The Portland daily press., 1875-05-10
To Whom it may Concern.


At this juncture in our political affairs the
Republicans of Maine should not be satisfied
with an ordinary success in September. Our
victory should be so conclusive and complete
as to leave no doubt in the minds of any, ex-
cept the ultra Bourbon, respecting Republi-
will follow if we properly heed the lessons OF
the past and avoid the mistakes and blunders
which self-assumed leaders have brought to
the party in other states.
The most important of these lessons is that
afforded by Massachusetts,. There can be no
doubt but that the state is as thoroughly Re-
publican in sentiment as ever. At any rate,
Bourbonism is now no more popular in the
Bay State than it was ten or. twenty years
since. Last November's result was simply
revolt against disreputable leadership which
the Republican masses were satisfied would
give no heed to ordinary protest. In half the
Congressional districts, the Republican voter
was required to vote for men, who, in Con-
gress had brought reproach to Massachusetts
or for men who obtained their nominations
through species of sharp practice by which
the unmistakable preferences Of large majori-
ties we've utterly ignored Small men were
pushed to the front by interests which aroused
popular suspicion. Political quacks manipu-
lated caucuses and controlled nominations.
Thousands of men saw that there was no 9TH
er means to shake off such candidates but by
defeating them at the polls, which they did.
Many have mistaken the significance of the
result, regarding it as political revolution
when it was simply revolt against the scan
dalous and corrupt leadership of the Buffers,
the Williamses and the Ayers.
On the other hand, the Republicans OF New
Hampshire had no cause to expect anything
but sweeping defeat last March. The par
ties in that state are so nearly equal in
strength that the gain or loss of few hun
dred votes brings victory or defeat The
Democrats having the legislature of last year,
had taken the most unscrupulous measures
to secure success. Frauds had been skillfully
organized; voters imported in large numbers,
and, in many. instanced ballot boxes were
stuffed. Yet with all these odds against
them, the Republicans achieved substan-
tial victory. Why? Because from the head
of the ticket TO the last name, the utmost
care was exercised in making the party nom
nations. A further Illustration may be
found in Michigan. Last November, large
number of candidates dstasteful to the party
at large, were nominated, relying upon the
large party prep onderance for their election.
Legislative nom nations were made to secure
certain object which the masses did not
|, want. The result was that the state ticket
barely escaped defeat and only slender ma
iority was retained in the legislature. Last
month an election was held in that state
when the Republicans had popular nomina-
tions and the result was the old majority on
full vote.
1t. therefore, behooves the Republicans OF
Maine to exercise the greatest care in making
their nominations. 1t is not enough that at
the head of the ticket we place strong name.
The signal success which we all desire, re-
quires that every name on our county and
legislative tickets be the best possible. AT all
times this should be done as matter of prin-
ciple; but just now policy demands it, for in
| telligent voters are going to scrutinize the
character of the men presented to them for
| their suffrages with the utmost vigilance.
| If there ever was time when per-
sonal claims, local preferences and mere
party service should be recognized in making
| nominations, the present is not that season.
| Above all the caucus manager should have
season of rest. The ambitious man who
carries over weight or is generally assumed to
do so, should keep off the course of 1875.
/ There was never time when light weight
| helped a ticket. Indeed it will not do to
force upon Republican voters, by the aid OF
cancus machinery, good man who has the
| misfortune to be obnoxious. There never
was time when men whose names are
coupled with general suspicion and whose
private and business character is under a
cloud, should be placed upon Republican
ticket. In Massachusetts, majorities o.
thousands were lost last November by such
men as Butler and Aver being forced upor
unwilling voters. Even Judge Poland o
Vermont who was distasteful to his constitu
ents failed an election where his party's ma
iorty is more than 5000. Maine is not 81
different from the rest of New England tha
the Republicans can nominate man who il
distrusted or disliked by large part of th'
rank and file.
The best men must be nominated, not be
cause they will favor this or that measure
but because they possess the confidence o.
the people for their ability, integrity ane
sound judgement. These are not the
men usually who are most energetic In push
ing to the front, still they are such as intefi
gent Republicans not only take pleasure il
voting for but in otherwise securing thel
election, thus making the canvass easy and ;
victory sure and emphatic. This policy ha
already been well begun for there is scarcel.
a doubt but that the Republican ticket vii
be headed by GEN. SELDEN CoNNoR, VIII
is conspicuous example of the men VIII
will commend a ticket to the people. LIE
his name be followed by men of characte
and ability. Let the first object in selectin
candidates be to get the best men; and abov
all, let it not occur to us to ask what claim
Mr.. A. or Mr. B. has for the nomination
The whole people are to be served and nc
this or that lspirant pleased.