The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-12-30
The Senatorial Question.

The Oxford Democrat oflss week contains
an editorial OF well-digestei thought upon the
above question, part Of which we transfer to
these columns:
We do not believe in the doctrine. made the
basis of certain arguments We have recently
seen advanced, that our public servants should
dictate 10 the people what particular places
they should I'LL. II is the prerogativc OF the
people TO settle all these questions themselves
Public servants are in their hands to be dis
posed OF rs will best subserye the public good
The people took Mr.. Hamln out of the Senate
and made him Governor and subsequently, Vice
President of the United States, and we happen
20 know that in both instances he would have
preferred 10 have retained his place in the Sen
ate. The people through the President made
MIR. Fessenden Secretary Of the Treasury, a
high and more honorable position than his old
place in the Senate, yet his friends say he was
not pleased with the exchange. After MIR. Lin
coin was re-nominated, usage would nave gwen
Mr.. Hamln n second term as Vice President,
vet the Union men considered public policy
pointed To- Andrew johnson and Mr. Hamlin
was droppel out Thus 10 has been. thus IL
should be hereafter. not as individual men say,
hut "A the peopls say. Now how stands the
case AS between Messrs IIamlin and Fessender.
The latter il in q position hitherto honored and
filed By the most distinguished men OF the
country. Il is said by those who profess to
know, that the President desires Mr.. Fessenden
20 remain at the head Of the Treasury Depart
nent during his second term. Can Maine af-
ford IN lose distinguished Cabinet officer, for
the sake IL transferring him 10 an inferior posi-
ton and then not he represented in the Cabinet
M all, Alter the 4th Of March, Mr.lianlin by
the fat OF the people becomes private citlren
40 that the question which really presents itself
20 the people Of Maine Is narrowed down
60 this-will the people Of Maine take one ot
their most distinguished sons from the Cabinet
and thereby deprive themselves Of n Cabinet Of.
dcer and put him into the Senate. or will they al
low him 10 remain to grace and honor his high
positiou and avail themselves OF the services of
another equally distinguished, whose services
amer the 4th Of March will be lost TO the coun-
try unless placed in some public position' We
are aware that II Is said, that Mr. eessenden
will positively leave the Treasury Department
and that he desires his old place in the Senate.
Treasury Department. on account Of i'll health,
others declare that with him IL isa matter OF
taste, that he prefers the Senate to the place
he ,ow hlls BE that as IL may, the whole
country wouli deeply regret Mr.. Fessenden's
resignation. The people of the United States.
have with unsnimity almost unprecedented,
no, only given their assent but hearty approx
nj Of Mr.. Fessenden's appointment TO the Urea
sury Department, and his administration Of the
ruanciai affairs OF the government have been
equally satisfactory. And Il seems TO US that
nothing but i'll health. would be satisfactory
reason to the people tor the loss OF 30 efficient
anil popular Cabinet officer.
7, Is still further said, that II Mr.. Hamlin Is
no. elected Senator. he viii be invited By Mr..
Lincoln to all the Navy Department under the
incoming Administration. That he would I'LL
that Department with distinguished honor TO
himself and the country, no one acquainted
With him can for q moment doubt. But who
has any assurance that Mr.. liamlin will in any
event be offered the place. or that the pressure
and influence Of all his friends would secure Il
20 him! Hence Il follows, that IL You adopt
the theory OF this class Of politicians you
choose an uncertainty instead OF certainty.
YOU get distinguished Senator and run the
risk OF losing Q Cabinet officer. II the facts and
rsasouings herein presented, point In . certain
direction. We cannot be justly ceusured, II must
be charged 10 them and not to as. Their logi'
cal results must sand. unless Il can DO shown
that our facts are misstated or our arguments
fallsoious. We are among the number that 70.
grst. that the Legislature will be obliged to
choose between two % distinguished men. Bot
such events will happen. Let the members OF
the Legislature take hold Of this question like
men and statesmen, and settle Il in such . way
- will be for the beat interests Of the Country.
And In doing this. 10, them reflect the popular
sentiment, let the voice ofthe people be heard
through their representatives and Senator's.
Let the canvass be conducted upon high and
honorable grounds and not degenerated into q
more political squahbls.