Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-19
Names Political Responsibility.


tracts upon the same subject.
Names Political Responsibility.
To tie Editor Of the Journal:
Washington, d. c., July 10Th, 1876.
1t may not be known to portion of the repub-
licans of Maine that the results of the political
contest in that State in September are looked up
on with more than ordinary interest by the prom
inent leaders of both parties Not that Name IS
considered doubtful in its allegiance to the party
that has so long and so wisely governed its al
fairs, but that in the present strongly arrayed po
sition of both parties, she will be to great extent
an indicator of the public feeling The constitu-
tenal amendment adopted by many states of late
leaves Maine, Ohio, Indiana, and few others the
only states having elections prior to the November
election hence the desire Of both political parties
to make good showing in such States. The IT,
dial wave which swept over the country two years
ago, resulting in the election of many State Gov
errors and the present opposition House OF ReP-
resentatives did not at that time affect Maine as
her election over before it came; but the
next year, when a reaction set in almost every
where, Maine reduced hcrrepublican majority one
half. This fact, easily accounted for on local Is
sues mostly, has given the leaders of the demo-
cratic party encouragement to believe that they
can make the canvass there lively and close one,
although they hardly hope for ma critics; and it
is pretty well ascertaIned fact that they mean to
canvass the State more thoroughly, and use mon
ey and influence more lavisby than at any time
since the ante be llum days. Very many of their
ablest speakers will soon be on the stump. and
rliol ,,i, fhap Afnl
Again, the persistent attacks made upon our IA
vorite son, Blaine, by the democrats and exrebels,
and his wonderful and successful repulsion and
overthrow of their plots and actions, have quick
ened and intensified their purposes, which are, to
lessen the republican power in his State and thus
try to convince the people that his popularity Is
waning amongst his own constituents. Such de-
signs on their part are already planted, and by
the most desperate measures they hope to see
them bear fruit Now the State of Maine is I'M
doubtedly thoroughly republican state, as much
so as Massachusetts, But so long has that party
held the reins that, with quite a portion Of the
party, it presumed that, like death and taxes it is
sure and they become apathetc and careless,
forgetting the duties required of the true citizen,
which are being ever watchful, vigilant and faith
full. Thus we saw, last year, State capable at
any time of giving Is, 600 republican majority, re
turning barely 1000, and at time when her sis
ter States were not only beating back democratic
victories but rolling up old fashioned republican
msjorities.
1t is true. then, that the supporters Of Tilden
and Hendricks have determined to make, if posi-
BILE, an impression upon the citizens of Maine,
and to so influence the state election there, TO
give their party in the country encouragement
from the results.
They have another purpose also-that of hold
ing their majority in the House Of Representa-
tives.
The Senate is now SO evenly divided, that the
death of one or two republican senators and a
change in one or two States, would give them that
body; and with retained majority in the House,
they could absolutely control the country even
with a republican President. Hence they will
leave no stone unturned, will waste no endeavors
to effect this purpose Owing to some bad feeling
in two of the Maine districts they quite conf
IDENTIFY assert that they will gain those districts;
and money from the Tilden Golfers will flow into
those districts abundantly. These facts are shown
in order that the republican party of Maine may
ground easy to walk over.
1t is also a misfortune that the powerful and
magnetic influence of Mr.. b laine is denied the
party by his sickness. mainly brought about by
rebel venom and abuse. Could he be on
his feet as of old, believe Maine could count
ON one of those old fashioned msjorities
such as elected Hamlin, and which sent thrill of
joy throughout the ranks CT the Republican party.
Yet this loss must be made up in some way, and
there is other save increased energy, vigilance
and enthusiasm. The people of Maine are patri-
otto to the core, need no enlightenment upon the
great questions agitatng the American people,
and are always likely to record their votes upon
the right side. But, l previously said. they
sometimes trust too much to feeling of political
security, or depend upon their ncighbors to main
tain for them their settled opinions at the polls
The ever jealous and active workers in the party
should see to it, and at once that this element so
essential to success should be thoroughly
awakened and stimulated, so that Maine may re.
tain her prestige Of being one of the staunchest
and most reliable Republican States in the Union.
The political battle already being waged is, per-
haps, as eventful and full of danger to the Repub-
lie as that which, in 1861, called so many of
Names brave sons into armed conflict; and il
through the apathy, neglect, or carelessness of
our State, the ranks of the enemy should receive
encourage ment in their renewed efforts to tram
pie down the great principles of right and justice
established by the overthrow of slavery and
Southern rule, the blood of these martyred sons
would seem to rest upon their hands. There are
but two sides in this conflict the side of right
and that of wrong. AS the old issues are
almost exactly fought over again, the
people of Maine know well their position in the
conflict. And knowing the strength, the wiles
and the determination of their enemy, let them
buckle on the old time armor, and, SO far as they
are concerned, show to the country that their
patriotism is as strong their zeal as undated,
and their Republican msjorties as large as IN the
past. e. b.