Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-04-23
From the Lewiston Journal.
THE BELFAST AGE AND MR..
KNOW, TON


The Belfast Progressive Age of last
week, in publishing Hon. Ebenezer Knowl-
tons letter of withdrawal OF his name from
the list of candidates for the gubernatorial
chair, says that the Age supposed Mr..
knowlton stood simply on the national re-
publican platform, and ignored ''side is
sues - and adds that the Age cannot stand
on Mr.. Knowlton's and Mr. Perhams plat
form or definition of republicanism. The
Age concludes as follows -
.'Prohibition is going backward rather than
forward. 1t never can be more than local,
side issue. 1t should never be in politics at
all. We once put the question to the people,
on purpose to get it out of politics. This at
tempting to make it the principal question in
this State, and to apply total abstinence
test to party candidates have meaning not
to be mistaken. 1t means q hobby for dema-
gogucs, and he who rides it the most skillful-
y may win the race"
In reply to some of the statements of the
Age, and in explanation of his reasons for
withdrawal Mr.. Knowlton has forwarded
to the Age the following manly note,
showing him Gas his friends have ever
known him) to be one of the truest and
purcst of public men in the State-iust
such man as we need in official posi-
tons -
So. MoNTvLLE, Apr lSth 1870.
To the Editors Of the Progressive Age:-
| You and l differ on the temperance ques-
ton, and as to the prominence it should have
in the republican party in this State. We
will rot go into newspaper discussion of the
subject | only ask space to define my posi-
ton more fully.
/ stand upon the National Republican plat
form, and upon the State Republican platform
| also. The latter declares for ''prohibition
and the vigorous enforcement of laws to that
end" This must mean such lars to enforce
the same, as acfH be efectual IN doing the
noyk. l am committed to nothing more,
shall be satisfied with nothing less. / am OPP
posed to the third party movement, because
the republican party having put itself upon
the prohibition platform, is the real temper
ance party of the State. Sometimes unwise
nominations may be made. Sometimes ''the
trumpet gives uncertain sound" from the
lips of some republican editorial, and official
Waterman. But, upon the whole, the rcpub-
lican party is undoubtedly doing more for the
cause OF temperance than any party of come
cutters would be likely to do.
Last year | refused to have my name used
as a candidate for Governor and encouraged
the use of MIR. Perham's. This year, the
same issues are before us, and all the con-
sent gave to the use of my name, was with
the dstnc. understanding that it was not tO
be used against his. My sense of honorary OBJ
| legation bound me to this course, though moi
word ever passed between us on the subject
and the day learned he would be run again
/ withdrew my name.
! To prevent a construction some are dis
posed to give to my withdrawal, l say distinct
| ly that being released from the conditional
assent gave to the use of my name, and hav-
ing an ardent desire to stick to the appropriate
work of my profession, shall not consent to
be II candidate in the convention whoever
may or may not be- Yours, &C.,
+. KNowLToN.
The freshet occasioned by the storm is
spoken of as heavy and having caused a
good deal of damage in some rivers. The
Kennebec shows pretty good tide, but as
it is at least fifteen feet below high water
mark in the big flood last winter, we think
it rather tame affair."
The Mcfarland trial has been DELAYED
by the sickness of Recorder Hackett, who
is quite severely sick. The proceedings
so far indicate that the wife and not the
prisoner is on trial The use made OF
Mrs. Calhoun's letters is shocking to COM
mon sense and justice.