The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-07-24

ever Democrats did, in not Selling the rare OPP
portunity to declare in favor of and work hon.
estly for civil service reform"
we sympathize most heartily with our cor
respondent in his indignation at the attitude
OF many of the Republican leaders in Maine.
one OF them has stood up boldly in the Senate
OF the United States and defended the primer
pie OF assessing ofice-holders. The methods
OF manipulating caucuses, conventions and
elections in Maine are not 10 be defended on
any honest principle. We have it on such
authority that we canuot doubt the fact that a
vast majority of Maine Republicans condemn
these methods, chafe at the restraints put on
them, object to the nominations made IN
their name, and would hail deliverance; but
they DO not know how to effect it. Ihey know
That II they were to attempt TO wrest the con-
troll of the party from the hands OF the present
leaders they could do that; but that would not
accomplish their object. They would merely
drive the leaders to their tents in fit OF sulks.
Maine Democrats and Greenbackers are a Pc
culiar result of evolution, of whom it is only
sufficient now to say that having been evolved
the type is persistent We're the real majority
OF Republicans to demand and assume control
of affairs they would be defeated at the pellss
by the activity of the political opposition and
the indifference or secret treachery OF deposed
leaders
II looks like rather hopeless case. 1t is
not however, quite as bad as it seems. The
fact that the species of bondages in which the
Republican party is held is calling, and that it
is submitted to only as the less OF two evils by
men who are at any time able to throw OH
their chains, is one which alters the aspect OF
the case completely. 1t is merely question
OF time when the majority will assume the
rightful control, and send the cynical and I'M
progressive leaders to the rear. Meantime we
can see no valid reason why voters like our
correspondent should refuse resolutely to fol-
low the leaders any longer, while there are
good reasons why they should stand by the
machine this year. A few of these reasons we
will give as briefly as possible. The govern
ment of Maine by the Republicans has been
good, honest, economical and efficient while
that by the fusionists has been bad. 1t would
be unwise to throw the State into the hands OF
Governor Plaisteds friends for the purpose OF
breaking the machine, even II the bosses
could be dethroned in that way, which is
doubtful. A fusion victory this year means
complete overturn of the state government Tor
two years, but that is its smallest significance
1t means also a dishonest gerrymander OF the
State for the legisl ature and members OF Con-
gress and revolution in the supreme court
There is not the slightest prospect that those
who are in favor Of reform can, by voting in
dependently, or by refraining from voting,
effect anything more than the defeat OF the
Republican party and the success of the fusion
lists. To do that would be to punish
themselves quite as much as the Republican
Leaders, WITHOUT advancing bu0 cause VI IolorIu
at all. 1t is good political philosophy to bide
ones time. Important as the overthrow OF
the Bosses and the introductions of new meth
DDS may be, this is not the time to undertake
the work. The first thing to be done is to adj
minister a sound thrashing to the parties which
are in immortal alliance, and to rescue the
State from them When that has been done
it will be the fault of the Republicans of Maine
if they do not take hold of their own organiza-
ton in earnest, purify it. restore to themselves
the right of self governments and present them
selves before the people as a party of princi-
pies to which they conscientiously adhere, by
which they are willing to be judged, and on
the strength of which alone they ask for votes.
By the time they can safely engage in that en-
terprse they will have the example and the
moral support of Republicans in other States.
The best thing, then, which Independents
can do this year is to do what they have been
accustomed to do vote the ticket. There are
Objectionable names upon it, but on the other
there are worse. There is something at home
to be rebuked which is greater evil than
bad system of the civil service. Rebuke that.
Keep the State out of the hands of men who
will pervert every department to dishonest
purposes. Not only vote for the ticket but
work for it. Accept and obey the orders of the
leaders, as graciou ly as may be, and be ready
for revolt at moments notice.