their exodus south
ward. They could forgive Others Of Lesser
influence and abilities; hot realizing the
strength they had lost and the opposition had
gained, they have nuned their wrath espe-
eially for him, and probably the defeat Of no
man in the Republican party would delight
them 30 much as that OF Mr.. Hamlin.
lie has in turn been the representative
man Of both parties. lie was elected by the
Senate 70 the very important position Of
Chairman Of the Committee Of Commerce,
which the Democracy considered his in nc.
acknowledgement Of his eminent business
qualifications, and which position in all ma.
lions must 10 opeof the u most consequence
and he carried to the Office the weight Of 8
clear logical land capable OF grasping in dc
tails the immense business Of the county.
In 1860 no name stood out in greater PROM.
incnce as = candidate for the Vice Presidency,
and not only his selection By the Convention
which nominated him, bnt tho aattering vote
which he received, was compliment that
Maine appreciated and will not soon forget.
Those txlismanic words-LiScoIS AND Han.
IiS-which smblazoued our banners and un.
der which the nation aroused itself to throw
% the despotism OF slavery. are fresh in all
our memories yet. Under their leadership
we fought and won battle a; the ballot box,
which victory the leaders Of tho Democratic
party seized as prctext to commence civil
war. Now that the rebellion is 20 near Its
end it is not strange that very large major.
isy Ut our people should desire that those Of
their leaders who saw the bursting out Of
the war. shall still aid them by their coun-
Gil when the conaagration shall DO extin-
suished. Tho people have unbounded conf
d:ncs In the soundness Of Mr.. Hamlin's po-
litical views, knowing him to Be faithful and
honest, man Of progressive rather than
sssrsosyped ideas. and apprOachable BY the
humblest: while no occupies an endcaripe
placc 10 their Hearts equallsd BY no other
man the State.
These who urge the election Of Mr.. Fee
ssndsn can cay nothing Of HE vary distin-
guished qualifications for any ot6ce In tho
nation. that We viii not fully admit, and.
more than that. which We will not claim for
him ourrslf. And because OF those very
qualifications We desire. in common with .
- Al