Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-08-23

was elected to fill out the term. and was re-
elected in 1868 by the Legislature for six
years. Failing of a reelection in 1869, he
was appointed to fill out Mr.. Fessenden's
term, at the expiration of which, next
March, Mr.. Morrill, will have served in the
United States Senate ten years, and those
forming the most critical as well as most
glorious period of the nations history. Asa
Senator Mr. Morrill, maintains high rank
for craftsmanship and purity of character.
From his position as Chairman of the
Committee on the District of Columbia,
he was obliged to be in the front of the
fight on the question of Emancipation,
and led in the measures which cleared the
way to the complete extirpation of Slavery.
The great battle against the giant evil was
really fought over the bill introduced by
Mr. Morrill, in 1862 for the abolition Of
Slavery in the District of Columbia. Mr.,
Sumner in speaking of this bill in his place
in Congress said: at is the first INSTALL
ment of that great debt which we all owe
an enslaved race, and will be recognized
in history as one of the victories of humani-
ty." For his ability and success in the
championship Of this measure, great credit
was awarded to Mr.. Morrill,. His selcc-
ton for the duty was a high mark OF con-
fidence, and the result justified the choice
made.
1t was no holiday task in 1862 to urge
the abolition of Slavery in the District of
Columbia, for the defenders of the institu-
ton and sympathizers with rebellion knew
that that once carried the citadel of Sla-
very would soon meet the same fate, and
they fought it with desperation. With
the triumph of this measure Emancipation
throughout the nation was made sure, the
Union armies were strengthened for the
victories which they achieved, and Mr..
Mcrrill's name was forever linked in en-
during honor with what did indeed prove,
as Mr.. Sumner said, lone ofthe victories
of humanity" Beside this important SER
vice, Mr. Morrill, was an active member of
the Committee on Commerce, where he
succeeded Mr.. Hamln. Now, when the
watchword of the nation is "Economy," he
is Chairman of the Committee on Appropri-
ations, the duties of which require clear
head and an honest hand for their per-
Torrance. In the war with Slavery he
was in the position of difficulty and honor,
and now he guards the outgongs of the
Treasury, than which more arduous or
post could scarcely be select
ed. The Indian policy of the Adm,nistra-
ton, which is marked by mercy and hui
to the wild children of the forest
and plain as well as to avoid the expense
of continual war, has received cordial
and vigorous support from MIR. Morrill,.
And while he is thus honorably connected
with the great leading measures of the
past nine years, there is no act of his that
can bring reproach upon his name.
His hands are clean, his record unsullied. |
At time when we need experience and
tried integrity in Congress as much as we
ever did, surely we shall not hesitate to |
return Mr.. Morrill, to his seat. We agree
heartily with an editorial in the Portland
Advertiser a few weeks ago favoring Mr..
Morrilrs reelection. in which it was sub
stantially argued that his experience
ought not to be sacrificed by the substitu
ton of an inexperienced man in his place.
and his retention as a senator said to be
"plainly the dictates of common sense and
everyday prudence" The republicans of
Maine will not cast aside man conspicu-
Gus as statesman, identified thoroughly
with them in all that makes republicanism
glorious, and possessed of character as
marked for its private purity and integri-
" as it is distinguished for public service
and merit, in order to advance any new
and untried man in his stead. The inter
csts of the State cry out against such a
step. When Mr. Hamlin was reelected
in 1869 it was the return of man who
had long and faithfully served the State 3,
Republicans of Maine let us return LOT
NJ. MORRILL, to the Senate of the United
States, and thus fulfill a duty which is
clearly imperativeto our success and pros
perity