Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1866-05-18
The Governorship.

Mr.. EDrroR:-
There has been much discussion thi
year as to what are the necessary qualiti
cations in Governor of Maine. Th,
friends Of Mr.. Spring urge that the EXecu
tive of the State, should be man of large,
practical business experience, one aequaint'
cd intimately with business routine. and
they present Mr.. Spring AS possessing thi:
qualification in high degree. While Civ
in. Gen. Chamberlain credit for ability,
culture, intelligence, bravery, and patriot
ism. they assert that his life as Professor
in Bowdoin College, and as commander
of regiment and brigade in the army has
not fitted him for the office OF Governor.
1t is we'll to admit that the office of a
State Governor does not require such emf
nent craftsmanship, and financial ability
as are requisite for the National Legislature
or Executive. Nearly all the difficult po-
ltical and financial questions, are national
| in their character, and without the pale OF
the State officials. The Governor of Maine
has little or nothing to do with Tariff. Ex-
else. Currency, Foreign Relations, Recon
limited. and his duties quiet and simple in
their nature. The State of Maine has no
financial Policy nor Foreign Policy to man
are. The functions Of our State Govern
ment are simply to make, and administer
| local laws.
The people of Maine are so intelligent
law-ab,ling and Industrious rs to almost
| literally govern themselves. All the gen
cral principles oflocal taxation, State Debt
Education. and Jurisprudence are well fin
ed and the government is easily carried
on.
Still the Chief Magistracy Of State is
Justly considered an Office of dignity and
character. The Governor represents the
majesty of the State, and is the recognized
head of our State organization. lie is the
representative or exponent of the charac-
ter. virtue intelligence, manners and pat.
rio.ism of the people oftic State. Our po-
| ltieal Intercourse with the other States, AND
|
him. Though he la, little patronage, he is
| in theory the fountain OF executive author
! iiv. lie sees that the laws are inrartially
administered. He is. in a measure. tl'
guardian over our social, educational, and
religious interests. Further, he is the ON
mandcr-in-C hicf of the State militia.
Mr.. Spring may have beea very sue
ccssful business man but ii does not follow
| that he is therefore the best man for Cover
nor. that he will fill with the most dignity
aai completeness the Executive hair lie
may be able 70 sell hcmloek boards 10 al
Vantage. and yet he unfit 70 represent the
sovereignty OF Maine in the United States
There are many rich men in Eastern Maine
some as rich as Mr.. Spring, but they art
no; all suitable fer Governor.
The Governor of Maine should he Il gen
,lemau of ability. Intelligence. and e,luca-
ton. with large thoughts. liberal views
generous culture. polished manners. ane
reliable patriotism. Other States have rec
ognized this truth. Massachusetts has al
ways put her finest scholars and most cul
tvatcd men in her Chair of State. and hcl
Governor, have had national. if not Z
Worldwide. reputation. New y ork always
clevatcs her most distinguished citizens t.
the chief magistracy. Names standing il
the nation will depend in some mca>ur,
upon the reputation, and character of hcl
Chief Magistrate.
| Having had the pleasure Of an intimate
personal acquaintance of several years viii
Gen. Chamberlain. confidently assert that
/ he is. by nature and education. admirably
qualified for the exalted office, Beside
being 4 man of marked ability aud distin
guished scholarship, he is perfectly f'niil
lar with the history and character of The
State. He understands her interests thor
oughly. lie has thought and read mucl
upon all that pertains to her resources. he.
people and government. No one i better
qualified 10 successfully foster her educa
tional Institutions. Iii, large and liberia
Requirements would avail him in admins
tcring the laws.
ability lie can organize and GOVERN
Ills military experience will be of invalua
BILE service 10 the State in rcviving ant
properly organizing our present deplora
BILE militia system. lie would have no 81
perior as COMMUNICATIVE OF the Mill
tia Of Maine.
Being no politician himself, Gen. Cham
berlain has not perhaps the support of thu
niglers and politicians. They fear per
haps that they could not Use him. Gen
Chamberlain would be the peoples Cover
nor. and would administer the State GOV
eminent in the interests Of the people, ant
not for the politicians.
EASTERN MAINE.