The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-12-30
The Senat0rship.
Letter from n Bangor RepubIiean-He
Thinks MIR. Hamlin Cannot be Elected
A Word for MIR. Peters-An "Organ''
Performing 'sPolificnI Quarantine.o
BANGOR. Dec. %, 1874.

BANGOR, Dec. %, 1874.
To the Editor Of the Press:
The senatorial question has become now, one
of grave Importance and anxious inquiry. The
discussion of it hitherto has been Of a negative
characte--rather as to who should not be elect
ed than who should be senator, and conclusion
upon this point seems at length to have been
reached; for to a candid, non-partisan observer
time, the times, events civil and political of
most significant and suggestive force, the ear
nest criticisms of the press in and out of the
state; in word, the stern logic of reasons, of
facts and OF opinions demonstrates the well
come-or u2welcome-truth, as it meets the
wishes or hopes of different men, that Mr..
Hanlin cannot be reelected senator by the
coming Legislature.
Who can be, and who ought to be. are now
the questions of most moment. There are
doubtless numbers of aspirants worthy to
be candidates, any one of whom would not
find it too hard a task to make good (at least)
Mr.. Hamlin's place in the Senate of the United
States, even after his long experience; but of
him mil nisi bonuns -" No one ought
to regret change that brings with it progress
and improvement, and even Mr.. HamliA's
ton as they yield to inexorable fate.
But who shall be senator? What man? What
manner of man? and where from2 are ques-
tions to be met and decided in brief time.
Eastern Maine stands most advantageously on
the question of locality. Other things being
equal it is her right. Usage assigns it to her,
and at this particular time there are cogent rea
sons for continuing the custom. The great
eastern district, with all its great interests, is
entirely unrepresented, and when it will be
otherwise is problematical; not certainly in the
near future. Gen. Hersey, Mr.. HamliB's pro-
tege, most unfortunately is suffering from
painful sickness, that has for long time pre-
vented him from being in his place in Congress,
and, although the senatorial Office represents
the state more properly than local district,
it also represents district as well as the state,
/ and senator must Necessarily be more nearly
and directly interested in men and measures in
| his own neighborhood. The men of eastern
Maine, whether 10 or out of the Legislature
had better be looking, if not to their laurels, at
least to their interests
But who shall be senator? Judge John A.
Peters has been extensively and most fayorably
| spoken of, publicly and in private circles, as
| the man for the place; thus far, no other east
ern man has been so named; and it is. fortu-
nately, most certainly true that he possesses
| excellent and rare qualifications. He is in the
prime of life aud in the full vigor of health,
physical and intellectual; he is man of tried
and sterling integrity; his intellect is compre-
hensive and logical; as lawyer, as an advO-
cate the has few equal; as a judge, he mas al
| ready secured an enviabe reputation for ability
and ;mpartiality with all men and all parties;
his experie nee in legislation, state and nation
al, has brought with it knowledge of the
wants and necessities of the country; he knows
parties and party men, their aims and purposes.
and with strong sense of right and justice
always active, aud which form the true basis of
his character. Rings and cliques and govern
mental jobbers of whatever stamp will find no
favor with him; liberal and conservative, the
rights of all sections and parties will be consid
cred with sense and justice. And to the quail
fications above suggested, we ought, in justice,
to superadd, a high sense of duty, moral cour-
age and untiring industry.
As party man Judge Peters stand, more
than well. Mr.. Hamlin's friends are his friends,
and would gladly prefer him. Mr.. Hamln's
opponents, aside from particular personal pre-
ferences would give him a willing and hearty
support, while by the large mass of our citizens
comprising the Democratic party, he would be
hailed with confidence and respect. Possibly
by some of our extra-orthodox Republicans,
this might not seem recommendation; but it
disarms party criticism, and the appreciation of
the greatest majority of the honest and intelli-
| gent men of opposing parties, is grateful en-
dorsement and highly honorable TO any cardi-
date.
1t mag seem ungracious all round to send
| tqs letter to the PRESS rather than publish it
| in the Wing and Courier, and from the very
| friendly relations of that paper to Judge Pet
ers, if requested, they would doubtless comply;
and doubtless they ,oA copy it. But it would
| not be quite fair, perhaps, to ask it. That pa
per is linked to the fortunes of Hamlin, and
fights his battle with beautiful fidelity, and
with a zeal which may not all be according to
knowledge. 1t opinions must be taken cum
grano sails" 1t is now performing kind of
political quarantine, which will end in less than
'forty days." and come out all right
p S.-Since writing the above, notice has
| been taken of the extreme and dangerous chal-
leuges to the Press and Advertiser in this
mornings whis and Courier; but pray, if you
please, be killed for this letter, also, and so I'M
| medately save the writer. BANGOR.