The Portland daily press., 1870-09-15

The MAINE ELECTIoN.-The Boston Id
Uertiser OF Wednesday, after reviewing the re-
suit of the Maine election, discusses the cause
and lesson as follows.
We have no hesitation in saying that the
whole dlflculiy arose from the very unusual
and, as we think, very unjustiiable, measures
set on foot to secure the election of Governor
Chamberlain to the Senate. We would not
pc understood as expressing preference as to
whom the Maine legislature shall choose to
that position. 1t would be mpertnent for us
to do so, as that is a matter for the legislature
alone to decide without interference from any
one outside the State. But we do regard it as
subject for criticism by all who are interest
ed in the success OF the republican party, that
the movement was originated in such a way
that it could only be carried out by coalition
with democrats who openly protested to be
contented with the election of General Cham
berlain, in such a way that it was certain to
cause split in the republican party unless
the friends of Senator Morrill, should quietly
yield the field to them. If both sides have
subsequently taken underhand methods OF at
tanning their object, and have intrigued in an
altogether unprecedented way in their deter
mination to win at all hazards, the primary
blame must rest upon the originators ofthese
tactics. The latter are very fond of attributing
the extraordinary movement TO the people as
distinguished from the politicians, but every
one knows mat this is mercy the Cry always
raised by the outs when they wish to become
ms. principles, not "men" is motto often
adopted by parties, and, we like 10 believe
usually acted upon by the people. This was
really a contest of personal preference he
tween two good and deserving candidates.
holding to nearly identical principles. both
honored and trusted by the party; and vet If
was wagad with bitterness and determine
ton so great that one wing at least preferred
the triumph OF the democrats to defeat by the
other wing OF the republican party. The
sober second thought OF all republicans will
condemn these peculiarities OF the canvass
now that all the harm of the extraordinary
escapade is DONE
Inc most important lesson of the election. |
put oy no means the only one, is that. except |
al Times OF general reorganization of narties. |
popual movements" SO called, but which |
arc usually oniy schemes to control nolnina- |
to naught, but because thew have an eo,,ai,,
immediate and an altogether denIorahle atfacy,
on the unity and effectiveness of the nartu
1t is long time since Maine Republicans ba8o
had to learn this lesson. They had heen
united and active from the organization Of the
party until last year, and it is little singular
that the boilers this year are taken WHOLLY |
from that section of the republican party
which was last year most strenuous for party
discipline and acquiescence in the will OF the |
majority. As both sides now have a bitter |
experience to look back upon, we NAV hone |
for better discipline and more efficiency
There is not a shadow of doubt that yery |
large majority of the voters of Maine are re.
pubIicans, and to be depended upon for com
plete party fealty in any great crisis.