Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1867-10-18
The Election and the Future.

Ii were idle, or worse, to state that last
winters legislation on temperance had
nothing to do with the decrease of the Re-
publican vote in this state in September,
because the facts to substantatc the prop
osiiion that it was the principal cause, can
be found In nearly every town in the state,
certainly in nearly every town where our
vote fell off. Men would not vote. being
dissatis fed. and 10 amount OF coaxins
could get them to the polls. 1t i useless
TO deny this. In one town in this county.
Il town always reliable when great and
vital national issues are presented. fell oil
nearly hundred votes, aad we are tod
the Republicans would not go to the polls.
mi. is but single Instance, hut it is Il
sample one. Like causes produces Ike re
suits.
Il il stated that some good republican.
in the state urged on the temperance move
mcnt and the temperance legislation OF
last winter. with view to make hobby
OF it for their personal and political adj
vantage We hope such is not the case,
bit that higher motives impelled them to
4 take the stand they did. Nevertheless, We
must again learn wisdom OF the past, and
let We'll enough alone.
Some of the iollics that should not be
-. e-.-- =
sues. Every local and side issue raised,
weakens the Republican parry, and our
enemies understand tins. Hence they lie
low, or help along all such legislation IL
will raise such ISSUES, in the end meaning
to take advantage of them. They can hoi
appeal to the public on their war record
nor on thei patriotism, nor on any party
principles yet cnunciated, bat they 90 Il
the people claiming that the Republicans
have made mistakes. or have put up Hn-
popular men, or are meddling with pri-
waite rights &c. and so on to the cad OF the
chapter.
Last winters legislation was all wrong
wrong in prineiple and wrong in policy
II will reta. a the temperance enterprise.
and cripple the Republican party. We had
law enough before, and While the Demo.
Gratis could not from their absence. assisI
in doctoring the temperance laws, and
thereby become alike responsible for the
/ change, they should have been let alone.
Every Rcpubicanln the Legislation should
have voted 10 let the law alone. But after
the law was passed if submitted TO the
people, it should have heen done ut the
( Septen- er meeting, and then those oppos-
ed to it, should have voted against it.
We hope that last winters legislation
will be repealed. we certainly would vote
to do it, if a member of that Legislature,
and we would do so in the interest of tenn
perauce. When the Democratic party
will assist in framing law that they will
uphold. then make a change if it can be
bettered. Two or three more campaigns
like that OF this summer will give tina,
party the control. and then we shall re-
turn TO the license system, and temperate.
men will have to begin where they were
ten years ago.
What we have Witnessed in Maine, la,
been also enacted in Pa, Ohio, aud Iowa
Local and side issues, needlessly thrust OF
the party have nearly ruined it. Let u
therefore. for the future, in view of the vi
tai national questions yet to be settled, re,
frain from multiplying the issues of thu
party. 1t is time to return to first princi
pies, o~the main issue. AMI stick to that
and hold our opponents to their creed. tC
their past action, to their unpatriotit
course all through the war. to their zeal tt
have rebels restored to place and power
to their present want OF sympathy for ,
Union founded on true Democratic princi
Piles.