The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1875-09-16
The Election.

When the campaign in this state was so
auspiciously begun by the nomination OF
our gallant standard bearer, Gen Roberts,
and the adoption of the excellent platform
upon which the campaign has been fought,
we expressed the opinion that in the pres
ent year the tidal wave would reach
Maine, and that the revolution in public
sentiment would surprise and CRAFTY our
friends. And now, while the smoke of
battle still hangs about our ranks, we are
happy to record the iultillment OF that
prediction. We have not elected Gen
Roberts, but the overwhelming majority
by which Maine has been bound to Ia d.
calism for nearly a quarter of a century
has melted away, and she is in future a
state which by proper efforts can be car
rled by the Democrats. The Legislature,
in which we have had scarcely sho wing,
will be SO nearly divided in political
strength as to make the Democracy for
midable in the next session and the prob
able majority in future ones The Demo-
Gratis carry the counties of Knox, Waldo,
Hancock, York, Washington, Cumber-
land, and probably Aroostook. The Re-
publicans have the remaining nine That
which the Democracy of Maine have
waited for long and patiently, which has
seemed often so near, but still GLIDING
them-is now a reality We have great
Democratic success in the Pine Tree State
This is not unexpected There was that
mysterious something in the air which
told of coming change. Perhaps it was
the sense that the outrageous Conduct of
those in power had written their own de-
served doom; perhaps the first mutter-
ings Of the coming storm of public opn-
ion. But certain it was that 1.-the air was
full Of poniards," and Of portents of de =
struction to the dominant party 1t was
this that moved the democracy, almost as
one man, to labor Tor their eau Sc, to or
ganlze, to confer neighbor with neiohbor
Of the coming change. and to consider the
best means OF promoting it. This has not
been the work of Z day or a week, but of
the slow aggregation of causes OF discon-
tent with the conduct Of public affairs
and Of the need of change Therefore
will it be permanent.
The friends OF Gen. Roberts have one
great triumph in the result. The cam
paign Of vituperation has most signal!y
failed The Stiffness OF the Smith letter,
and the hundred foolish innuendoes iii =
rected against our candidate personally,
have been ignominious failures. He
comes out with q popular endorsement
that puts them all to shame. 1t says to
the contriyers OF such dastardly weapons
that the people hold them at their true
value Let them hide their heads in
shame.
The greeting that Maine sends to her
sister states will have a great effect.
When & state that has so long and certain
ly been Republican stronghold, taltcrs
and falls, it has in it something porten-
tious, 1t will be hailed on the Pacific
coast as the response to CALIFORNIA; bril-
liant triumph. 1t will encourage our
brethren struggling Tor victory against
the common foe in Ohio. In New York
Pennsylvania, and all the states that are
to hold fall elections, its force will be felt
and appreciated And everywhere will
radicalism hear the prophetic voice ex-
claiming-"Thy kingdom has departed.