The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-08-18
The Maine First District.

The following article, cut from an influen-
tial and leading Massachusetts paper, is as
just as it is truthful, and we commend it to
the readers of the Press:
1t hardly seems possible that we are within
month OF the Maine election, the first popu-
lar verdict significant, il not decisive. OF the
issue OF the Presidential contest. Yet so it is.
The Democratic State Convention which is
on the point OF meeting at Bangor will make
up the issue for the State, while the canvass
has already opened in the First Congressional
District, by the nominations of both parties
The people at large will have quite as much
interest in the latter as in the former for there
is not the remotest probability that tbs re-
election of Governor Cony can be prevented
by any action at Bangor, while New England
is interested that ner three misrepresentation
in Congress, viz: Mr.. Sweat of the Maine
First District, Mr.. Marcy of New Hampshire.
and Mr.. English of Connecticut, shall give
place to better men.
The Uniou men OF the Maine First District
have well begun the work which, we are per-
suaded, they will have the honor OF complet-
ing. They have nominated John Lynch, ESQ.,,
one ofthe most public spirited merchants of
Portland, man thoroughly conversant with
the business interests OF the country, a good
debater, and devoted heart and soul to uphold
ing Of the loyal cause. His opponent Mr.,
Sweat, the present incumbent, Is man OF fair
ability, aud he did run well for season. as
a war Democrat, In which capacity he receiv-
ed the support of Union men. But since he
has been in public life he has attempted 10
play the dangerous part OF a politician, Demo-
cratic enough to secure the solid vote of that
party, and yet war man enough to coax some
aid from Administration men. Mr.. Sweat will
find that he has been too ambitious, and If he
gets the full vote of the Democratic minority
Of his district, he may think himself well
of.
His Congressional record will show that
wherever the interests OF slavery were con-
cerned-and that is as good test as any--he
always gave the vote that would be most
pleasing to JEFF. Davis. Thus he voted against
negro soldiers, thereby signifying his desire
10 make the draft heavier among his white
constituents. He voted against the amend
ment Of the Constitution to abolish slavery,
being willing TO keep the cause of the present
rebellion alive for future mischief, and unwil-
ling to let the people decide this great ques.
ton for themselves. Mr.. Sweat disclaims
being peace man, but he plays about the
hook in such company as that of Fernando
Wood and Alexander Long. Mr.. Rogers of
New Jersey offered a resolution, recommend
ing among other things, the appointment of
W ~ uoWu duu iuctL viii re-
bal commissioners to try to negotiate peace
AS if something more were wanted thar hat
tie rebels, who have broken all the laws,
should lay down their arms and return to
obedience. What was in the project precise
ly, nobody knows, but it is enough that such
men as Cox, Long. Wood and others OF that
stamp-including Mr.. Sweat-gave it their
support In short, it will be found that. ex-
cept upon the most barefaced peace PROPOSE
tons, which so shrewd politician from so
doubtful district would never commit him
self to, Mr.. Sweat steadily acted with those
men who have done the most to embarrass
the prosecution of the war, to prolong it, to
increase the sum Of its miseries, and to
swell ihe heavy burdens of the people.
Under these circumstances, we count upon
the First Distsict's retiring him to private
life. He was elected two years ago by only 127
majority. Last year the district gave about
1909 Unto m ,joriiy. Whether it can do as
we'll this year, we do not know; but its I'm
ion voters owe it to themselves to spare no
effort, between now and the day of election,
t, give Mr.. Lynch a rousing majority, and
thus restore unity in the Maine delegation,
and do their share towards securing it in the
loyal delegation from New England.