Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-11-01
LESSONS OF THE LATE ELECTIONS

LESSONS OF THE LATE ELECTIONS
Under the above heading we find in the
Washington Republican the following article
which as it makes important reference to the
pending Senatorial election in this State Is
worthy the attention of our readers Inc
justice and propriety of these remarks Is so
apparent, the inference or lesson SO ciearI!
legitimate, and the application so apt 'Ia'
none can fail to see and appreciate them
While the personal complaint TO Senator
Morrill, in the article can add nothing to the
esteem in which he is held in Maine, 1t is
gratifying to have his sterling worth so han"-
somely acknowledged from the immediate
field of his public labors. Let the lesson IN
cplcated below be well considered by mem
bers of the Legislature, in order that they
NAV shun the dangers in our Senatorial cleo
ton that have proved disastrous to the re-
publican party in other States.
1.-THE result of the late election betrays an
alarming apathy in the Republican ranks
which should arouse at once the friends OF
constitutional liberty throughout the country
We may not be able to account satisfactorily
for all the special reasons which have pro-
duced this result, but the fact that the RepuD-
lican vote has been reduced in all the recent
elections indicates the presence OF some gen
eral cause that has been operating every where
The cause we think may be ascrlbed to tue
too great strength of the Repuollcan party
and bv consequence the weakness of the
Democratic party-so weak in many States
and districts as to forego their distinctive or
panization and unite or vote for so-cailed IN
dependent Republican candidates whenever
thew could find them. The coalition OF
minority of the dominant party with the OPP
position, for the sake of power, tends ny
irreversible social laws to the permanent dis
ruption of that party; for once having aciea
with the opposition, they ALLEVIATE their trends
and become necessarily permanently identified
with the enemy.
The State of Maine, no matter from what
cause, has reason now to apprehend calam-
itv similar to that which has overtaken Nlr-
ginia and Tennessee. 1t is stated frequently
Of late, that Gov. Chamberlain is candidate
for the United States Senate in opposition to
Senator Morrill,, and that he will be elected
by the aid of the Democratic members OF the
legislature, of whom he is stated to be the
choice We cannot believe that this has the
sanction of the Governor himself, who must
clearly perceive that such movement, If
successful, would as efiectually place Maine
in the hands of the Democratic party as the
course of Senter and Walker has done their
respective States. and as Graft Brown will do
in Missouri, if elected, and as Hamilton
would have done in Texas had not the Re-
publicans discovered his design in time to
repudiate him at the polls.
No State is more ably represented in the
United States Senate than Maine at the pres
ent time. Her Senators are identified with
the success and triumph of Republican prin-
ciples, and are eminently representative men
Hon. Lot NJ. Morrill,, it is conceded, has very
special talents and fitness for the position, and
his reelection has become a subject OF public
concern throughout the country. His admin
istrative capacity is of SO rare and hlgh an
order that his services are particularly desired
by the Senate and the country. Perhaps no
Senator ever held the more entire confidence
and respect of his associates