Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-08-07
Major Smith interviewed,
From the Bangor Commercial of Tuesda
evening the lth inst |

From the Bangor Commercial of Tuesday
evening, the 4th inst.
\ reporter of the Commercial went to Old
town this morning and called upon Major
Joseph l.. Smith, the Grccnback candidate
for Governor, when the following interview
took place:
Reporter-Mr. Smith, presume you have
seen the morning paper
Maj. Smith-No. sir, | have not. | have
been out of town and just returned Any
thing important in it.
Rep.-Well. sir. you can read and see
for yourself (handing Mr.. Smith a morning
paper)
Maj Smith-Why, sir. there is nothing 10
it. | never made any offers, directly or in
directly, to anybody; never assented to any
bargain or compromise. II they claim to have
any writings from me they are forgeries II
they claim to have any details of any offers
made by me looking to a trade or compro-
mise they are made from whole cloth.
Rep Then you say in advance of the pub
LEGATION of the Golfers" made by YOU to sell
out the Greenback party. that you never
made any, and never authorized any person
to make any!
Maj. Smith, do, sir.
Rep.-llavc you written any letter or let
tiers to any Republican regarding your posi-
ton AS a candidate:
Maj. Smith, wrote letter to G. 4. Bou-
telle, in reply to one from him inquiring how
| stood regarding certain public questions.
That letter Mr.. Boutellc is at liberty to make
public if he chooses, also the one he wrote
me in reply to mine to him.
Rep.-nid you not go TO Mr. Boutelle 5
Office prior to the meeting of the Legislature,
at his request, and there meet several prom
ineat Republicans, who made you certain
propositions?
Mai. Smith--NO. Sir. did meet Mr. Buff
fun at the Penobscot Exchange Hotel in Ban
gor, at his request. He said TO me. in sub
stance, Mr.. Smith, you can be the next Cover
nor of Maine jus. as well as not. Only say
the word. I am authorized to make this
statement to you. ! said. Mr.. Buffnm, sup
pose know what your object is in getting
me here If it is to make any trade or COM
promise in regard to the Governorship have
none to make and will be party to none.
| stand squarely on the grccnback platform,
and shall not forsake my principles nor sacri-
fee my party. Mr. Butfum exhibited to me
some MSS. and read its contents. 1t was in
regard to resumption and the Southern ques-
tons. He wanted me to agree to incorporate
it in my message to the Legislature-said if |
would he was authorized to say that could
be the next Governor of Maine. told him az
to the financial question | did not believe as
he did, my party did not ana the majority Oh
the people did not.
Rep.-Do you know who wrote the para
graphs which Mr.. Buffnm wished incorpora-
ted in your address in your case you were
elected governor by the Senate
Maj. Smith, do not. suppose it came
from Mr.. Blaine.
Rep.-Did YOU afterwards meet any repub-
lican, who claimed to be authorized by Mr..
Blaine or anybody else to consult with you
and to make any propositions to you regard
ing the Governorship!
Major Smith, was urged to meet Mr..
Blaine in Boston, and paid no attention to
the request. Mr.. Buffum again requested me
to go to Augusta and meet members of the
Republican State Committee. did not care
to co. was greenbacker and If elected
Governor it must be rs a greenbacker and
nothing else.
Major Smith added that he had preserved