Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-12
FOR GOVERNOR,
SELDEN CON NOR
Mr.. Blaine's Resignation.

The republicans of the Third Congress
sional District of Maine will read with
deep regret the announcement in our col
umns, this morning, by Mr.. Blaine. of his
resignation as their Representative in the
House at Washington. That he himself
does not sever his relations towards his
old district without regret is evident by
the heartfelt and eloquent words in which
he takes his leave as its Representative.
A relation so long sustained, so honorable
to all concerned. rooted in the esteem and
affection of an intelligent and apprecia-
tive constituency. cannot be broken with
out emotions of regret at the separation.
Fourteen years ago this month Mr..
Blaine was first nominated in this dist let
as the candidate Of the republicans for
Congress Such was the confidence felt
in his ability and integrity at that time
that he received practically the unanimous
vote of the convention which nominated
him. Elected the following September,
he took his seat in the House March 4,
1868, where he has ever since served con-
tinuously as the Representative of this dis
trict, each election manilestlng his
growing popularity, and returning
him as regularly to the House as the
elections occurred. Standing in the con-
venton at which he was first nominated,
he pledged himself to use his best SER
vices for the district, and to support to the
best of his ability the policy of Abraham
Lincoln to subdue the rebellion, and then
and there expressed plainly the idea
that Slavery must and ought to be
abolished to save the Union. That he has
kept his pledge faithfully his constituents
know and feel and the records OF Congress
attest. To this district his abilities were
freely given, and as he rose in honor in
the House and in the public estimation,
he reflected honor and gave strength to
the constituency that supported him.
Every step he made in advance was "a
gain for them. 1t was a grand thing
for this district to have as its Representa-
tive in Congress, for six years, the Speaker
of the House, filling the place next in
importance to that of President of the
United States, with matchless ability. 1t
was grander thing when he took the lead
of the minority in the House last Deem
Der, routed the democratic majority and
drove back in dsmay the ex-Confederates
who were intending and expecting
through the advantage they had already
gained to grasp the supreme power in the
nation and WELD it in the interest of the
cause of secession and rebellion revived
For what he has done as their Representa-
tive in Congress, never will this Third
District of Maine forget to honor the name
of James g. Blaine. 1t will live in the
hearts of this people even as the
name of Henry Clay is still loved by the
people of his old district in Kentucky.
1t will be a source of great satisfaction
to the republicans of This district in con-
nexion with Mr.. Blaine's resignation, to
know that he will still represent them in
the Senate, though the bounds Of his con-
stituency are enlarged to the limits of the
State. Their interest will be his, his will
be theirs. In his enlarged sphere he may
be more useful to them and the c5untrv
He has plucked every honor the House
could give him; we have no doubt he
will be equally fortunate in the Senate,
and that our good Slate will elect him
term after term to serve her III Congress
as this district has, as long as he will con-
sent to serve.
\ Reversible Ticket,