The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-07-25
DEMOCRATIC STATE COMMITTEE,
A Lively meeting-W. A. Cromwell Elect
ed Chai"man-The Plan of Campaign
Not Vet Decided Upon.

-" ~SOSANOu OPVAs
A meeting of the Democratic State Commit
tee was held at the Merchants Exchange
Hotel yesterday afternoon, and the committee
continued in session for four hours. All the
places were filed by proxies A number of
prominent Democrats were present besides the
committee, among them Ex-Gov. Plaisted,
Col. Adams, OF the Argus, and Col. Bradbury,
chairman of the County Committee.
The meeting was called to order by Mr.. l..
Fl. Murch, Of Belfast. the secretary, in conse-
quencs of the vacancy in the craftsmanship,
owing to the resignation of Mr.. Torrey of Bath,
some time ago. 1t became necessary, of
course. to elect chairman, and Mr.. w. A.
Cromwell, member from York County was
elected. 1t is reported that while the selection
of chairman was perfectly acceptable 10 the
committee generally-for Mr.. Cromwell is a
very popular man with everybody-it was not
so agreeable to Capt. Charles H. Chase. the
member from Cumberland County. If our in
formation is correct Capt. Chase, who holds
the position of chairman Of the executive COM
mittee, felt that the promotion belonged To
him. Several of his friends, it is said told him
before the meeting, that it was much better to
remain chairman of the executive committee.
which carries with it the position of treasurer
and retain control of the funds of the party as
he would then be in much more important
position than the chairman of the whole COM
mittee who as unnecessarily fgure-head. The
captain seemed to think well of the arguments
advanced, but when the COMMITTEES met he
had arranged, as he supposed, for an election.
This time, it appears, the little plan didn't
work as we'll as at Biddeford when the CAPTAIN
wanted to go to Chicago and the "other Teller"
got the mitten. The captain supp essed his
emotion until he reached the Falmouth Hotel
after the meeting, where he expressed himself
strongly to small group of friends 1t was a
little hard perhaps on the gentleman after the
hard work he has done for the party. but az
one Democrat said, GOOD Cd, he can't ex-
pect everything, can he? Does the man want
the world?"
The business of electing chairman finished
the reports from the different counties were
listened to. Many of those present thought there
was not a great deal of enthusiasm developed
Tor Mr.. Blaine and they said the Cleveland
ticket was generally very satisfactory to the
Democrats. The question of funds came I'M
and 1t was thought by some that several of The
candidates for local offices ought to be willing
to help literally. 1t is reported that it was
suggested that the candidate for sheriff, Mr..
Sawyer, ought to give $500, and Judge Cleayes,
candidate for Congress, $4,000.
Inc question OF trying to make an aggressive
campaign, while under discussion, brought
out much diversity OF opinion. Some Thought
vigorous effort should be made to try and
reduce Gov. Robes majority, in September.
materially. By so doing it would go forth to
the country that Blsine's nomination had
fallen fat in his native state, aud would en-
courage the Democracy to put forth all their
strength in November This plan would be
all the easier to accomplish since the Repub-
licans would rest in security thinking Blaine's
name all powerful to call out the votes, while
the falling off in the Republican vote, owing
to the disafectien Of the Independents, would
help swell the Democratic ballots, and reduce
the Republican majority. Others thought all
such effort would be throwing away money.
Ii the Democrats had money to spend it had
better be put in States where there was a
possibility OF actual success. They believed in
doing all in reason at home, but If the major
ity thought the Republicans weren't going to
match their efforts and pile up a great major
ity for Robbie, If it was possible thing, then
these gentlemen didn't know what they were
talking about.
Finally it was decided to adjourned subject
to the call of the chair, three weeks hence,
when the plan of the campaign will have been
decided upon, and when Governor Clevelaud's
letter OF acceptance will have been published.
1t was thought that the campaign would be
opened at that time by great ratification
meeting in Portland.