Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-06-17
paiIp Aennebet Journal.
Augusta, Tuesday Morn'g, June II, 1879.
Hon. Arson II. MOrrill.


spoken earnestly in favor of the nomina-
ton of Arson r. Morrill, as the republican
candidate for Governor. Since the decli-
nation Of Judge Peters to be a candidate
Tor the nomination the name of Mr. Nor
rill Is the one most favorably mentioned
in the streets, upon the cars and steam
boats. and in all places where political al
fairs are discussed. The fitness of such a
nomination is apparent at the first GLANCE
and the more il is considered the more
firmly the impression fastens itself upon
the mind that it is as strong a nomination
as the republican party can make. 1t
strikes the masses WELL the men who do
the voting and think for themselves.
In Kennebec county, where Mr.. Morrill,
is thoroughly known. the mention of his
name meets with the united and most en-
thusiastic approval of our citizens. Know
ingth man-his spotless liie-his honesty
energy and large ability-his sympathy
with the common people, amongst
whom his life has been spent
they believe him to be exactly the man to
lead the republican ticket this year. And
this feeling prevails largely over the State
as we have ascertained from sources of in
formation that are unpreiudiced, well-in-
formed and reliable
1t is proper for us to say, however. that
Mr.. Morrill, is not seeker for the nomina.
ton. He does not desire it, He would
rather be left to the quiet joys and cares
of private life than TO endure the labors
and anxieties that necessarily devolvc
upon the leader in a political campaign
But if it should appear at the State con.
vention that his nomination is demanded
by the popular voice as that best adapted
TO the present emergency, and the call to
accept If nominated comes to him as a call
to duty, we have no doubt that he will
cheerfully consent to become candidate
and will do everything honorable and il
his power to secure the success of the re-
publican ticket in the September election
. Mr.. Morrill, is now upwards of seventy
years of age, but he was never more Wig
orous in mind, and scarcely ever more &C
tive in body than at the present time. Iii,
residence has been for many years al
Readfield, one of the most beautiful rura
towns in the State, famous for its intelli
gence as well as for its farming and maui
featuring products and general thrift. II
such community Mr.. Morrill, has spent
his active lite, as manufacturer, also in
terested in agriculture, and taking part il
public affairs as duty required him. In
1853 he ran for Governor on the temper
ance platform, receiving / ,027 votes. The
next year he ran again. receiving A, 800
votes, and was elected by the Legislature
Governor of the State and served one year
In 1855 he was again a candidate and re.
ceived 81, AL votes, but Samuel Wells, hi.
leading competitor, was the successful can
didate before the Legislature. though he
ran below Mr. Morrill, on the popular
vote. The party which he led had in
creased from ll,027 votes in 1853 tC
81 ,44l votes in 1850, and in these
campaigns the foundation of the republi.
can party was so securely laid that in 1856
il swept the State by more than 1906
majority over all, electing Hannibal Ham.
lin Governor, and securing the continued
ascendency of the party in every election
until that of 1873, a period of % years
Mr.. Morrill, was elected to and served in
the 37th Congress. At the end of that
term he voluntarily retired, preferring to
attend to his business concerns as private
citizen rather than continue longer a
Congressman.
Upon all national questions Mr.. Nor
rill is in full accord with the republican
party. and deeply feels that every influence
should be exerted this year to defeat the
party which holds to the pernicious the
cries and decisions enunciated in green
back platforms. He is more willing to
serve AS a private in this campaign than
as a leader, but if the convention nomi-
mates him we are confident that he will
not decline the honor and responsibility
conferred upon him, and will prove an
able, popular and successful candidate.