The Portland daily press., 1879-02-15
Democratic Intrigue.
AN ATTEMPT TO COERCE VOTERS.


ihat there is great commotion in the
democratic ranks of this city is now certain.
That the chief priests both of that party and
the Greenback party desire to unite upon a
platf rrm is equally true. But the all impor-
tant question has baen how can this consum-
nation SO greatly wished for be accomplished?
Old line Democrats who never showed the
white feather in the innumerable defeats o.
the past, swore they would not now desert the
old flag aud enlist under mongrel standard.
Defeat for them uoder the time honored banner
of Democracy was better than victory under
the odious flag OF soft money. Neither
could members of the Greenback party,
especially those who have heretofore fought in
the Republican ranks, bs induced to fight
shoulder to shoulder with their old enemies.
Thus matters stood. The city could not be
carried by either party alone. Unity of
action seemed impossible. Something must
be done. At length brilliant idea suggested
ITSELF Mr.. Walker should be nominated upoc
citizens platform, and thus draw to his SUI
port all these discordant elements. Under
this broad shield every citizen whether, Demo-
Graf, Greenback or discontented Republican
could fiud protection.
So thought the members of the Democratic
and Greenback city committees. Accordingly
printed circulars were sent out to the leading
members of both parties, and all to the num-
Der of about fifty met in Fluent Block We'd
nesday evening. Hoo. Bion Bradbury pre-.
sided. HIS high reputation as gentleman of
honor and integrity gave dignity to the
occasion.
Among the prominent gentlemen present
were Gen. Anderson, s. @. StrOut, Chas.
Mccarthy and VIM. M. Sargent.
Gen. Anderson was the first speaker. La a
characteristic speech he described the chaotic
state OF the opposition, Opposition to the
Republican party. All said he is confusion.
Discord reigns supreme. The Republican
party must be beaten. By nominating Mr..
Walker upon citizens platform we will
strike terror into the breasts Of our opponents
Ia conclusion he made vehement appeal for
unity and harmony.
The speech of Gan. Anderson had the
desired effect, and the vast majority of those
present manifested by their applause their
approval of his sentiments.
Charles Mccarthy then spoke. Mr.. Nc
Carthy is Democrat of the old Jacksonian
school of the most houorab.e aud manly type
Whatever he says he means. He is tower
of strength to the Democracy Much interest
was accordingly manifested in what he would
say. Mr.. MCCARTHY said that he for one would
not desert the old Democratic flag no matter
what others might do. H. would bs true to
the principles, true to the history and true to
the traditions it represented. As Democrat
he felt in honor bouud to support the nominee
of the Democratic party. Let that party next
month act like men, and victory would again
smile upon them. If we prove false to our
principles now, the Democratic party will re-
ceive blow from which it cannot recover. If
Mr.. Walker is nominated upon q citizens
platform cannot conscientously feel obliged
to support him.
Mr. McCarthy's candid speech made a deep
impression upon the more respectable of those
present. Mr.. Bradbury, particularly, was inn
pressed by it, and SIGHTED his assent to it in
no doubtful words. S. G. Strout, E:q. and
VIM. M. Sargent, Esq. followed in the the
same strain.
After further remarks by Gen. Anderson and
others, the proposition WAS put to a vote, and
the assembly, contrary to the opinion of the
most prominent gentlemen present. voted, by
large majority, to nominate Mr.. Walker as
citizens candidate. Thu Democratic party
therefore will make no nomination for mayor
this year, but will support Mr.. W alker upon
citizens ticket.
1t is also proposed that the Democrats and
members of the Greenback party shall unite
in the different wards and thus carry the city
govern ent.
Whether this action-Which was predicted
by the PREss-of few leading politicians
will be endorsed by the independent men of
both parties will be soon seen. Gentlemen of
honor are naturally disguised at the miserable
trimming and trading which has bsen going ON
at Augusta and Portland since last fall. tits
by no means improbable that the attempt to
put collar upon free man will received mer-
tied rebuke at the polls next month