The Portland daily press., 1880-01-29
FAINT HEARTED.
One OF the Conspirators Who Was Fright
ened by Public Sentiment.
The following letter needs no comment:
CHICAGO, Dec. %, 1876.

The following letter needs no comment:
CHICAGO, Dec. %, 1876.
DEAR GOVERNOR:
have lust arrived here, 10 a. m lind the
political situation in Maine is the prevalling
topic of conversation everywhere. The actlon
of the Governor and Council is generally mis-
judged, everyone getting their ldea Oh tne
matter from the Associated Press despat'hes.
I regret to say that L am afraid that we are
not fully sustained, even by the Democra.ss'
and only two parties seem to be recognizes,
viz. Renublicans and Democrats. The position
we assume and know to be right that tlle
Governor and Council act in the matter OF
canyassing the returns as judicial BODY anu
have not equity powers, is not Iully unuen-
stood 1t is rather supposed Dy peopi9 s1no r.
ally that is simply ministerial OF clerical. -
must be admitted that as party we are III I'LL
unpleasant position. -
/ am afraid that unless some compromise is
made that we shall suffer next year. Inc way
out of the dilemma honorable to us as a parry
and esnecially to the Governor and Council; IS
q question which has been constantly upon my
mind since / saw you on Saturday. ! assume
and fully believe. that our action as governor [
and Council must be sustained by law. Y?
That the position we have taken OF what our
duties are is the correct one, and the only SAFE
one TO be followed, and that those VINO con-
denim us now will hereafter approve our course
and strictly adopt it in the matter OF treatlhs
the returns. 1t will have the erect to edqcate
the people to the importance OIL making leSai
returns
But we say the Legislature has full equity
power and that they can exercise it without
rejecting in the least upon our action. we
fully understand (if we do not take into &C
count the frauds which are said to have been
committed in the election) that the Republl-
cans would have had the organization of the
Legislature, if the returns had been legal, that
equity gives them the advantage Would 1t
not be right and also polite, looking to the
future of the party for the Legislature to exer-
else that power which we did not possess, and
deal equitably? This then IN brief is what
would suggest, viz:
Let those to whom the Governor and Coun-
Gil have issued certificates take their seats and
organize the Legislature by electing as Presi-
dent of the Senate whoever the Republicans
nominate, let them have the minor offices of
the Senate, let the opposition have the organi-
cation of the House. Let Mr.. Davis's name
be one of two that shall be sent up to the SEN
ate for the candidates for Governor; and let
the Senate elect Mr.. Davis, give three OF the
seven Councillors to the Republicans, and dl-
vide the State offices as nearly equal between
the parties as possible. Let the Representa-
tives of the cities which were deprived of their
seats by the illegality of their returns be adj
mitted and let the committees be made up OF
the best men of both parties with reference to
the important business of the State and not to
politics. CD In following substantially this plan
we Will go TO the people neAt year anu Ut
lieve receive their verdict of approval
I assume, OF course, that the Legislature
would carry out such programme if requested
by the opposition candidates for Governor. 1
have no doubt they would do SO; at any rate SO
far as the office of Governor is concerned. it is
in the hands of the opposing candidates. II
you and Major Smith and Mr.. Bradbury should
concur in the views expressed, you could Of
course compel such a result.
Without some compromise ! see before the
Opposition an overwhelming defeat next year.
1t seems to me some such compromise as sug-
gest must be regarded as honorable, and in
view of the important business to be transacted
by the Legislature the coming Winter, it is of
great Importance / hope you will not consid-
or me as imposing my views upon you, but re-
ceive what have said rs prompted on my
part by an honest desire to get out of our diff
Guilty in an honorable way.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) j. B. FOSTER