Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-09-29
Maine Politics.

Maine Politics.
The Democracy still affect jubilant
spirit over the assumed election of a Green
back governor In Maine The figures we
give in another column show that Davis
has, counting IT'S votes returned for Daniel
f. David, 73,881 that Plaisted has, count
ing all the returns for the various changes
rung on the front, middle and rear name Of
Plaisted for Harris M. Plaisted, 1857
votes-a bare plurality twenty-six. II the
Republicans should follow the precedent es-
tablished by the Democrats in counting the
votes last January, Mr.. Plaisted would be
free from the cares Of state during the ensuing
two years. But the Republicans will risesupe-
rior to the opportunity presented by their
adversaries to obtain an unfair advantage
and, in the emphatic language of Mr.. Blaine,
Mr.. Plaisted is as secure in the possession
of his office at the hands of Republican Of
ficials, if it shall appear from the official re
turns that he has one vote more than Davis,
as IL he should have 10000 more. The Re
publicans will teach their adversaries a les
son in political morality in their treatment
of this matter which we are sorry to feel
they would not follow under similar circum-
stances. All claims to the governorship
of the state may be fairly adjourned till
the PRONUNCIATION of the official count in
January.
On Tuesday the logical consequences of
the coalition between the Greenbackers and
Democracy for the accomplishment Of a
specific purpose in state affairs was realized
for the securing of similar advantage in
the national election. Alone, neither party,
Greenback or Democratic, could hope to Sc
cure single elector. By pooling their
voting strength, and by making " fair d.
vide of the spoils to be won, the Fusion
lists were encouraged to believe, by the close
ness of the state election, that they could
secure the presidential electors in Novem-
ber The state committees of the two
parties many weeks ago agreed upon an
electoral ticket on which the Greenbackers
were allowed four and the Democrats three
Of the seven electors to which the state is
entitled. A straight Greenback convention
was held in Portland on Tuesday to consider
the question of ratifying the action of the
state committee on this question. After
an exciting session resolution endorsing
the action of the state committee in recon-
mending an arrangement with the Demo
cratic party for the choice of presidential
electors was adopted. A large number of
the delegates voted nay, and bolt of the
outand.out Greenbackers, headed by Scion
Chase, ensued. This faction, numbering
about one hundred delegates, met in conven-
ton, presided over by Mr.. Chase, nominated
a straight Greenback electoral ticket, and
adopted the following:
For the enlightenment and encouragement of
our Greenback brethren in other states, we, the
straight Greenbackers OF Maine, in convention
assembled, declare that there is Greenback
party in Maine, pledged to the interests OF the
whole people; that the late Fusion and confusion
in this state was due wholly to the exigencies of
state issues, and that in national matters vote
with our brethren elsewhere in the Union-for
Weaver and Chambers"
Pressure has already been brought to bear
upon the leaders of the bolt to secure their
adhesion to the fusion programme, and
successful issue of the efforts in this direction
is anticipated. Scion Chase has been de-
posed from the editorship of the Enquirer,
the Greenback organ, because of his refusal
to advocate fusion. In his valedictory he
says, "This dark night of fusion will soon
pass away, and the sunlight of common
sense will again have sway, when there will
be work for him."
How utterly lost to principle, or honesty,
or purity in the tenets of his political creed,
is the average Democrat, this Maine bust
ness clearly shows. He glories in meretri-
cious alliance with this Greenback party to
crafty his lust for vengeance on the Repub
licans. Honor is nothing, principle is moth
ing, consistency is nothing; but to win a
bootless triumph over the Republicans is
everything, and to this end every feeling of
shame and every impulse of manhood is
basely prostituted. A party so devoid of
integrity may win temporary advantage,
but never lasting triumph. This unnatu-
raj commingling of political elements must
awaken the self respect of the better class
of Maine voters. We predict for the Gar
field and Arthur electors splendid triumph
in November, and a revolution as well as a
reformation in the politics of the Pine Tree
State from this date-a reformation that will
BEAUTIFULLY affect the future leadership of
the Republican party Of Maine and win
back to it the elements of strength and
power and salvation that lie in such men as
Morrill, and Chamberlin.