The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1869-01-14
Gov. Chamberlain's Me ssage.

'otdtc. we 40 NOT IKE MS pOlltlcS auy
better than those of his associates, in which
we and our friends find so much to differ
from. But we are Obliged to confess that
our Chief Executive has laid before the
people an admirable state paper - calm,
concise, comprehensive, unexceptionable in
lis review Of our material interests, and
written with the facility and polish Of a
scholar. We can pardon his excellency's
slight eXultAtion over Grants election
hoping only that he will be Us compliment
tary to the President elect Ill a twelve-month
hence as he is to-day.
The Governor defends his position ia re-
gard to the necessity Of capital punishment
as tenaciously as he did his position at Get
tysburg, and with reasoning that must be
considered conclusive. However he may
feel as q man, or whatever degree Of SYM
patliy for the unfortunate criminal may
possess his mind, he knows, as magistrate
and ruler, that laws to be respected aud
etecual must be enforced. To the incon-
siderate talk about the calls for mercy in
this connection, the Governor opposes such
unanswerable reasoning as this:
II is urged that we should be merciful. But whom
ask 10 the Ylolator OF all sancties the assassin
all pitless spoier peace and
order OF society to the Innocent the good the
State which they serve and adorn Mercy Is nd p. e
heavenly grace but it should not be shown crime 1t
is not to prevent that man alone from repeating his
oience, but to prevent others from doing. II the
atty before him he may take better counsels. This Is
crcltul; to him. to his intended Victims to his DOS ,lh
Iiinitators, and to the community.
1t is a matter OF congratulations that those
who believe in the prompt suppression Of
the spirit Of brutal murder by the death
penalty, find i'll Gov. Chamberlain an advo-
cate so fearless. Who can estimate what
contemplated murders the silnplu puLlica-
ton OF his views may SUPPRESS?
Ia the matter Of the execution of Harris,
the Governor takes issue with the report of
The Attorney General, and in an argument
OF considerable sharpness shows the t.llacy
OF the reasoning advanced by Mr.. Frye.
! We think ii will be conceded that he leaves
his subordinate little ground upon which to
stand
While the message gives, at most, not
more than half assent to the prohibltory
law, and contains al apology for its sweep
ing assumptions, it opposes very decidedly
the re-enactment Of the constabulary act
1t Will be observed that his objections are
substantially those advanced by the Democ-
racy, that 1t places extraordinary powers in
hands liable to abuse them, and that the
ordinary civil officers are competent to make
the laws respected.
One ofthe most important subjects treated
OF III the message-perhaps the most so in
It's influence upon the prosperity of the State
is that OF giving aid to railroad enter
prlses. 1t is true, as observed, that u few
cities and towns should not be left to bear
The burden Of building railroads which are
really OF nearly equal advantage TO the
whole state. AT the same slime it may be
observed that it is doubtless better for the
localities alluded to, that they build the
roads and take the resulting burdens, rather
than torego the improvements. There are
cities SO situated with respect TO surround
ing regions, where the advantages of nature
and manifest course Of trade are so appar-
cnt, that 10 refuse them the aid OF railroads.
even by a stretch OF credit, is almost a
crime.
The time has come for Il breaking away
from the old and narrow policies, for a
larger enterprise, il higher development
and deeper faith. The improvements in
methods, the sharper competition, and the
better facilities of other regions, are sappiug
our vigor. We must awake or perish.
The suggestions OF the message in this con
nectiou are worthy Of cal etul consideration.
II the granting OF State aid to railroad en-
terprises could be so guarded as that it
should not be abused, but conferred with
l. uuSllicilt ituu GiScfellOl, we uOuDt not that
it would be an immense public benefit.
| The endorsement of q State would not be
questioned in the money markets, where
that Of a municipality would be subjected
to damaging doubts. We think the carry
ing out Of this plan would involve a change
of the State constitution, and be a work of
some time.
| In conclusion, we commend to our read
ers a careful reading of the message. II
will repay the time and trouble expended
therein.
TIE Duty OF DEMOCRATS. If the Morrill,
men refuse to abide by the Caucus decision in
the Senatorial matter, and carry the fight into
the legislature, us they threaten to do, we hope
the Democratic members will decline to have
anything to with the contest. Their true in
terest lies IN preventing choice, by holding
The balance of power, and voting steadily for
the Denocraticc andidate. Let them not soil
their hands Ivy contact with either of the con-
tcstants