Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-06-16
From The Portland Press

From The Portland Press.
Il Protest.
Certain mcn-not many in number but
of great activity aud "experienc, ARE
varying tho monotony OF their official
duties under the federal government by
travelling up and down the state and in'
forming all and singular whom they may
meet, with the utmost positiveness ana
assurance, that the u. S. senatorship
question is setlled-that Mr.. llamlin Is TO
be his own successor, and that The sug'
geslion OF any other candidate is mere idle
folly, worthy only of dcrision. IL any
one ventures TO intimate that there are
good many people in Maine, and that
they may take 4 notion TO be heard IN THIS
matter, he is looked upon with sort oil
plying contempt rs one who is hugsing
AN absurd d.lusion. aud who has not yet
learned that all these things can DC Xix
edn withou. special reference 10 pcblic
opinion. 1t is true that these iuslcmen
are expert, that they are familiar with all
the wi!es OF politics. and arc potent in
organizing victory in quiet times; but it
is equally true that they are strong only
in the tolerance and Indifference OF the
people aud that their deliberately rugged
craft has very insufficient hull and can
only live iu summer seas.
These men may as well understand iirss
as las. lhat there is to be a contest for the
soaatorship, that the result is not assured
and that the disgust Of the people at this
arrogant assumption Of power to control
their verdict may react powerfully against
the purpose Of these professional polite
leans. Mr.. Hamlin is gentleman who
has done good service TO tho state OF
which the people have olten expressed
their appreciation. He has tho noble
distinction oran exceptionally long public
career untarnisbed by any stain or shadow
of personal or official dishonesty. Thai,
these henchm,u Of his, nourished by hi
bouuty-at governmcn, expcnse-should
excr. themselves for the porpeIuation OF
his power. in the intcyes. OF their own
bread aud buttor,is not surprising Their
performances, however, are distaStelul to
the public and discred,ablc to Mr. IIamlin
aud The fact that his success involves q
continuance of their regime is q strong
reason against him in the minds OF many
people.
But there are other candidates who
have meriled and have received tokens OF
public approval and VINO would lity rep
resent the state in the Senate of United
s,a,cs. OF Hon. Sidney porham, who
has been ,oug prominently mentioned Tor
the position. only good words can be
spoken. lie is sincere, able and upright
man whose services as representative in
Congress aad Governor oil The State have
been honorable to himself aud his con
stiluents. lie is identified with AL the
moral and social reforms of the time and
is strong in saving common sense."-
His power with the people Is great and
docs not warrant the derision which il
receives from some of MIR. llamln's
retainels. Coy. rerhaS will impress
himself lorcioly upon the senatorial.
contest.
Alter speaking in complimentary
manner oil the other candidates, TX Gov
Wsshbura and Hon. josiah II. Drum
mond, The article closes "a follows:
With such candidates IS these. and
others who have not been named. The
assumption that the contest is settled
seems the sgo,sest earonteyy. The PEG
pie will be likely to eateehise the candi
dates for the legislature, aud no; rest sat
is!ied with eyasiye answers; 50 that when
the members shall assemble at Augusta,
/. may be found that they are not the rep
resenlalives OF Nj. uamlin.a as Is assumed,
but are prepared to look the ground nj
over aud act as shall in their Independent
iudgmen. best subserye The interests and
honor OF Maine aud the nation. We make
this protest against such assumption, not
in the interest Of any man, bat TO insist
that the question is still open, and that
the comparative merits Of candidates are
fair and practical subjects Of inquisition'
discussion and Judgment by the people
OF Maine.