The Portland daily press., 1877-01-09
The Maine legislature,

The ififty-sixth Legislature OF Maine has
opened with pleasant and favorable omens.
The organization was effected last week, and
the caucus of the Republicans completed
their duties in highly satisfactory manner.
There is rather noticeable absence of men of
conspicuous reputation in both branches
Hon. F. A. Pike of the House being the only
gentleman who has yet achieved ANYTHING
like national reputation. There are, how
ever, several men of marked promise who are
now taking their first lessons in public life.
These will be considered individually hereaf.
after, as their legislative action provides oc
casion. The Senate is a stronger body than
that OF last year. The House appears hardly
as strong.
The organization of the Senate was made
in very quiet manner without contest at
any point. Gen. Hyde was selected by the
Republicans as President bv general agree
ment and consent. His discharge of the Of
flee in 1876 was marked by urbanity, kindness
and practical good sense which won the es-
TEEN, respect and confidence of his fellow
Senators. The high honor of a unanimous
reelection was a just tribute to a meritori.
Gus officer. The nomination by acclamation
OF Gen. Tilden as assistant Secretary was al
so fit and becoming thing. When gen.
tleman OF Gen. Tilden's high character and
proud record is disposed to enter the public
service it is certainly very gratifying to see
the prompt recognition accorded him by the
universal voice.
In the House there was triangular con-
test for the Speakership. 1t was carried on
in the best and kindest spirit and was not
ably credtable to all concerned. Mr.. Neally.
the successful candidate, received from no
one more cordial congratulations than from
his competitors. The little speech with
which Mr.. Cleaves received the announce
ment of Mr.. Neally's nomination was in
good taste and spirit, was the theme of uni
versal commendation and established him
fully in his proper position as leader of the
House. Such defeat as his was better than
victory. Mr.. Neatly is young gentleman
of education and talent. He will make
capital speaker and gives much promise of
future distinction.
The only other contest OF the week was for
the position of State Treasurer,-Mr Banks
OF Bddeford and Mr.. Holbrook of Freeport
being the contestants. No word of disparage.
ment could be said of either. Both were in
all ways suitable and desirable. Mr.. Banks
had been longer in the field and fortune
tended in his direction. The action of both
gentlemen was dgnifed and defeat carried
nothing of discredt. Mr.. Banks will make
an admirable Treasurer, and the state will
receive good service from him.
The great historic event of the week was
the joint convention of the Republicans to
nominate candidate for the United States
Senatorship. The convention was earnest
and enthusiastic-one mind swayed the en-
tire body. The Republicans of Maine, there
assembled by their chosen representatives,
for the first time in the history of the party
had but one choice. The tribute to Mr..
Blaine was such as has been accorded to no
public man in our history. The brief
speeches were full of earnestness and convic-
ton and the entire attitude of the Conven-
tion showed absolute confidence in the Justice
and propriety of the action taken. Every
body seemed glad to thus attest the respect,
confidence and esteem which the Republicans
OF Maine feel toward their great leader. Mr..
Blaine goes into the Senate with his State
behind him affording him cordial and steady
support.