Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-08-16
ZOE CONGRESSMAN,
Nelson Dingley, jr.,
OF LEWISTON.
THAT JOINT DISCUSSION"
OF LEWISTON.

Hon. Washington Gilbert, the Green
back nominee foy Congress in this Dis
,rict. recently challenged Gov. Dingley TO
a Joint discussion Of political views; and
has recently published a card stating that
Gov. Diugley had declined to accept the
challenge. As his statement was lnoor-
rect and calculated TO miSlead the people,
we are permitted to make public The
correspondence between Gov. Dlngley and
Mr.. Gilbert. I; appears by Perusal OF
these letters. that Gov Dingley promptly
accepted the challenge 70 debate, and
arreeablv 70 the rules Of debate, stated
the topics 10 be discussed: VIZ: the res
olutiors Of the Republican District Con-
yen,ion. and bis speech of acceptance.
Mr.. Gilbert was either Ignorant OF the
fact that his oppoaen, was entitled to
name The subject for debate. or else nc
was unwilling 90 discuss the topics pre-
sen,sd. for he declined 20 accede 20 Gov.
Dineley's terms and LAID claim to the
r;gbt 10 discuss such subjects a, he sa~
~ This. Of coarse. was contrary 90 all
parliamentary rules, but Gov. DunS.cy
VS. willing 20 meet him then. Again
Mr.. Gilbert lodged the point, and again
he asked 10 name the s1bjcct for discus
sion. and practically declared that he
would discuss nothing but the financial
nolicv Of the country. Of course Gov.
Dincley could not ~ farther than he had
gone in Welding 70 Mr.. Gilbert $ unwar-
ran,ed demands,-which were like those
of base ba.. club which should challenge
another club and insist on selecting the
plavers for both sides. so the matter
here dropped. I, has no; teen a dccl.n-
alton on the part Of Gov. Ding!cy 70 a.
cen, Mr.. Gilbert's challenge, for that VAS
promptly taken up but the debate h4s
fallen through ON account Of Mr.. GilbcT;s
own fault. IN not beng willing t. accede
20 the terms Of debate named 10y as oP-
ponent Who was entitled 20 name them.
Gov. Diugiey me; Soloa Chase, IN pint
discussion on financial topics. and OF course
could not iyar 20 meet a man Ike Mr.
Gilber. who i, SO much the inferior OF
Solon Chase ia all ,ae requirements 'or
successful controversy upon financial top
les Mr.. Gilbert SAYS he i anxious to
meet anv man or men on the stump, and
discuss the issues Of this campaign. but
we are inclined 10 think that il bis cLal-
lenge were taken up. he would. As be has
in this case. refuse 20 scgedc 20 any lar
terms proposed by his opponent.
Below are the letters Of Mr., Gilbert
and Gov. Dinglcy in the order in which
they were sent and received:
E,rII July J.. ISL
Hon Nelson Ding Fy.Ir.-
Dear sir w l-Itug Co dO INV potion OF ia"ot
Tor The diffusion ot truth, bearing upon matters
involved in the impending congressional etee-
zion I De-. leave Co propose THAT we NEE, ln
folr- discussion az questions a. Issue Net
Wishing 20 limit this invitation 70 tI4t meas
ure. propose that We hold ut least ON" JOINT
discussion In each OF the four counties "i lIt
,iistric; az such times and place, ami upon -uN1
terms or debate may lr uAC,l ~ lLi1tuAi
agreement Trusting that you WI! rradlIy sec
the reciprocal advantage Of that course anu
hoping FOR a favorable reply, have the honor
70 be very respectfully yours, ". '!LhAhi-