The Portland daily press., 1883-09-20

Portions of the following letter were
printed sometime ago in the Worcester Spy.
The authors signal ability and distinguished
service in the Republican party make what
ever he has to say worthy of attention.
Some of the views advanced in this letter,
however specially applicable to the condi-
tion of things in Massachusetts, have scope
that makes them interesting everywhere.
Governor Chamberlain is now a citizen Of
New York. This letter appears to have
been written in his vacation time:
AMHERST, Mass, Sept. 5, 1888.
MY DEAR SIR:-I have just seen In the
Boston Advertiser that you are one OF the
delegates to the coming Republican State
Convention, and find my old interest In
you increased. believe have not seen
you since you and Judge Thayer called on
me in New York, some three years ago, and
while l express to you again my most cor
dial hope for your health and prosperity, 1t
is because you are delegate to that conven-
tion that | now write you.
1t has become, perhaps, threadbare re-
mark, that the coming election in Massachu-
sets is of the highest importance, and that
the issue is distinctly between Butlerism-
which is much worse than Butler-on the
onC Hduu, anu BOOu anu
decency on the other. 1t is not for tri-
umph of the Republican party, but the tri-
umph OF good men of all parties, that am
interested in this contest. l believe in par
ties at any time, merely as agencies for Sc
curing the best results in public affairs for
the whole people; but just now, and so far
as can see the future, the prime need is to
be independent in our political action. I
would pledge my vote to no party; but to
the principles loved, without regard to
party.
For this reason am rejoiced to see that
the Independents are organizing in your
State. There is no danger to public inter-
ests from this class of men. If the Republic
can party presents the best men and the best
principles, the Independents will support 1t;
and on no other condition, in my judgment,
ought any man to support it. l would have
the Independents organize and stand organ
lied and resolute, outside of all party lines
and trammels, and force one or both of the
great parties to come up to their level and
stag there.
OF candidates l have a word only to say.
Massachusetts is not poor in men worthy to
lead in this fight. Possibly l should like
best to see the name of my old commander
and friend, G. f. Adams, Jr., at the head of
the ticket; but so far as can judge, the fit
test man, in all respects, where many others
am hot affected with any personal sc-
quantance with Mr.. Pierce, but his career
has given the public assurance of man
fearless, clearsighted, hgh-toned and able.
l recall one fact in his career which, in my
view, points him out as a man of convictions
and resolution just fitted for the, present
work, and am sure l can refer to this, With
some proper empaSis Of personal sort. Mr..
Pierce and Pres. Seelye stood alone, as re-
call it, among Republicans in Congress in
voting against counting the electoral vote
OF Louisiana for Hayes in 1876. / have new
er agreed with those gentlemen in that vote,
but did admire and l do admire now, the
spirit of sincerity and absolute independence
of party interests and behests, which must
have inspired that vote.
Massachusetts,, and the country, need
more such independent men and independ.
ent votes. If Butlerism represents, as we
all know it does, demagoguery in all its
forms, and low and unclean ways in all di-
rections, you need, as it seems to me, man
who will typify perfectly the ways of up
rightness, independence and disinterested-
ness in public affairs.
Take no counsel, l would say, In this
fight, of your fears nor of your prudence, In
the lower sense of the word; but trust the
public conscience and self-respect. Above
all, do not cater to factions, such as the pro-
L
enough, but who nearly always put their pet
issue so close to their eyes that they can see
nothing else No donbt, we need temper
ance of all kinds, but no temperance of any
kind can be had without first defeating But
Ter. am sorry for any man who does not
see that no demagogue can truly serve the
cause of temperance.
But did not intend to read you so long q
homily, when 1 began. l was born, and
lived nQarlU thirty in MaQoaahnaaffa
and owe her, as we all do, my best services
always, and l am sure you will appreciate
the intense solicitude we feel outside the
State, for her good name, and the cause of
public purity everywhere, which has dicta-
ted this letter
Yours sincerely,
d. II. CHAMBERLAIN.
To
A. G. WALKER, ESQ.,,
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