Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-04-08
An Interview With Hon. w. II
Chandler.

The Boston Traveller publishes an inter
view with Hon. W. f. Chandler in regard to
the Presidential question, which is of inter
est as representing the opinions of one of the
best informed men in the country upon po-
itical topics, and one of Mr.. Blaine's warm
est and ablest supporters.
Traveller Representative-Wha do You
think of the Presidential outlook?
Mr.. Chandler-Do YOU mean the prospects
for the nominations or for the election?
+. R-First as to the chances of the cleo
ton.
Mr.. Chandler-The republicans are able to
elect the President if they act harmoniously
and theoretically; but it is no easy task. be
cause the democrats will struggle desperate
V and count falsely wherever they have the
power, as they have at the South. With 1873
Southern votes. they only need to carry In
diana, Is. and New York, 30, making 80 adj
ditional, to have ISIS, or more than enough.
I. R.-What ought the republican plan of
campaign to be?
Mr.. Chandler-First to make. doubtful
some Of the l3S votes. If we could carry
Florida alone of the Southern States we
could win without either New York or Ind-
ana. Florida has a clear republican MAORI
", but now the State has passed into Confed-
crate hands it will be difficult, if not impos-
sible, to get an honest count, as we did for
Hayes in 1876. But it is worth trying for
Fraudulent democratic county officers have
lately been convicted AMI punished and fair
count may possibly be secured i.
SOUTHERN STATES WORTH TRYING For.
T. R.-What othc: Southern States do you
consider it worth trying for?
Mr.. Chandler-North Carolina, South Car
olina. Louisiana. Virginia and Tennessee.
and we ought also to fight for Congressman
in some of the Overwhelmingly republican
districts in other States. We need the House
with a republican President. and can most
easily get it by carrying a dozen Southern
Congressional districts. We must contend
for and make doubtful and carry. if possible
| some of the l3S Southern votes and thus
| take the strain off New York and make it
more easy to carry. We can surely carry it
if we demonstrate that can get along
without it.
+. R.-But what makes you feel confident
YOU can get a fair vote and an honest count in
| any of those Southern States?
Mr.. Chandler do not feel confident only
hope full. Even Southern Bourbon demo-
crat learns something in time; and adhesion
To the democratic party has so completely
ruined. Frustrated and kept down all South
ern prosperity. that there is chance for
common fairness, decencv and honesty in
some of the States even in the coming cleo
ton. After the next republican President Is
elected democratic break up is sure to come
and possibly before.
T. R.-Do you think we can surely carry
all the Northern States except New York and
Indiana?
Mr.. Chandler-I believe we can: of course
an earnest battle must be waged in New Jer-
sev and Connecticut, and AS the result of
such we shall win. All the others seem rear
sonably sure
+. R,-What about New. York?
Mr.. Chandler-It depends some upon the
nominations of the two parties. Assuming
that both will nominate wisely. the republi-
cans have the best chance. But the legisla-
ture ought to pass without delay the bill for
elections by Congressional districts. The
republicans are assuming a heavy response
bility by delaying its passage. There is no
reason. justice or fairness in tying the whole
Is votes of the State to the mockery of the
elections in New York city, where ignorance
vice and fraud determine the result.
7. R.-But it may be said that it will be tax
ing an unfair political advantage. if the same
is not done in all other States.
Mr.. Chandler-That is no argument. The
question is whether election by districts is
in itself right. l believe it is. and that every
State should adopt it: if so. no one State
should wait till all are ready, but each should
go ahead and let the others follow. 1t brings
the election nearer the people. where it should
go. and is the original system of electing BY
popular vote.
T. R.-Then your plan is to contest Florida