Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-06-16
~ ~. s. Senntor Ouestlon.

Nominations for the legislature are being
caavasssd. and this question cannot longer
be ignored. There appears to be de-
sign, by some parties. TO avoid discussion
or agitation, and accomplish purposes in
a quiet way-but we hardly think so im'
portant matter can be privately arranged
and the people have little or no hand in
it, Akin 10 this is the plan set on foot
early that there was only one side OF this
controversy and clean track for the
present incumbent.
Ii we arc not much mistaken, there are
70 be very lively times. and candidates in
the field OF no mean quality, such rs Ex'
Gov. Perham, ExGov. Washburn, and
Hon. Josiah IL. Drummond.
Fer years personal friend and sup
porter of Hon Hannibal lIamlin.-in this
his native County, where he has always
bad hosts OF lricndS.-we have no unkind
words TO say OF him now. We have
delighted to honor him. and 10 tho last
s1ateSt when it was so difficult TO decide
whether to sustain Mr.. Morrill,, whose
Hlsnly, independent course on the im'
roAoAmen, question challenged the sup
rprt Of his constituents, as it won their
almiration-inc common with many others
I In old oxford, we sided with her gifted
son. snd battled Tor IIanHibal-but we
were assured then, personally, as were
many Other5-that Ugdcr I'd e0HSldcrd'
i.s.s jC5bhi hs-bc q candidate again. Nor
was It presumed otherwise until recently.
when il is said his friends put him forward
again. This would DC all very well, but
.or The fact that his most active friends,
rho are putting up the job, are men who
bold Office and arc liable to the suspicion
Of seeking % psype.uals tieir o'cH ro'Ocr,
rather than acting for the dear people I.
And some Of this class are men whom the
people DO not desire TO see retained in
Office longer.
Mr.. Hamlin has been remarkably
successful politician. and has been highly
Lonorcd by the people. lie was Speaker
Of tie Maine House OF representatives,
/ In 1857 and lSS9-a member OF Congress
/ nom 1878 20 1916. and commenced his
Senatorial life in 1913. At the close OF
his present term, he will have served
G;getcg years rs Senator, besides four
years a. presiding officer Of that branch,
white Vice President. 1t may be said he
suu vigorous and able TO serve his
country longer-which may be true-but
many o., his old. firm friends think he can
never retire with better grace from public
life, than now.
Oxford County presents fresher man
also q native OF tho Countrywide has
grown u3 among the people and de-
yc'op5d q character for manliuess,
integrity and ability which has been
recognized throughout the State. Hon.
SIDNEY PrDuAN has filed every position
Of : public nature, in the State. and
country. with which he has been honorcd.
IN 50 highly crel,La6le 4 manner a. to
win universal appreciation. 10 stain
rests upon his character. lie has always
been identified with relormatoyy move
meutS, and is liberal and public spirited
and active in every good work. Old
I oxford has always sustained him gcner.
ously, and we know will continue 10 do
I So rs long IS he romans true aud stead
fast TO the principles OF his life. He will
also receive strong support from his old
\ Congressional District. which returned
him three times to tho Councils OF the
Nation by overwhelming maiorities. Mr..
| Peyh.m has strong support, also, from all
gsco,ioas or the State, and he will dcrelope
3 strength, in the contest, which will
eearprlse those who hare been led TO be
Rove that IL Is all one way.
IT Gov. Washburn and Hon. Josiah II.
fDummoad will also be candidates, no
doubt, and being strong men, will have
tfbeir earnest supporters. Coming from
the same section, though. and necessarily
dividing the strength of their localities.
they will neither Of them be SO strong rs
they would otherwise be. The real con-
;cs, viii probably be between Mr.. Hamlin
and Mr. Perham.
Il is high time that the merits Of the
different candidates were considered by
the people Let everything be done
openly and abovc-board Lctus not have
a silent campaign, which will enable the
wire pullers to control the primary meet
ings anlmHke nominations IS they please
Jet the people awake to the Importance
OF the question, and see to it that their
wishes find expression in the men selected
I to represent them.
We publish, elsewhere, extracts, from
10 excellent article on this subject, from
The Porilsnd Press, entitled A Protest, y
which we commend 10 our readers.
Is it JUSt?