Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-08-26

sacrificed their interests. The editorials
in the Philadelphia papers will show how
the committee was received.
This is a sufficient answer to the accu-
sations against Mr.. Blaine in connection
with his coal mines and Pennsylvania in.
terests. He repeatedly voted in Congress
for free coal and made u committee that
was of the same mind. If coal is not en-
tirely free it is not his act His commit
tee was constituted as he believed for the
best interest of the whole country, not at
the dictation of Pennsylvania or Maine or
any other State.
Through this committee and the action
of Congress there has been reduction in
the duty on coal, tea and coffee come
free to every person in the country, and
our annual taxation is reduced upwards
of fifty millions Of dollars. Will any one
dare say in the face of these facts that
Mr.. Blaine prefers Pennsylvania to Maine,
or favors a duty on coal because be owns
coal mines?
To the charge that Mr.. Blaine has done
nothing for Maine there is ample reply.
No interest has been neglected, all have
received his best attention. He is certain
ly capable of understanding in what d.
rection the interests of his district and
State lie, and even his opponents admit
that he is both active and willing to work
when necessary. In the reduction of the
tariff which has taken place, Maine is Sc
cured against competition for her indus
tries. Our lumber, wool, and the prod
ucts Of the farms and shops are protected,
while we get tea and coffee free Of tax,
anthracite coal free and on bituminous
the tariff is reduced to seventy-fve cents
per ton. The care and vigilance which
he has exercised have had their influence
upon the prosperity of all classes in the
State. Many realize it, but those who
think that Congressman's duties begin
and end with the appointment OF post
masters and other local officers do not
conceive that his influence is felt in the
great measures that come home to every
Preside.
The services of Mr.. Blaine were con-
| spicuous in securing the adoption Of meas
ures to relieve our shipbuilders. That
this relief is genuine there is no doubt.
Mr. Hichborn says in his recent letter
upon the subject: Much gratitude is
due Speaker Blaine for timely and effec-
tive service in the premises" He also
says in order to stop unjust complaining
81 call attention to the fact that some
thing has been done, and that croaking
should now, as far as possible, give way
to earnest effort for the restoration of the
business" So here Is something that
Speaker Blaine has had powerful hand
in doing. Could weak delegation in
Congress, inexperienced. holding no in
fuential position, have secured these ia.
vors for particular interest against the
universal cutting down of special priv
leges which has prevailed? If Maine
loses the influence of Speaker Blaine il
behalf of her shipbuilding can she retain
what she has secured?
= Republicans of the Third District W,
have hastily glanced over Mr.. Blaine
career as a member of Congress in thi
article. Brief as it is it shows you mar
that has honored you and won a nationa
reputation for himself, so that republicans
in Massachusetts, New York, Illinois and
wherever craftsmanship and ability are
estimated at their worth, tell us that il
they had such man in Congress they
should consider him credit to the state
Let US show by our works that we appre.
ciate the man. Let US give him his old
fashioned majority. Let us stand by true
manhood and worth for our own reputa
ton as we'll as advantage.