Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-08-17
Trom the Rockland Free Press.)

The self-constituted leaders of the democrats in
this State for the campaign,-Mcssrs. Emery, Jol
dan & Co.,-scem to have abandoned the idea
of legitimate controversy upon political topics,
and are devotng their efforts principally to attacks
upon the Hon. James G. Blaine. 1t is true that
Mr.. Blanc's career for number of ears has
identified him with the politics of the State and
country at large in so much that it might be
claimed discussion Of promi ne mt political events
unavoidably involved his record as a representa-
tive man. This we are ready to admit, and also
That such record is proper subject for democrat
c criticism But justice demands that Whatever
criticisms are offered should be truthful and taf
not distorted, malicious, or based on assumptions
incapable of substantiation. Mr.. Blaine, we have
perfect confidence, will not object to the closest
scrutiny of his public life, nor shrink from the
consequences. If his recttude has been preserved
from no higher prompting than security from the
hounds whom he has known to be following his
steps, he is at least sagacous enough to nave CIV
en- them no opportunity to discover him misusing
his offices. He is well aware how quickly they
would pounce upon him in such case. The en-
Wy and malignity of the pack has been conspicuous
whenever it was thought occasion offered TO IN
lure him. As vet, however all attempts to in
volye him in dishonorable transactions or convict
him of the least unfathfuness, have utterly failed
One charge after AZ other has been preferred by
his traducers investigation of which has not only
left him unharmcd but each time occupying a
more advantageous place in public esteem. 1t will
be borne in mind how triumphanty he was vim
Dictated before the committee who investigated
the Credit Mobilier transactions. That Commit
tee, at his request, was constituted with major
ity of democrats upon it, and he was completely
relieved by them from AL suspicion OF having
been connected with it.
But proof of Mr.. Blaines rectitudc is not suiici-
ent to silence his traducers. They jump from
one accusation to another fast the falsity OF
each is proved. They have endeayored to con-
meet him with the sale of the Maine Agricultural
College scrip, but whether wisely sold or not, 1t
was done against his advice. They have attempt
ed to convict him to helping the paper credit SWIM
die in our State, and again their charges are
proved false by congressional records, showing
his efforts to stop the abuse. But as we have be-
fore said proof of the alty of the charges against
Mr. Blame does not silence Pillsbury, Emery, x
Co. They keep up the reiteration of accusations
proven false again and again. By doing so. they
confirm the convictions not only of their personal
malignity toward Mr.. Blaine, but also of their ut
ter unworthiness in political controversy. Ii their
old record left any ground for doubt, their late
writings have effected it. Every accusation they
haye made against Mr.. Blaine in this campaign
has been unsustained by anything but their bare
assertions. 1t is certainly a high honor to him,
that followed as he is by such malignant enemies,
they are unable TO find, in his long and prominent
career, one single damaging fault to parade. Both
he and his friends have reason to be gratihed at
the impotency ofthis war upon Mr.. Blaine who so
prominently represents the Republican party.