The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-08-24
boston Advertiser.l
Maine.

Our special correspondent in Maine snmma-
rizes in the letter which is printed this morn
ing his conclusions as to the political situation
in that State. These conclusions were arrived
at after careful and thorough survey OF the
whole field, and after hearing what the lead
ing men in all parts of the State of all parties,
had to say. Stated briefly, the conclusion is
that the Republican ticket is to be elected
Our correspondent does not look for large
plurality for Mr.. Robbie, but has little doubt
that the plurality will be in his favor. This
result is expected to be due partly to the Scion
Chase diversion, partly to the help which the
leading prohibitionists give to the ticket this
year. partly to the lack of good management
by the Fusionists, and partly to the thorough
and effective work of the Republican organiza-
ton.
1t is a remarkable fact that in this canvass
almost nothing is heard OF any principles as
dividing the two opposing parties, for they are
but two although party organizations are nu-
mereus The Greenbackers are no longer for
greenbacks; the Prohibitionists have no griev-
ance SO far as law is concerned; the Democrats
have no principles; the Republicans may have
III.
in the discussion. 1t is a contest which has q
bearing upon national politics, but in itself it
is as barren local contest as the country has
ever known. In one aspect 1t 10 quarrel De-
tween the Governor and his Council, but the
issue involved is one of very slight Importance,
and the circumstances which have led up to it
are such as are not altogether crcd1table to
either party. In another aspect it is question
of persons. Greenbackers of Republican ORR
gin in Maine may be described as persons who
1s.lsl~ e. 81 De-. r1h1 saaxr
leaders The Democrats take advantage of
this dislike, in which they share, and that is
the sole bond of union among the Fusionists.
The Republicans, robbed of their former posi-
ton of authority, are endeavoring to regain 1t
by herculean efforts. When they succeed the
Fusion party will fall in pieces. No great
national issue is mentioned in the canvass.
Slavery, reconstruction, the Southern ques-
ton, the bloody shirt,-all these matters were
out of the way long ago: Civil service reform
has not yet been heard OF IN Maine, except
here and there. The currency question is not
a topic for discussion. There is no division OF
sentiment on the tariff, although the Demo
Gratis resolved that protection is lnlqulty-
which they do not believe, or if they do would
not adhere to their resolution were the Re-
publicans to attack it.
In such a canvass it is not possible to become
greatly excited Nevertheless, there is ono
party which is to be preferred to the other. Ii
there is choice between the Governor and
the Council in their petty quarrel, the Councl
is to be preferred, because at one point in the
controversy that body did make bold stand
in favor Of pure Judiciary, while Governor
Plaisted has done nothing which has even the
appearance of craftsmanship.
So far as it is question of persons the Re-
publicans are greatly to be preferred, the DEM
ocrats and Greenbackers being rare specimens
OF political depravity. Personally, whether
ability, or breadth of view, or capacity for USE
fdlness, be the test, the Republican candidates
for Congress are greatly superior to the Fusion
lists, and it would be sheer perversity to allow
either of the four Democratic Greenbackers to
slip in. Moreover, the result OF the election IS
to have its effect upon the national situation
since not only will the Congressman be either
Republicans or Democrats, but the next Legls-
lature is to choose a successor to Senator Frye,
who will be the Senator himself or Fusionist.
Consequently, the Republican party will still
hold, as it ought to hold, all its oldrtlme
strength. There will be thousands OF mon who
have voted the regular ticket year after year
who will do SO again this year, not because
they like campaign in which men are every
thing and principles nothing, but because
there is nothing better to do than to support
men who are personally fit, but who represent
nothing but an old party name. 1t will be due
to these voters that Mr.. ROBBIE will be chosen.
But it will be far different victory from that
which the party used to achieve when vote
signified that the voter wished to advance po-
litical principles to which he adhered with his
whole soul.