The Portland daily press., 1876-07-01
From the st. Louis Globe-Democrat. I
Richardson of Maine.

Ihe Maine delegation was found at its rooms
at the Southern, quietly considering the situa-
tlon and discussing the chances of the various
candidates for Convention honors. One dele
gate attuned to song sat in corner quietly
humming "Just Before the Battle Mother"
while another, mindful of his early teachings
and of the fact that it was Sunday, was OBJ
served endeavoring to screw his mouth into
shape for an acceptable rendition of 'On the
other side of Jordan
Prominent among the group was Gen. Rich
ardson of Portland, and formerly Mayor of that
city. Not only with his delegation does he
stand high, but throughout the entire state of
Maine is he recognized as a man of unques-
toned Integrity, of sound judgment and of ripe
experience. He is gentleman of extreme
modesty in giving expression to his opinions,
but the quiet earnestneSs with which he states
his views gives him an influence which is
strongly felt in the delegation. The reporto-
rial pump was applied to him under difficult
ties but vigorous charge was made upon OBJ
stacles at the outset, and they were in meas
ure overcome. The heroic treatment having
been determined on the reporter opened with:
General, you will pardon my abruptness, but
how does the Maine delegation stand upon the
all important question of candidates."
well really, have not canvassed the ques-
L
for me to do SO. The Maine delegation is solid
for Tilden and will remain so as long as there
is reason in doing so. l think speak the SEN
timent of the Democratic party, not only in
Maine, but throughout New England, when l
say that fhe occasion requires the nomination
of Tilden. Throughout the New England dele
cations there is harmony upon this question
There are no local dissensions to divide the
party, and it is in thorough working order"
with Tilden nominated, do YOU see a possi-
DllitV of CARVING the State Mama Fl
Democacy?"
''Oh, no; there is no chance of that. At the
last State election we were defeated by over
1000 majority, and, as we stand rather close to
party lines in our State, l do not apprehend
that the difference can be overcome. But with
Tilden as our standard bearer, the canvass
would be an earnest one, and if there was any
possibility of drawing Maine into the line of
Democratic States, We could do it with him.
WHO stands second upon the list, in case it
becomes evident that Tilden can not be nomi-
nated?"
"We have no second choice, and though we
have held no meeting to determine the actual
standing of the delegates, l speak advisedly
all the time OF course there is limit, even
to this but we look for a realization of our
hopes without need for Withdrawing from the
support of Tilden."
Regarding the two-thirds rule
NOW, that is matter concerning which 1
have nothing to say Tilden. by the abolish
ment of the rule, would be nominated on the
first ballot, think. Whether it will be deemed
advisable by the Convention to change the
mode of selection, have no means of know
ipg"
Upon the question of platform, how does
the delegation stand?''
This, presume means to include the sub
ject of finance. The views of Gov. Tilden upon
so important topic L am satisfied with. 1t is
not so much declaration of principles we de-
sire, for what does declaratory article amount
to if its provisions are neglected? We want
man at the head Of the ticket who has shown
himself opposed to corruption, and from whom
we have some more tangible guarantee than
opinion.
Mr.. Thomas Shaw, of Biddeford, Me-, dele
gate from the First Congressional District, was
in the room, and in response to the almost
stereotyped series of questions in vogue with
reporters, said: The Maine delegation comes
uninstructed, but the State Convention passed
resolution requesting US to vote for Tilden
and as he meets the requirements of the case,
according to our views, we intend standing by
him until all hope of his nomination is gone.
No second choice has been considered, and l
don't think there is any with US. Tilden
could not wrest Maine from Republican rule,
but he would enlist an earnest support. and
would, l think, be the best candidate by far
that could be pitted against the ticket placed in
the field by the Republicans.