The Portland daily press., 1875-04-15
The GOyernOrShiD.

The positive with rawal of Gov. Dingley
renders it necessary for the Republicans to
select a new candidate for Governor. Doubt
less there will be a number of gentlemen who
will be so anxious to serve the state that
they will devote much time to setting forth
their own merits and laying the wires which
will bring majorityof the delegates to the
convention in their favor. 1t is safe TO say
that the Republicans do not desire candi-
date who secures his nomination by personal
work, by visiting the various parts of the
state and enlisting the services of local lead
ers. The Republicans of Maine will require
man for their standard-bearer whose char
acter, public and private, is pure; whose
record is not only creditable, but has been so
conspicuous as to secure him the confidence
and esteem of the people of Maine; whose
ability commends him to public respect; and,
above all, whose industry, integrity and firm
ness will inspire confidence. The people of
Maine do not want a Governor who will
simply be a fgure-head, good fellow, or
mere policy seeker, but man who will care
fully and conscientiously care for the various
interests of the state, and who will not use
the Office for selfaggrandizsment or in the
interest of the few.
Already the names of number of gentle
men have been mentioned in connection with
the candidacy. Some of them would be
received with favor. Others are not to be
thought of in connection with party leader
ship. The name we have most frequently
heard favorably mentioned since the an
nouncement of Gov. Dingley's decision is
that of GEN. SELDEN CoNNoR of Augusta.
We cannot tell how it will strike those who
make politics a business, but we have before
us already several communications from
active and earnest Republicans in various
parts of the state, expressing the hope that
Gen. Connor may be our next standard
bearer. Gen. Connor will not seek the
office. If he is the party candidate, it will be
because the honor has sought him. He will
write no letters, he will do no button-holing,
he will not play the Office seeker, for such he
is not. Yet no man in Maine would more
thoroughly appreciate the honor or more
completely comprehend the responsibilities of
the position.
Gen. Connor is so well known to the people
Of Maine, by reputation at least, that any
extended notice of him is hardly necessary.
He is about thirty-fve years of age. He was
born in Fairfield, Somerset county, and is the
son of Hon. Wm. Connor, prominent busi-
ness man of the Kennebec. Gen. ConGor
T,,P, COlla With dstipotioD
in 1860. He Immediately began to read law,
but when the integrity of the country was
threatened, he was one OF the first to respond
to the call of the President. If we mistake
not, he raised company for the 7th Maine.
He was soon made Lieutenant Colonel, and
in that capacity proved so thorough soldier
that he was subsequently, transferred to the
10th Maine as Colonel. He participated with
distinguished credit in all the leading engage
ments of the war until the bloody days of the
Wilderness, where he was so dangerously
wounded that it was thought for months that
he could not live. For nearly six months his
life depended upon the faithfulness of single
attendant. So conspicuous had been his SER
vices that, on the recommendation of Gen.
Grant, President Lincoln appointed him
Brigadier General. So severe was the injury
which Gen. Coanor received that he did not
sufficiently recover his strength to engage in
business until 1868. About that time, with
out the solicitation of himself or his personal
friends, he was appointed Assessor of In
ternal Revenue for the third district of Maine.
He continued in that office until it was
abolished, when he was appointed Collector,
which office he now holds.
Gen. Connor is thorough Republican from
conviction. Out of Office or in Office he is a
cordial supporter of the principles which
underlie the organization, and is in hearty
sympathy with those who represent its best
purposes and aspirations. He is not favorite
of managing politicians, and is entirely out
side of any clique or ring. He is no mans
man. He is a thoroughly sincere and in
telligent gentleman, whose many excellent
qualities are best appreciated by those familiar
with him. Naturally reserved man with a
moderate estimate of his own ability, he is
not one to push himself to the front.
The PRESS does not propose to assume at
present the active partisanship of any gentle
man for the nomination, but will take pleasure
in presenting to the people of Maine the
qualities of candidates who may be in the
field, so far as shall seem fitting and useful in
each case. The Republicans of Maine should
seek a man whose character and abilities will
add strength to the ticket and will renew and
strengthen the allegiance to the party which
has been impaired in many quarters by some
of the events of the past year. Such man
is Gen. Connor, aud the PRESS will support
with heartiness him or any other gentleman
of like qualities who shall be satisfactory to
the Republicans Of Maine.