Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-05-15
From the Albany Journal.
Grant In Illinois.
j. SWEET ROWE, Secretary.
Augusta, April q. 1880.

From the Albany journal.
Grant In Illinois.
Gen. Grants defeat in Chicago was not
expected. The ninety odd delegates from
Cook county were believed to be neces-
sary to give him the State convention. and
they were. until within a lew days, count
ed for him with absolute certainty This
confidence was strengthened by the oppor-
tune visit Of Senator Logan and the Cen
eral himself, both of whom are always en-
Enthusiastically welcomed by their friends
and neighbors. It was not until the Wash
burne "boOm' began to manifest itself
among the large German element of the
county that any real apprehension was
felt II then became question, not how
to obtain an easy victory but how to avert
n humiliating defeat.
The Grant men had the organization
They could call the primaries as early or
"a late as they pleased. Deeming delays
dangerous. they called them on half the
usual notice and the County convention on
the first week dav thereafter. But this
unusual haste was of no avail The ina
chine" was smashed and the anti-Grant
delegates outnumbcred their opponents
two to one. The contest was not and the
defeat was overwhelming.
The result of the contest is the most
significant incident of the canvass. A
month ago the delegates from that inn
portant centre were conceded to Gen.
Grant. As the chief city of his own State
it was assumed that State pride if not per-
sonal preference would prevent any for
NAL dissent. But as time went on and
public sentiment found expression, it was
discovered that opposition was general
and intense-not to Gen. Grant, personal
~. but to the .'third-term."
And just here is Gen Grants weakness
and danger. Thousands of earnest men.
who have no other desire than the well
fare of the country. look upon this third
term idea with real apprehension.
Among the German republicans this feel
ing opportunities unanimity. and threat
ems disaster if the principle shall be made
All issue in the coming canvass.
1t was this feeling that produced the I'M
anticipated result in Chicago, where the
German element is potent if not dominant.
But Tor it the sentiment for Gen Grant
would havn honp ctr 20 4,
all dissent. With it as controlling force
in the canvass. the delegates chosen on
square issue stood two to one against a
"third-term."
This result should be received rs an
earnest of what will follow should Gen.
Grant be nominated The sentiment which
produced it is neither unimportant nor
ephemeral. 1t has grown and will con-
tinue to grow as the canvass progresses.
and will make the issue doubtful from the
start.
II will be indeed fortunate for the party
and for Gen. Grant himself il the lesson
of Chicago is heard and needed.
The New York World is making res
dilute and strong fight against Tilden. In
Thursdays paper it said: That it is
childish to talk of Tilden's taking NOM
ination every Southern Senator or member
Of Congress who has visited Creamery
Park within the last month perfectly well
knows. His candidacy would be scream.
ing farce. A photograph of the demo.
cratic candidate in that case would give
Grant or Blaine. or anybody who could be
named. a walk-over. As well nominate
Mr.. Tilden's famous horse Blackstone. il
that steed still lives. Does the South
mean to vindicate its place in the councils
Of the nation by insisting that the demo.
cratic party shall meet the den,snd of the
best thought and feeling of the nation in
its choice of Presidential candidate?"
A list of two hundred republicans who
say they will not vote for Grant was pub
lished in the Cincinnati Commercial few
days ago. The Tribune has been fur
nished with list of two thousand names
making the same pledge.
The Greenback Chronicle is pushing
Fogg as the greenback candidate for Con.
gress in the Second district. We have not
observed much of boom outside Of the
columns Of that paper for him.
The Springfield Union, a Grant paper.
says Dragging and blufing aside. it is
undeniable that the plumed knight is
picking up good many delegates just
now. and viii be . strong, if not success
tul. candidate atChicago."