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

IL is no inconsiderable victory that the
Democrats of Maine have won in the CON
test now closed. Although Gen. Roberts
is not chosen to the place to which he is
so we'll fitted, it is little short Of a revoltl-
ton that is seen in the cutting down of an
Administration majority to one halt its
usual dimensions and the election of q
Legislature in which the party of reform
has strong and numerous representation
Mr. Blaine has seen the burial of his am
billions and his assumptions. Senator Nor
ton can reflect with profit upon the re-
spouse which the people have made to his
latest oratorcal outrages, Grant may find
food for serious reflection by calling to
mind the congratulatory telegram sent
him one year ago by the then Speaker OF
the House and contrasting the present sit
uation with that which that eff'uson pic
tured. Three years ago, Grant went out
of Maine with B., $50 majority; last year
the same party polled 53,13l in a total
vote of 81 500, and elected clear majori-
ty Of GA in the Legislature, Now it stands
shiverjng on the brink of total defeat of
its candidates, with such 4 falling off In
popular support as indicates fatal weak
ness in its hold on existence and Il rapidly
growing decentralization among its fol-
lowing.
1t is unnecessary to analyzc the returns
now received in order to enforce their
significance. The figures speak for them
selves, showing everywhere Democratic
gains When ii is considered against what
odds the party Of reform had to contend,
the result becomes yet more gratifying.
With every appliance of Federal patron
age at their service, with money free for
their use, and with one OF the most astute
political managers to conduct the cam
paign, spurred on by lively personal in
terest, the Republicans have not only fail
ed to hold their own, but have fallen be-
low even respectable success, The
Democrats of Maine have every reason
for congratulation and encouragement.
They have made good fight against
Grantism and Blaineism intrenched be-
hind apparently impregnable detences ;
and the result is a rout not less complete
because the nominal honors of the contest
remain with their antagonists, What was
done in Maine yesterday will give cour-
age to Democrats and Liberals throughout
the land to continue the work until 1t IS
made perfect, confident that, with such
decentralization in the very stronghold OF
Republicanism, its utter defeat is assured.
From the Portland Argus.
Yesterday the administration received
a singing rebuke from the honest citizens
of the Pine Tree State. The great tidal
wave of reform which has Just been heard
from in California and Pennsylvania, pass
ed over this state. and Maine wheeled it.
self into line. The result has excelled the
hopes Of the most sanguine. Not one had
a thought that the Democracy would car
ny the State, and the sole object of the
campaign has been to reduce the Republic
can majority SO as to show that the senti-
ment of the honest and thinking mass of
Maine voters is opposed to the system of
bribery and corruption which has so long
ruled the country. Right nobly has Maine
responded to the call, and declared in
tones too loud and plain to be mistaken,
that she will no longer be controlled by
the Blaine-Hamlin of1ice-holding ring
which has so long held the reins of power
The vote for Governor shows reduce
ton of over five thousand OF the Republic
can majority of last year. and the careful
ly figured summary published shows that
Connor's majority will not in any event
exceed 4, 500, and may fall below that fig
ure. In Cumberland County the Demo-
cracy have made clean sweep, and have
carried the counties of Washington, Wal
do and Knox, and in all probability Han
cock and York. We have largely increas-
ed the Democratic representation in the
House. AS the returns come in more iul-
ly the exact results may be obtained, This
is glory enough for one day. .