The Republican journal., 1876-07-27
The Congregational Matter,

4Ac SOAs5TeSS1OuAx AaLL6Ts
AS there has been good deal Of talk,
speculation and misrepresentation in re-
gard to the position of Hon. Charles A.
Spotford, in connection with the coming
Congressional Convention in this District,
we thought it quite time that the question,
if there was one, concerning his candl-
dacy, should be settled It has been in
dustriously circulated by the supporters of
a newly arisen candidate in Waldo Coun-
ty, and by the candidate himself, that Mr..
Spotford did not intend to accept the
nomination, but on the assembling of the
convention would decline, and use his
strength and influence for Mayor Young.
Of Ellsworth. In order that this question
might be set at rest, we addressed to Mr.
Spofford the following letter
Belfast, July 10, 1876.
Hon. CHARLES A. SPOFFORD. Dear Sir:
The near approach of the Democrat Congress
sional Convention for the Fifth District renders
it important that the Democrats should under
stand whether you are willing to accept the
party usage of a denomination aS candidate for
Representative. Our political friends remem-
Der with gratitude the readiness with which
two years ago you lent your name and influence
to the cause; ard they hope that in the better
days which are believed to be at hand, you will
consent to go once more into the fight What
is known to be your right it is hoped will be
your pleasure.
Very truly yours, W. II. SIMPSON.
In reply to the above we have received
from Mr.. Spofford the following
Deer Isle, July 24, 1876.
My DEAR SIR: You favor of the 18th is at
hand. The question you ask of me Is a delicate
one. But the usage of denomination is an old
and well established one, of which was aware
when the nomination was rendered to me two
wears ago. L am willing to accept it if my
friends of the Convention so decide, and under
the banner of ''Tilden and Reform to labor
wherever my services can be useful to the cause.
Sincerely yours, CHARLES \. SPOFFORD.
w. III. Simpson, Esq.
After receiving the above reply, we
sought personal interview with Monroe
Young, Esq. We said to him" Mr..
Young, it is stated, and have it from the
lips Of Mr.. Mcclellan, who now seeks the
nomination. that there is an intention on
your part to SO control the convention as
to be yourself presented as the candidate.
| come to you to ascertain the truth or
falsity Of that report
Mr.. Young replied-'' 1t is not true.
The nomination belongs to Mr.. Spotford.
in all right and justice, and am for him,
first, last and all the time. | don't want
the nomination, | won't accept it, and
Al. 7
We hear the argument made that the
Democratic nomination for Congressman
should come west of the river this time,
'as Il matter of justice'-the intimation
being that Waldo and Knox have not
been treated fairly. Let us see how this
is. The first election in the present fifth
district was held in 1862. James White
Of Belfast was the candidate at that time
and in 1864. In 1870. P. j. Carleton of
Camden, was the candidate. SO that, of
nominations up to this time, covering
twelve years, Waldo and Knox have had
six years-and yet, the Democratic vote
of the eastern counties exceeds that of the
western by 1856. 1t would seem that. las
a matter of justice" the nomination should
60 east, and as Washington presents no
candidate, of course it falls to Hancock.
1t is a curious fact, but nevertheless it
is a fact, that Axel IIayford and Seth l..
Milliken are very busy in endeavoring to
promote the nomination of Mcclellan for
Congress, by the Democratic Convention.
Haytord recently accompanied Mcclellan
on {: tour into Hancock to endeavor to
arrange things" while Mi|liken is in
constant consultation with the candidate,
as guide, philosopher and friend" The
evident intention is that the stone rejected
by the builders of the radical temple at
the Hale Convention shall become the head
of the Democratic corner. The improved
condition of things that we are all invited
to contemplate is the rejection of Spofford
as candidate for Congress. Mcclellan in
his place, with Axel Hayford and Seth L.
Milliken as right and left hand supporters
and party managers. And all this in the
interest of Reform and Honest Govern
ment