The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1875-08-26
\ Reminiscence of Aroostook Poll
tics. Elder Peck's Ghost.
The kennebec Journal. in nlnsuane

The kennebec journal, in pursuance of
the campaign Of abuse and villitication
which its party leaders have laid out,
makes an attack on Hon James C. Mad
igap. The charges made are as ridicu-
lous as they are false and malignant. In
1858, when there was an excited Congress
sional contest in the old Sixth District be-
tween Bion Bradbury and Stephen G. Eos
ter, the Republicans made extraordinary
efforts in the whole district, and particu-
larly in Aroostook The Democrats be-
came aware that great eXerticns were
being made by their opponents. Promi-
nent Republicans travelled over the dis
trict Money was spent lavishly tor cleo
ton expenses and for bribery, especially
in the French district of Madawaska
Democrats saw the need of meeting
these efforts. Accordingly influential and
active Democrats took the matter in hand.
Among them was James G. Madigan and
Judge Peters, now of the Supreme Court,
who, if we mistake not, visited all por-
tions of Aroostook and checkmated these
efforts. 1t was done by means perfectly
fair and honorable, and resulted in very
large vote for bradbury in that region.
The radicals were so enraged that they
put their Governor, Lot M. Morrill,, up to
an investigation. And what kind Of an
investigation was it9 and before what tri-
bunal? Why, James S. Pike, of Calais,
a bitter partizan, was at once Judge, jury,
attorney, and witness. He was given
by Morrill, q sort of rowing commission,
and held his remarkable court at corner
groceries and behind barns. 1t was en-
tirely one-sided affair. Mr.. Madigan
mad no opportunity to be present, or IN
any manner to be heard. The whole al
fair was as summary and unjust as Star
Chamber proceedings, or the Assizes of
Judge Jetlries.
OF course Pike made Just such 4 report
AS he was sent to make. 1t bristled with
yrtuous Indignation, and was loaded with
ku Klux accusations. These rested on the
testimony OF a class OF men who Pike de-
clared at the outset would get drunk and
sell their votes!
ELDER PECK APPEARS
About q year afterwards the State was
startled by the deialcation of the State
Treasurer, Elder Peck lie had been the
great apostle Of radicalism, and had been
specially active in the Sixth District. He
was a defaulter to an immense amount,
which the State lost. A LARGE PART
OF THIS MONEY WENT INTO
RADICAL ELECTIONEERING FUNDS.
Somes IN the FIRST District had 81 800.
Neal Dow had large sum to aid in his
Maine Law tanaticism.
Then it became apparent what Elder
Peck had been doing in Aroostook and the
rest of that district. HE HAD ROBBED
THE PEOPLE OF MAINE TO CARRY
ELECTIONS.
Peck was never calledtO account tor this
He knew too much of radical schemes and
rascalities and they dared not punish him.
Pixies report iudiciously ignored Peck. But
all the yelpers on the track of Mr.. Madigan
were the associates of Peck. profted poll
ticalIy by his crimes, were his apologists
then, and are silent now regarding this
robbery. 1t was only three years ago
that 4 Republican Legislature voted to re-
lease Neal Dow from the penalties of his
bond as peck's surety, after the courts OF
the State had decided that he was le-
gally liable.
Pretty fellows these to assaiI man like
James G. Madigan