Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1872-06-20
The State Convention.

The cony antion at Lewiston last week
was very well attended. The work for
which il assembled was speedily and well
done; aud save and accepting the little
difference of opinion on the platform. all
was as quiet as a Summers morn. Ii
seemed TO US that such calm is the pre-
cursor of a storm, rather than the peace
which follows work well accomplished. and
the self-satisfied air of well conditioned
party moving on to new victories
The speeches in many particulars. we're
not in harmony with the prevailing senti-
ment of the sober men OF the party. Three
quarters of the men of that convention had
read the Tribune for ten or fifteen years.
and some of them learned their first les
sons in Republican principles from that
sheet. They learned to love and trust
Horace Greeley during the Kansas trou-
bles. and the fight over squatter sovereign
~, and the long and bitter contest over
slavery. These men are willing TO vote
for General Grant because he has been re-
nominated by the party. and beca use they
don't see why he does not make very
good president, but when they are asked
10 swallow whole carloads of abuse Of
their old teacher because he has made
some mistakes. and because now he think,
he can bring estranged men back into Il
closer brotherhood. and better fellow
ship. they naturally recoil from the dose
presented So, then when public speak
ers Hse,-whether Just returned from the
Convention al Philadelphia. or the Hail. of
Congress. to address an audience Of intel
ligent Republicans. and 20 instruct them in
their public duties. they shonld remember
that most men have a natural disposition
10 revolt al turning sharp corners at any
mans bidding. Such men a. met at Lew
iston don't believe that Greeley i ,he
''meanest old woman that ever lived and
Representative Frye had better not con.
time TO fight his political battles ont GA
that line. for if he does he will send fh,.
Republican party into hopeless minority
snd this year too. Recollect thar there
are no great questions stirring the public
mind to its profoundest depths, like that OF
war, or of slavery, aud SO therefore men
will have time to think before voting ,im,
comes round, and they will claim the rich,
of private Judgment.
hepnoilcans may as well look nj their
present condition, andtry and discern what
il in sfara fo- .ha.~ =.
early stage OF the canvass. as TO go blind
ly into the impending contest
In the first place we enter on this year.
campaign sobered and disheartened be-
cause of the blunders of our leaders. Re-
cause Of these blunders our antagonists
are hopeful and active. We need all orr
men 10 fill up the ranks that we NAV 20
into battle with some hope of success. and
yet instead of soothing words and sober
arguments from our leaders addressed 10
the wavering, We see them spending their
time and breath in cutting the Threats of
old members of the party. Instead of dis
cussing the platform and commencing the
party for its work sake to the voters of The
country. the wool and warp of the speeches
Yet given Us are made up of abuse Of sum
ner aud Greeley.
We may not discern the signs of the
times. accurately; we may be a false pro-
phet, and disposed TO discern evil where
good only is impending. but with our
present light We can only see hard work
ahead, and doubtful ending of the strife
upon US And the worst part of this cor
dition of THINGS is that va ara h,.o..l.
this strait through the personal squabble,
and ambitions of leaders.
Some Will find fault at our plain speak
ing. and abuse us. no doubt. bur Kind
reader just cut out this article. put it in
your vest pocket and wait patiently. When
November's frosts have chilled YOUR ur,>-
ent ardor, and nipped your choicest How
ers, remember the words addressed to YOU
in June.