Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-09-12
Comments on the Maine Election,
1Frnm the New York Times

We can only sttIibute this most unfortunate
and disgracefui inciden n politics to tho mis-
guided discomfort of the rural population of
Maine, oppressed by debt rashly incurred, and
laying hold of any hope Of relief extended to
them. without reflection IS to the real and perma-
nent effect of the measures TO which they have
given their approval. That at the very crisis Of
the long and arduous struggle which the country
has undergone to overcome the evils brought on
by paper money and the waste Of war, SO conserv-
alive State as Maine has always been should al
low the Illusion Of initiation and possible repudia
ton 10 make such progress among her people Is
grevous disappointment to the friends Of sound
money and grave discredit to herself. But the
result does not justify any condemnation OF the
republican policy in the State. That party comes
out of the conHict with well-de6ned convictions,
firmly held and courageousy maintained. No
concessions it could possibly have made would
have saved it from defeat, while they would have
cost it all hope OF future redemption, and would
have made redemption weary and difficult task.
There can be no doubt that in the bitter contest
which awaits the country, the principles OF honesty
and sober common sense must win in the long run.
1t is q cause of just congrstulation to themselves
and TO the country that the republicans of Maine
have been true to those principles. When the
prese Mt craze for short aud easy way OF paying
debts without means, for making something of alb
solute nothing, shall have passed away. the Name
republicans who have kept their heads cool and
their courage firm, will be able to hold up an un-
furnished standard, about which better informed
and Juster puOllc opinion can ana Will raiiy. Inc
democrats, the other hand have lost every
thing, consistency, honor, and political advantage.
They have given their brthright for . mess Of
pottage, aud have not won the pottage. When
the people regain their senses, when they come
to see by the clear light Of experience and re1ec
ton the hopelessness of the illusion by which
they have been for the moment misled. they will
turn with disgust and indignation from the trick
sters whose face morality and low cunning be
trsyed the cause they once pretended to serve.
From the Lewiston Journal
The democrats of the cast have abandoned
Garcelon and under the lead Of Marcellus Emery
gone over to the greenback candidate for govern
or Smlth-thus making Garcelon third in the
race. The republicans have contrib uted probably
not more than ten twelve thousand of the
thfty-fve or seven Thousand votes which Smith
probably has, while nearly half the democrats
have voted for the greenbackers. A more com
plete Decentralization and disintegration of = great
party has seldom been seen 10 ore canvass. The
republicans, however, have stood soidly together,
and cast splendid vote for the gallant Conner.
To-day they are better united than they have
been tor years
Whether the democrats will ultimately make
anything out of . combination with mel opposed
to specie payments, remains to be seen. Many
democrats nave to their credit refused to have
anything to do with trade which put them in
the attitude of Abandoning ancient democratic
principles. The majority have shown themselves
ready TO do any thing to secure temporary success
aud the democratic party will be judged by this
On the other hand the republicans have made q
square fight for public faith and honest money.
They willing to abide by the record they have
made. Though perhaps temper arily defeated, yet
time will show that victory awaits those who have
stood for the right.