The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-06-27
Rotation in Office,
The Biddeford Union begins an article on the
aGubernatoriaI Nomination., TINS.

"Gubernatorial Nomination" thus:
10 New Hampshire the term of gubernato-
rial life Is two years, and the custom OF rota-
ton in that office seems to be fixed with all
the binding force of law. We believe this to
be eminently practical, and that we in Maine
would do well to profit by IL. 1t seems to be
the general impression that Gov Cony will be
re nominated by the Republican Convention;
and while we wish to place on record our high
consideration and appreciation of his worth as
our distinguished Chief Magissrate-one who
Is able, capable and patriotic-who has borne
himself without blemish in bis high Office,
both as to ability and purpose--toe do not
think u UisdOm or policy TO make no neao
nomination. We do not expect that any new
selection will reflect more honor upon the
State, than his, nor can any other man bear to
thegubernatorial position more wisdom ormore
OF the confidence of the people; but there are
other deserving men equally qnslifed, and
whose selection would be equally magnani.
nous. $50 II
With all due respect for the opinions Of
those who take different view, and we con-
fess to our entire inability to see the advan-
tages of what is popularity termed Hrotation In
Office" when carried to the extent that seems
to be implied In the above extract, 10 the line
particularly that we have underscored. There
are offices to which rotation may be applied
without detriment to the public veal, such as
those having good pay attached and requir-
ing but small experience to qualify the in.
cumbent. Indeed, there are offices that per-
haps would be well filed were they put up at
auction, like mail contracts, the successful bid
der giving bonds for the faithful discharge OF
the duties.
But when it comes to Executive and Legis-
lative offices the whole thing is changed. The
more experience man has in these the more
influence, ordinarily, he can WELD. 1t has
bsen the policy in this State and In New
Hampshire, to send men to Congress for only
two terms, and the result has been that these
States have exerted an influence In the coun-
ellis Of the nation in no way commensurate with
their Importance. Massachusetts has been
wiser. She has kept her strong men where
their strength would reflect honor upon the
State. Her Governors have been elected
sometimes eight or more years consecutively
and their names have commanded respect
abroad. The South never would have &C
quired the influence she did in Congress had
she slaughtered her delegates as soon as they
began to be known and to acquire influence
In this she was wiser than even the better in
formed North.
1t is time the idea were done away with that
individual men have claims for Office. Nc
man has a claim. The State has claims upor
the services of all her sons who can serve hel
to advantage; and we would be glad to Sc,
the policy adopted of conducting the affair
of the State precisely as wise and successful
buiiness man conducts his private business
Then we should complain less of laxness IL
high places, of corruption, and Of high taxes
No wise business man ever discharges well
tried and faithful clerk to make room for
novice. No bank displaces Its honest ant
well-proved Cashier to pass the favor of Office
around. No railroad corporation or factor!
corporation feels called upon to discharge
tried and faithful servants because others ma.
do just as well; and we have yet to learn tina
the affairs of the State are OF less momen
than those of a corporation, or may safely b,
trusted in hands any less trained in that train
ing which comes only OF experience. Let tn,
State be as wise in such matters as the Direc
tors of railroads and banks, as the supervisor,
Of public schools, as the Trustees Of Colleges
and as the successful business men who MAX
up her population, and she will be better Of
than she has been heretofore.
We make these remarks In no dogmatiC
spirit, aud with no desire for controversy with
mi
honest convictions of one who holds no Office,
who never held one, who never desires to do
so.