The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-05-01
The State Convention.

A more harmonious, interesting and sue
cessful State Convention vas perhaps never
hell in Maine than that which assembled
and did its work in Bangor yesterday. There
was not contest of any kind nor a disa-
greement; and the reason was not so much
that one part of the convention was stronger
than another and irresistible, as tina. in all
matters respecting which there was likely to
be difference. there was no disposition In
any quarter to insist on extreme views or
force an expression or action that was not
cordially unanimous. In this regard the
State Committee, who are influential, deserve
great credit not only for skill and tact but for
the courtesy and consideration which they
showed to every phase of opinion and SEN
timent In the party. The whole art of bar
moDy, which consists in union on fanda-
mental points and liberty concerning nom
essentials had an excellent illustration in the
conduct of the convention from the begin
ming to the end. The good feeling, earnest
ness and cheerful confidence which charac-
terized the delegates gathered in the Eotels
before the convention, continued to the end
without break, and no convention ever
met which sepa' ated with fewer disappoint-
mems or resentmsnts.
1t became apparent early in the morning
that the contest concerning the delegates at
large from this part of the State would be
resolved by the choice of Hon. Josiah Drum
mond. The action Of the York County del
egation at a conference had by them virtu-
ally settled the matter; and those who had
urged the election of Hon. Chsrles Nc
Laughlin at once determined, with his entire
appreciation, not to make any opposition.
While It was fully recognized by all that Mr.
Mclaughlin would be an exceleni man for
the position, and fit representative of the
substantial and enterprising business men
of the city, the considerations that finally
prevailed were two, the better acquaintance
of the delegates generally with Mr.. Drum
mond, and, still more, a feeling that owing
to the unusual number of business men not
trained to active participation in parliament
tary proceedings OF gifted In speech who had
been chosen, it was desirable to strengthen
the delegation in this particular. With this
decision no one can reasonably quarrel, and
1t involves no reflection Epon the fidelity of
Mr.. McLsughlin's Republicanism, no dimin-
ution of the respect his character and ability
have won.
The platform prepared by the committee
on resolutions is clear and forcibe state
ment Of the principles in which the Repub-
hcans of the State are as heartily agreed as
the members of any party can be. There
was not murmer of dissent to any part of
1t, and the resolution which refers so grace
fully and suggestively to Mr.. Blaine was re-
ceived, as was every allusion to him during
the day, with warm demonstrations of ap-
probation and devotion. The demands up
on our space today prevent any extended
analysis of these resolutions; but they will
be read with satisfaction, and the friends of
civil service reform throughout the land will
observe with qualification the completeness
of the acquiesence of the party in this State
in the motives that actuate them and the
work accomplished. This is noticeable
progress.
The speeches by the accomplished chair
man Of the convention and by Governor
Roble were received with great favor. Each
was characteristic in high degree Of the