Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-06-02
From the Boston Globe.
THE JV1RF4RE on ELAINE.

IHE " Il mr. 4 IL Il " bLiI ~ Il.
We have from time TO time given what
appeared to us TO be very substantial rea-
sons for not selecting Mr.. Blaine as the
candidate of the Republican party for
President. They may all be summed up
in the statement that it would not be the
best thing for the country or for the par
ty. and at this time both are in condi-
ton calling for the very best and wisest
treatment. While we can give reasons,
which seem to US quite conclusive, for not
REGARDING the nomination Of Mr. Blaine
as the best thing for TIE country or for
the party, we see no occasion to alter our
opinion, expressed at the outset OF the
canvass, that he is an able and brilliant
man and an honest and honorable one.
We deprecate the numerous petty attacks
which have been made upon him, because
there appears to he no substantial ground
for them, and because they never had for
their purpose the exposure OF actual cor
rupton and the publication of political
life, but were intended solely 10 injure
his character in the estimation of the peo-
pie and prevent his nomination, without
regard to truth or justice. If Mr.. Blaine
could be shown to be dishonest or cor
rupt the people ought to know it, and it
would be in itself an all-sutlicient objec-
ton TO his nomination. but these attacks,
which have been made with poisoned ar
rows from the ambuscade Of his political
enemies, have not been charges of cor
rupt conduct supported by evidence, but
nnuendoes and differences based upon al
legged transactions which were not in
themselves wrong and which have never
been traced clearly to any wrong doing.
Take this last instance of disposing of
stock of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
1t is evident that Mr. Blaine was led to
believe that an investment in this stock
would be profitable, and that he felt that
bolding the public position which he did
he was debarred from taking advantage
of the promising offers. He did, howev-
er, consent to act for others in securing
what seemed to him a very good thing.
1t is kind of good Office that members
of Congress are continually performing.
There is not the slightest evidence that
he profted or expected to profit by it, or
that he ever did anything in his capacity
of member of Congress to benefit these
investments, or that he derived any adj
vantage from them which was enhanced
by his official action. We can see nothing
in this affair, SO far as it has been made
clear to us, which in any way comprom-
ises the good name of Mr. Blaine. Neither
has any case been made out against him
in connection with other railroad transac-
tions. showing that he obtained any bene-
fit or advantage as return for his official
action OF attitude, or that his conduct in
Congress was affected by pecuniary or
other interests outside of Congress. In
fact, the whole thing seems to US to be
nothing more nor less than series of ma
licious and INSCRIPTIONS assaults, having
Il certain plausible appearance of being
in the interest of public virture and NOR
atty, but really intended for popular eff
feet to prejudice MIR. Blaine's political
prospects.