Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-07-13
The IitnI Issues.

There is and ought to be some real
significance in every political campaign.
Tlorc ought 20 De and there are certain
issues 20 Re presented and advanced or
decided. which viii tend to benefit Tie
State or nation. I. is impossible. per
hars, even in "a purely State election,
li>e tine one now under diScu, sion in
Mairc, 90 co2nue the attention of polili.
clans all the people TO purely local or
S.ac questions. TaoSe Of national
character being the mos, important. will
claim attention, and crowd out mans
subjects winch are deserving O, consid
craiiou. To oonGuc, State campaign
on genera. issues iaat are past, that have
rocei: ,d due attention and adjudication /;
or los ,bc two PARTIES 20 shake peysouaii-
ties and bitter ep,,he,s ~ each other Is a
mos, h1mHnting spectacle. tor even
grown zap boys To simply intensity
political bitterness by Ease accusation
anu Misrepresentation. Is too low an
occupation for any except scoids and
viraCo5s.
The political issues involved in this
present campaign ale lew and simple.
Platforms may De ailrigh, and Necessary.
and they MAJ or they may not represent
the advanced and progressive sentiments
and principles O. The parties who put
them forth. Il lie people desire TO fine
and sc. upon the rea. wants Of the STATE,
they should turn from the platforms 10
those principles and measures. by the
discussion aud adoption OF which, some
present or future good may be accom-
piiShed
First OF all there must be nominated
good men for office. Men OF honor, IL
tegyi,y and character are not only nee
essary TO the stability Of any government
bu; absolutely indispensable to the eNe-
cutiou and enforcement OF just principles
and measures. The histor; and character
OF men are the grounds OF Judgment as
10 qualification and fitness for public sta
tion in STATE, County or Nation. Ii 3
man hos JccH patriot-ii be has served
his country when his services were most
needed-ii be can show a record OF honor
and integrity II lie OF industry, dis
erection and Justice. and if his aspirations
are govern eG y moderation, purity and
reciprocity, he will be found worthy 10
assume aud exercise any responsibility
which may be laid upon him. For the
future Republican Governor OF Maine.
ike the present, there is every reason TO
believe that such man has been NOM
mated. And for County officers the Re
publicans have or viii dominate men OF
3 similar character.
When the right men have been secured
in official station the issues ought perhaps
20 take care OF themselves. But in
popular government. officials are simply
SERVANT OF the people and the people
themselves are expected % give form,
iorce and selection 70 the issues. Thus,
when Legislature mas been elected. the
popular wants and needs become the
themes tor discussion and enactment
What are now those wants? An answer
20 this question must be postponed tor
the present. It may require more polit-
Cal wisdom and foresight than tall to the
lot Of ordinary men. But i politicians.
editors and contributors would turn their
attention in this direction. something
might be elected beyond simple partizan
controversy and personal hostility