Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-01-14
Governor Plaistcd's Address.


Governor Plaistcd's Address.
Governor Plaisted's address is singu-
lar document In his Introduction he
gives us to understand that he has no in
formation to impart in relation to State
affairs, but confines himself to general
reflections and suggestions" These
general reflections and suggestions' are
a rehash principally Of the fusion speeches
of the last campaign, with a few fresh
ideas for future use OH the stump.
We must say that Governor Plaisted IN
his message has done very ungraeious
act. in consideration of the circumstances
which attended his election, IN thus de-
livsring himself of a stump speech before
the Legislature Republicans Of course
did not expect him to endorse their prin-
ciples or deliver himself of reflections
and suggestions to please them. but
they had right to presume that he would
not flaunt the banner of the last campaign
iull in their fices. and not stoop to the
basest dcmagogism in this his message
To the people of the State.
From beginning TO end the fusion dem
agogue is apparent. His jercmiad upon
taxation is nothing but dcmagogism-an
effort pure and and simple TO array the
owners of land against the moneyed class,
or people who have their property in
something other than land. In this case
his reflections and suggestions are the
worn out rant of the party to which he be-
longs. better calculated to drive farmers
from their freeholds through discomfort
than all the inequality Of taxation. if any.
which they have to endure.
The reflections and suggestions" of
the Governor in regard to the militia do
justice to the efforts of Adiutant General
Beal in that department, hut his picture
rs TO the dangers to be feared from the
militia. his obiurgations against the prop
osition of some military companies to at
tend the Inauguration OF Garfield. and his
reference to Caesar crossing the Rubicon.
and the tall of Rome. are the veriest bun
combc and nonsense. There is one con-
soling thought presented in all this
rhodomontade, that is. that 1.-The
militia of Maine cannot he moved out of
the State without the consent of the Leg
islature ~ Blissful thought the whole
country will breathe frcer after that inn
portant announcement. II the militia OF
Maine are stopped from attending the
Inauguration of Garfield. the country will
he safe. Who is afraid when the Name
boys are obliged to stay at home'
The most remarkable part of this re-
markable message is that part containing
his reflections and suggestions in re-
lation TO the determination OF disputed
election cases and the Supreme Court.
Last year Governor Plaisted's party I'M
dertook to set aside the will of the peo-
pie rs declared at the ballot-box. to put a
fraudulent majority into the Legislature.
and to install fraudulent Governor
and other State officers. This year
0oNctutf stisteu Cutlt> W us ciutc
through the fairness and honesty of the
republican party; and yet he having en-
dorsed the fraud which his party friends
did last winter undertakes to instruct the
republicans of the Legislature As to the
duty which devolvcs upon them in the
matter Of fair and honest count. We
think this comes with very poor grace
from such source.
And then the light, contcmptuous and
revolutionary manner in which the SUI
premc Court is mentioned in this connec-
ton. how unhecoming the Chief Execu-
tive of the State, Their decisions and
opinions held up to ridiculc. stigmatized
IS partisan, AS cheap. As good for nothing
and not worthy to be regarded by the peo-
pie. 1.-THE Chief Magistrate will promul-
gate this kind Of reflections upon the
Supreme Court. who will be surprised if
the people set the authority of the Court
at defiance and run into utter lswlessness
aud involve the government in ruin? II
the Governor of the State leads in decry-
ing the institutions by which law and or
der are maintained, his more ignorant
followers will not be slow to initiate him,
and thai Communism which has made