Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-08-18
Messenger to the COuncil.-Dem-
Ocratic Misrepresentation Cor
rcctc6

The controversy between the Council and
the Governor began by the Council usurping
the prerogative of the Governor in nomina-
ting Messenger and calling on the Governor
to confirm the nomination. The Nev Age.
Let the facts speak for themselves and the
public be the judges iE the matter.
An editor of the Boston journal who thor
oughly investigated this subject gives a
truthful statement of the facts as follows:
1.-The differences between Gov. Plaisted
and the Council began as soon as he was
qualified. For years it has been the custom
for the Council to select Messenger by the
adoption of an order naming the man, the
order being presented by some member of
the Council. Major House had served the
previous Councils in that capacity, and the
present one desiring to continue his services,
an order to that effect was passed, but Gov.
Plaisted refuse to approve it, because he
desired TO have his own son employed as
Messenger and Private Secretary. The
Council desired to obtain House because he
was familiar with the duties and was des-
CRYING and needy soldier whose scars are the
testimonials of his valor in the field On
the other hand the Governors son, while
worthy young man, is incapacitated by deaf
ness. Moreover, the Councillors felt
delicacy about having the Governors
son wait upon them as Messenger,
who does his duty, should Details are I'M
| necessary. The Governor was permitted to
have his son for his Messenger and Private
Secretary, and upon the favorable reports Of
the Council he has been allowed to draw pay,
while the Councillors have had no Messenger
"A thing unknown in the history of the
State. And yet at the doleful ratification
meeting at Portland the chairman said that
''the Council had refused the Governor the
courtesy of Private Secretary" Inasmuch
as the legislature has made no provision for
such an officer, the Council could not extend
His Excellency that courtesy" In striking
contrast with Governor Plaisted's conduct in
this matter. was that of the whig Governor
Crosby in 1853. who had Council composed
of four democrats and three wings. When
tnAt 1uuHcli ufSt- IL pfuSctutu " Ddilot LOT u
Messenger, and John d. Richards, democrat,
of Ellsworth, was elected. Subsequently
Mr.. Richards resigned, and Mr.. Thomas
of Eden, another democrat, was elected.
To this action Governor Crosby made
no opposition. thus admitting the right
of the Council to control the reelection of
Messenger. The records of the Council for
twenty years show uniform custom of the
selection OF Messenger by the action of the
Councillors. In addition to extending to
Gov. Plaisted the courtesy of employing his
own Messenger, the Council has given him
the benefit of the entire appropriation for
tina, purpose $4,000 after His Excellency
had absolutely refused to sanction the en-
ploymert of Major House to serve the Coun-
ell. Indeed, Gov. Plaisted went so far as to
| threaten to remove this wounded veteran
from the ante room should he continue to ap-
pear there to wait upon the Council. In the
interest of peace and to svoid such scandal
Major House retired from the position