Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1884-08-28
From the \. Y. independently
The Crisis and Our DUTY.

We published last week, in our CORE
spondence columns, communication from
DIR. kinsley Tuining, one Of our editorial
staff, giving the result of his investigatio
in regard to the Cleveland scandal. The
grave and serious part of this scandal.
which he declares that he found TO be true,
Is that which imputes personal impurity to
MIR. Cleveland in the specific instance that
has come to the knowledge of the public.
We cannot, in view of all the facts, resist
the conclusion that this part of the scandal
is true and this Is quite enough 10 deter
mine our course.
This damaging charge came upon US
wholly unexpected, and with the sudden,
stunning force of a thunderbolt gu, Of clear
sky. None were more surprised and over
whelmed by it than the Governors friends
and intlmates among the Independents of
Buffalo. and it was case that called for
thorough and fearless investigation.
That we felt this in every fiber. aud tina,
We intended to impress this feeling on our
readers, and TO hold ourselves absolutely
free TO act as circumstances required. is the
simple truth and our silence as to the
Cleveland nomination from that day was
intended
We utterly refuse to accept two standards
of character. We repudiate with contempt
the doctrine that public mans private
life Is not 10 be inquired into. DIR. Twin
ing Investigation went ON the recognition
of this principle.
On this subject, as 1t now stands, WE will
not be slow 10 give advice. The condi-
tons have wholly changed since the indie
pendent Conference. Then We were ready
with real enthusiasm TO support the tried.
and as We than believed, homes, reformer,
Grover Cleveland. Now, without one word
IN derogatiOn of his record as Governor OF
this State, our enthusiasm is wiped out by
the discovery Of the acknowledged and aw-
full facts.
We hence desire to have all our readers
plainly understand. once for all, that what
ever has been said in the editorial columns
OF the Independent favorable TO the election
of Governor Cleveland was said prior To the
recent slekening disclosures IN regard to
his private character, which have Justly
shocked the moral sense of all pure aud
righi-mlnded people. The attempt NOW to
force such candidate upon the people
would. in our opinion. disgrace the party
which nominated him. and the whole Ma
ton, If he should be elected We Will have
no hand or voice in helping on ihi> matter.
let the consequences BE- what they NAV,
and We will not advise the readers OF the
Independent 10 smother their conscience
and disgrace themselves by engaging di-
rectly or indirectly IN any such movement
We are now in serious diihculiyss Ma
ton. in regard 10 the unchecked progress,
Of Mormonism and shall We nov. in ibr
face of threatening evils and peri>, plunge
into deeper gulf by any seeming inIittrr-
enee a. To the Jr.rafe character Of one vino
has been nominated 10 til the hishe,, Office
in the gift of the people ? We say No.
thousand times No. Governor Cevel md
should positively decline To b. a canil tate.
and withdraw Immediately from the eau
va,s, and be compelled 70 do 20 il il i.
necessary. The party watch animated
him through il, chosen Representative
should then reconyere and select a new
ticket that viii command he hearty sup
port Of the people Of al parties. There T.
time enough 10 do this, AMI there is 70
hope or safety IA any other course To-
stand s,ill now. or attempt 10 90 blindi,
forward with the present ticket. would, in
our Judgment, be an insult To the Ruler o?
Nations. sure death 10 the Democratic nsriy
including also is leaders. and an .vrrs sting
disgrace 70 the Republic.