Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-04-19
cEyFR1L sELDEy C0NN0R.

II is with the most sincere and hearty
qualification that we present to the Kepuo-
licans of Maine the name of General Sell
DEN CONNOR, of this city, as candi-
date for the nomination for Governor at
the approaching Republican State Conven-
ton. Our pleasure in taking this step is
greatly enhanced by the voluntary express
sions which have been made in all parts
of the State, in the columns ofsome OF our
most influential papers and in private let
tiers and dispatches, in favor of the nomi-
nation of General Conner. This general
and spontaneous sentiment not only at
tests the universal respect in which his
name is held by the people OF the Stale,
but it shows that the movement for him is
not confined to any mere local influence,
or that any ring or clique can appropriate
him as its special candidate. The first
mention OF General Connor's name as a
candidate, since Governor Dingley issued
his letter declining denomination, ap-
peared in the editorial columns ofthe Ban
gor Wing and Courier of the 14th' That ex-
preston from the East was responded to
bv one from the West, on the 10th. in the
editorial columns of the Portland Press,
the latter equally as strong in favor of
General Conner as the former. The Port
land Advertiser, Bath Times, and Bridgton
News have also spoken fayorably, as also
have the intelligent regular Maine cores
pondents of the Boston dailies from their
several localities in this State. These in
dications together with such information
as we have from private sources leave no
doubt that as soon as the weekly press can
speak upon the subject, the Republican
press of Maine will be substantially unit,
for the nomination of General Conner. 1t
is true that the names of other distin-
guished gentlemen have been mentioned
as candidates, but it is to their honor that
they do not and will not press their claims
against soldier candidate amply qualified
for the position, and bearing on his person
visible marks ofthe faithfulness with which
he fought for his country.
In this city, where General Conner re-
sides and has resided several years, where
he is known as gentleman of culture, of
pure life, modest, diligent in business, an
exemplary, kind-hearted citizen, APP
proachable by all, respected as well for
his private worth as for his soldierly deeds
and sacrifices, the entire community is
enthusiastic for his nomination, saving
perhaps those who for political reasons
would rather the Republicans would Sc
lect a less available candidate. No such
enthusiasm and harmony over candidate
has been witnessed here for years. Re-
garding the public feeling here as an in
dex of what it may be in the State at large
when his name is fully presented to the
people. we may reasonably conclude that
he will be without an opponent in the
State Convention, and will be elected Gov
ernor by one of the largest najorities any
candidate for that position has ever re-
ceived.
General Selden Conner is the son of
William ConRor of Fairfield. He was
born in that town January %, 1889. He
fitted for college at Westbrook Seminary,
and graduated at Tufts College in 1859.
Leaving college he turned his attention
towards profession. and in the fall Of
1860 began reading law in the Office of
Washburn & Marsh, at Woodstock, Yer
mont. The next year the rebellion broke
out. and Conner left his books, broke up
his plans for life, and was among the first
to offer his personal services to the coun-
try. He enlisted in April 1861, as pri-
vate, in the Woodstock Light Infantry,
one Of the companies composing the First
Vermont, three months regiment, of
which j. w. Phelps, afterwards brigadier
general, was colonel, and Mr.. Washburn
of the law firm with which he had been
studying, lieutenant colonel. The list
Vermont was mustered into the service of
the United States. at Rutland, VT, May
Ind, and Immediately proceeded to New
York. whence it was sent by steamer to
Fortress Monroe After doing duty in
and around the Fortress few weeks. the
regiment was sent to Newport News,
where it established that post and re-
manned until the expiration of its term OF
service, Conner being on duty with the
regiment until mustered out with it at
Brattleboro, August 10Th. He was imme
diately rendered a captaincy in one of the
Vermont three years regiments, then
forming, but declined it, preferring to take
part with the troops of his own State.
Some time before the expiration of his en-
listment he was urged to procure his dis
charge and take command of company
raised in his native town, which had
chosen him captain. On his way home
from Vermont he was informed that he had
been elected major of the 9TH Maine, the