Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-11

Whero neeQeu tnat we ask IOT ouIselNeS,
but we speak of it because we are opposed
to policy which would leave our borders
without defence in order to establish at a
few points mammoth establishments that
might become at some time menace to
our liberties if nothing worse. In time of
peace nations are very apt to practice
economy by cutting down their means
Of military and naval defeace, but when
war breaks out they often find they have
been guilty of the greatest blunders in an
economical point of view.
We are at this very time experiencing
the poor economy Of neglecting our navy
to avoid the expense of keeping it in proper
condition Secretary Robson has had
task upon his hands that he ought to have
been spared, but the cry Of retrenchment
dismantled the navy and now he has to
make the best shift he can to provide one.
The great mistakes of our government in
warlike affairs are all made in times of
peace. Peace is said to be the time to
prepare for war, but it is too often the
time when what defences we have are
pulled down under the idea of economy,
to be replaced at the first alarm of war
with vastly increased expense to the
treasury We trust the recommendation
of Secretary Belknap as to the kennebec
Arsenal will be well considered. and if it
Is we have no doubt that the result will be
not to discontinue this arsenal, but rather
to approve the policy which established
and mas sustained it thus far as necessary
to the protection of the borders of the
country, and 10 increase its efficiency if
any change is made.
For the journal.
THE BOSTON POST AND SPEAKER
To the patrons and readers of the party
newspapers of the day, who are not well
pleased with the rude personalities and vul-
gar slang which too often. characterize the
treatment of political opponents, it is truly
refreshing TO notice, in any leading journals,
q spirit and style more in accordance with
true dignity and honor. The Boston Post, the
leading organ of the democracy of New Eng
land, is an example of the latter description.
Though opposed to the party in power, it
never descends to personal abuse, but man.
ages its opposition with good taste and gen.
erous humor. BY such means 1t Yields a
power and an influence 1t could not otherwise
have acquired. The manner in which it
speaks Of Mr.. Blaine, ~ copied into your pa
per OF the 9th inst, shows that its conductors
are willing to do an act of honorable justice
to q distinguished public officer. l wish the
same could be said of the democratic journal
of your city-the Maine Standard. That
paper never speaks of its honored townsman
but in terms of personal abuse. In its esti-
nation Mr.. Blaine is entitled to no public or
even private confidence or respect. If the
American people are to believe the slang that
10 almost weekly poured forth from that
source in the direction of the talented Speaker
of our National House of Representatives,
they must suppose that at home, where he is
best known he is regarded only rs liar, a
thief and base hypocrite. Is this his char
acter in Augusta? We in the country would
like to know, for the people Of the United
States ought not to be deceived in the charac-
tiers Of their public servants.
| 1t strikes US up here that if the editor OF
the Standard took an honorable pride in the
city where he resides, he would, on its behalf
vindicate the good name of q citizen whose
position 10 an honor to the beautiful city Of
Augusta. 'It is an i'll bird that bewrays it's
own nest" A man that will lower the STAN
dard of public respect due to his Nation, his
State, or his city, by defaming the characters
whose fame 10 identical with either, is no pa
triot, and quite destitute even of selfrespect
ly respected At home-a citizen above all re-
proach-generous, almost to fault, towards
the unfortunate and needy; strictly temper
ate in his habits, upright in his dealings, hon
est in his convictions, true to his professions,
exemplary in his religious life, and, in word
true Christian gentleman. IL it right or
becoming, that one of his own fellow towns
men, because he occupies the position of the
conductor Of . press of opposite politics,
should never speak Of such neighbor but
with contempt and personal abuse?
When Mr.. Pillsbury, the editor Of the
Standard, resided in this county, he was re-
spected as q gentleman. Even his political
enemies gave him high reputation for tai.
ents and accomplished manners, and would
have discountenanced any assaults upon his
character. What has altered him since he
removed to your city, 10 he envious of Mr..
Blaine, and 10 this the secret of his hostility
FRANKLIN.
COMMANDER BRAINES REPORT.