Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-05-19
REPUBLICAN DISTRICT CONVENTION.
Harmonious and Enthusiastic Gather.
fng-Rcsoiutions-Sp by Mr.. stevens.

The republicans of the Third Congressional Dis
trict, through their delegates, met in convention
at Granite Hall, at noon yesterday, for the pur-
pose of selecting two delegates to represent the
district at the National Republican Convention at
Cincinnati
The convention was called to order by Hon.
John l.. Stevens, for The district committee, and
Hon. w. II. Stevens Of North New Portland, was
called to preside.
Mr.. Stevens on taking the chair, thanked the
| convention for the honor conferred. He had not
expected to preside, and had therefore prepared
| no remarks, but he begged to remark that he had
| no doubt delegates would be chosen who would
have the honor of participating in the convention
| that would present the name of the Hon. James
G. Blaine, as the republican candidate for Presi-
dent
| The mention of Mr.. Blaines name was received
with great applause.
w. E. S. Whitman of Augusta, and Capt. Adj
olson Austin of Newcastle, were chosen Secreta
ries.
On motion of George w. Dorr of Watcrville,
the following committee was appointed
dentials George w. Dorr Kennebec; Cephas
Farwcll, Somerset; Z. W. Chapman, Lincoln.
On motion of Hon. John L. Stevens of Augusta,
| the following committee resolutions was ap-
pointed, to report resolutions rejecting the senti-
| ments of the convention: John l.. Stevens Of Ken
| nebec, c. A. Woodbury. Of Somerset, J. II. II.
Hewitt of Knox.
Mr.. Dorr, from the committee credentials,
report ed that 80 towns were represented bv 10
delegates.
On motion of Mr. Webb of Waterviile, the tenn.
porary organization made permanent.
Mr.. Webb of Watervillc, said that as it was I'M
stood that delegates were to be presented from
Somerset and Lincoln counties, he nee
easily of taking up time in balloting, and there
fore moved that the nominations be made by &C
clamation. Carried.
Dr. 3. T. Lancaster of Wscasset, presented
the delegate from Lincoln county, the name Of
EDWIN FIVE of Newcastle. lie was nom natcd
unanimously by rising vote.
Judge Dascomb Of Skowhegan, presented the
name of GEN. X. 3. SHEPHERD Of Skowhcgan,
as the delegate from Somerset county. He was
nominated unanimously by rising vote.
On motion Of Geo. L. Minot of Belgrade Rev.
DR.. Henry P. Jersey Of Readieli, was chosen Al
ternate.
On motion of Mr.. Marble, Harvey II. Lowell Of
Newcastle, was also chosen Alternate.
Hon. John l.. Stevens. from the Committee
Resolutions, reported, the following series, which
were adopted, with applause:
Resolted, That the Republican party in
stituted for the great purposes of Freedom, Ma
tional Restoration and Reform, and that it should
be continued until the lights Of all citizens are
politically recognized throughout the Union, and
our Civil Service elevated to its highest practical
standard of purity, efficiency and economy.
Resolred, That the Republicans OF this Congress
sional District for more than twenty years have
thoroughly known their long tried Representative
in Congress, Hon. James &. Blaine-a true citi-
zen, uncompromising Republican, model
.tatesman-and that they are proud to cooperate
with their fellow countrymen in all sections of
the Union in presenting his name to the National
Convention candidate for the Presidency.
Mr.. Stevens then proceeded to address the con-
venton briefly, as follows:
Indscriminate calumny against public men is
abroad in the land. We are on the of an eXcit
ing and important national election. 1t is nothing
new in the political history of this country that
Presidential candidates are the objects of unjust
fable assault. This has been the experience of all
from Washington to Grant The attacks on the
Adamses, Jackson, and Gay, were of the most
bitter and shameful character. Sixteen years
since, the one who now addresses you sent
by the Republicans of Maine to represent them III
the National Convention in Chicago. The leading
candidate for weeks prior to the assembling OF
that Convention, was the object of attacks and in
situations too foul for me TO stain my lips with
their repetition in your presence, though William
ii, Seward was of the ablest and truest states
men this country ever produced.
To day the name ofJAMEs g. BLAINE is on the
hearts OF earnest Republicans from the Pacific to
the Atlantic. In the prime of manhood, of mas
telly ability, OF extensive and varied acquisitions
for craftsmanship, with ripe experience in public
affairs, he is the choice for Presidential candidacy
of those who best realize the needs ofthe Republic
IN the trying years Immediately before US. We
all know him well. For nearly a quarter of
century he has lived in your midst You know
his character citizen and man of business
The facts are before the country to how he has
met the charges against him-painly, fully. con-
cusively in the opinion Of all candid and impair
tlal men. Beaten at all points, the enemy falls
back on one general declaration, and tha; is the
substance of all he has to say. The charge is
that Mr.. Blaine went into Congress poor man,
and is Iich, The answer to this is brief and
conclusive. la 1858, with no inconsiderable sum
of money, fairly earned by industry, energy, and
wise business management, he made large in
vestment, partly with paid down cash, and far
more with credit backed by mortgage and assisted
by friends. SO much confidence had he u the
prospective value OF the property thus purchased
that he strongly urged his personal friends to
make like investment. This is matter well
known in this community. This property speed
llv increased lai ,ely IN value than wildcat
lag his wisdom and foresight in making the pur-
chase. The increasing value of this investment
| amounted to respectable fortune within the fol-
lowing five years. In 1868, at the date of his en-
trance in Congress, Mr. Blaine must have been
worth $4,000 to $4,000. Twenty-Five years
have passed since he first engaged in business en-
| terprise in your midst. In that period,
thousands of men in the country of far less
| business capacity and of less business ac-
| tvity, have become far more wealthy without
hostile criticism. And this Is sufficient answer
to the assertion that in 1868 he went to Congress
a poor man. The wealth he to-day possesses is
vastly over-estima.ed. Daring these twenty-five
years that this distinguished citizen has resided in
yourmidst, have been intimately acquainted with
hin. In all his business transactions with which
| | have been acquainted, have never known him
| 10 receive dollar to which he was not entitled
legitimately legally, and by equity. To this
ton and untruthiu assault on his business integr
| ty and reputation, his fellow citizens in this com
munity oppose the shield Of his well earned char
acer among those who have known him longest
and best.
Conspicuous as is his position to-day and brill
liant the record he has made in the affairs of the
county, if lite and opportunity are spared him,
he will yet SHOW greater capabilities than he has
| yet exhibited, and prove that he has intellectual
resources for craftsmanship TO pace Lin in the
| rank with Hamilton. Seward and Glad stone.