The Portland daily press., 1880-12-20
Letter from Saco.
The Anti-Rum War in Biddeford-News-
paporial Public Reading Rooms-Poli-
tics in the Twin Cities-Republicans on
the Senatorial Question.

SAco, Dec II, 1880.
Our neighbors on the other side Of the river,
in Biddeford, have been passing through se-
ries OF excitements. In consequence Of too
liberal use of intoxicants there have been sew
eral deaths and fire. The testimony given
before the coroners inquests was explicit
enough to show that rum was freely sold in
the city. In fact, there have been so many
disturbances of the peace and such exhibi-
tions of drunkenness on the streets that the
average citizen was convinced that the law
was being continually broken He was not
aroused, however, till the coroner had nvesti
gated the cases referred to. Then City Hall
was packed by the citizens of Biddeford who
were invited to attend what was advertised as
an "anti-rum indignation meeting" Stirring
speeches were made by several clegymen and
prominent business men and the audience
adopted number of resolutions prepared for
the occasion. Such determined spirit was
manifested at this meeting and elsewhere,
that the city officials at once began to prose
cute the liquor sellers. The County Attorney
heard the news and came out of his retirement
and has shown surprising amount of zeal
considering his politics. Mr.. Derby Of this CITY
brother Democrat, or Fusionist, or "what-is-
it-you-call-'em" politically, has been requested
to assist in these prosecutions. Nine cases
were tried yesterday and to-day In five of
them there were convictions. The Biddeford
newspapers have expressed their sympathy
for this movement.
And this reminds me that Messrs Prescott
have been compelled to enlarge the Union
and Journal. Their local and county adver.
tising has continually increased and they were
obliged to issue supplements almost every
week. Last week the paper appeared enlarged
to the extent of an additional page and il has
an improved appearance in every respect
Lney nave purchased new and large cylinder
press and otherwise equipped their Office SO
tnat they are prepared to meet the demands of
their patrons. | am not much surprised to
hear that the Union and Journals subscrip-
tion list is enlarging. The Prescott Brothers
are enterprislng, industrious and deserve sue
cess.
The Women's Temperance Christian Un;on
are engaged IN establishing a public reading
room, Money is being pledged and collected
to aid the enterprise.
Political matters are rather quiet in this
Guy. mayor Clark is not expected to run
again. Whoever is nominated is sure of an
election Not SO in Biddeford. Mayor Moses
Will not be candinate for reelection. Sever
al gentlemen have been mentioned as his sue
cessor; Among these are Alderman Clark
and Mr.. j. X. Libby; yet it is altogether foo
early to predict the result of the caucusses'
with good nominations and united effort, the
Republicans can easily hold the city. The Fu-
slonlsts are talking of citizens ticket After
all these years Of Democratic misrule in Bid
deford, the members of that party have dis
covered that politics should not enter into mu
nicipal elections. Was there ever anything SO
iudlcrous? What is there to prevent our Dem
ocratic friends from looking SO irresistibly
comlcal when they talk about their new dis
covery.
The Republicans in this city and in the
county, so far as learn, are taking consider
able interest in the Senatorial question. From
an extensive acquaintance in York county
sssi thoroughly convinced that Mr.. Hale is
their choice. The sentiment is unmistakable,
In this city several excellent Republicans are
favorable to Mr.. Frye, and quite recently
there has been some missionary work done for
this gentleman by persons outside the county
In TACT 1t is no secret that gentlemen have
come here directly from the Portland Custom
Cate anybody's claim except Mr.. Hale's. At
our last County Convention, and elsewhere,
Mr. Hale met many Of the leading Republi-
cans, and he made a favorable impression
socially and on the platform. They became
interested in him personally, and AN sure
that the people are strongly prejudiced in his
favor.
But on the other hand they respect Mr.. FRYE.
They recognize his abilities, and yet they
somehow feel that he can best serve his State
in the House of Representatives. An intelli-
gent Republican said the other day: 81 hope
Mr.. Frye will not be succeeded by any of the
gentlemen who are working so hard to get him
out OF the way" The impression is that Mr..
Hale's chances have improved since it has be-
come generally known that the Federal office
holders are SO earnestly working against him
This is casting no reflection upon those off.
clals, but the Republicans feel that the party
should not be run by the office holders.
SACO.