Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1866-04-20
The Next Governor Of Maine.

We long ago discarded, though to our
pccuniary disadvantage, and to our imme-
date personal discomfort, the rule of turns
for political office or the rule of geographi-
Cal position. Nevertheless, we still think
we were right, and shall not change until
convinced to the contrary. This rule Of
turns, is one Of the worst possible charac-
ter to he introduced into our domestic
politics. 1t has dwarfing and be -littling
influence on all acknowledging it, and
lowers in the estimation of the thinking
public.all the nominees and all parties that
adopt it. Examine this practice with its
opposite and better one, viz: 1.-THE best
man in the district or State" and see
where the right. and at the same time the
best policy for all concerned lies Exam
inc it, not as professional politician.
aiming tn be on the winning side, but as
man who has vote to give, and who de-
sircs the best interests OF the country as
well as the party. Let us apply the rule
of the best man for the place in making
the selection for our next Governor. We
don't care. neither do nine tenths of the
people. whether the candidate lives in
PASSPORT or Kittcry. A few personal
friends of this or that candidate. may have
some feeling Of pride in the matter, which
is right enough, hut the bulk Of the people
don't care farthing about it. If we
should apply this rule of the best man ac-
cording to our Interpretation, we should
vote for the denomination of Governor
Cony. But it is said that he will not con-
sent to he candidate again. Then who
next
Hon. Samuel F.. Spring of Portland,
Hon. A. p. Dillingham; of Watcrville,
General J. C. Chamberlain of Brunswick,
and Hon. Nathan Dane of York, are
spoken Of The friends Of the former
gentleman, are at work with the most
carncstuess, and they may succeed; but Of
all the candidates named, he is least known
in this section. and the fewcst reasons can
he urged in his favor. Hon. Nathan Dane
would make splendid Governor. and he
is well known. He has ability and expe-
rience. Mr.. Springis a successful business
man, president of bank, is ambitious for
political honors, but if he has the expert
cncc, the mental culture. and the capacity
for making first class Governor. the PEG
pie have not found it out. He may have
all this, in abundance, but the people don't
know it.
General Chamberlain isvery we'll known.
lie is man of large intellect. thorough
culture, strictest integrity aud morals.
thoroughly loval--truc and tried, and has
done the State and nation good service in
the field. No man in the State has bet
ter record. But lie is modest; he has 10
one as an especial advocate; his claims to
public regard will not be pushed pertina-
ciously and Extensively by one of his many
friends. as is the custom. But no one that
knows his honorable career. his great
worth, brilliant military record, .inc tai
ents, and thorough scholarship, but believes
he would IKE a splenlil Governor for
Maine
1t is time to adopt the policy Of nominal
ting and elcctiug men of the best minds for
Governors. Massachusetts, has always
honorcd herself in this regard Governor
Andrews had a national reputation. From
his great talents. and ready fertility of
mind, exhibited while Governor of that
State, at a trying time, he gave to the
State much of its good name as being the
foremost inthe defence of the Union
lie was an honor to the State. His State
papers were models. His speeches were
Of the highest order.
Let Maine initiate her sister states, in
putting into the Gubernational chair the
men OF the best minds in the state. 1t is
an honorable position, and any man of abili-
ty should be proud to be selected for it
General Chamberlain has strong friends
in this locality. His address here last win
ter is remembered TO his credit. lie at one
time also attended school i'll this town for
awhile-the military school at the "Greggs.
The Pennington Chronicle gives the
following brief biographical notice:
Mai. Gen. j. c. Chamberlain is native
of Brewer in this State. He is the oldest
of three brothers educated at Bowdoin
College. from which he graduated in 1864
with In. highest honors. He took a full
c purse at the Bangor The illogical Seminary
and promised fairly for II preacher Of rare
pietv. talent, and eloquence. Before
settling as d; pastor. he accepted 4 pro-
/ censorship in Bowdoin College. He has
there discharged most acceptably the duties
pertaining to the chairs Of the German,
and then the Rhetorical Professorship.-
/ His ardent patriotism urged him at the
opening of the war to cn-er at once the
service of his country. He was subjected
to d, lay by his college duties and the per-
suasion of friends. but finally accepted a
Lieut.. Colonelcy Of the Goth Maine reSi-
ment, and Immediately left for the seat OF
war. lie rose rapidly by his courage and
ability rs II commander. He distinguished
himself on many a bloody field and receiv-
ed number of serious wounds. from ont
OF which he is still suffering. He has re.
turned to his literary duties in college
which he performs with all his origina
efficiency and modesty, though he comes
back covered with martial glory. HI
alone received on the field, his last pro
motion, from the hand Of Gen. Grant him
self. lie is prominently mentioned a