The Portland daily press., 1884-12-31
The Speakership.

Much interest attaches to the contest for
Legislature which assemblies next week.
There are two candidates for the position,
Gen. Charles P. Mattocks of this city and
Gen. Charles Hamlin of Bangor, and the
friends of each have prosecuted lively cam
palgn for success, but a campaign which we
are glad TO know has been characterized by
good feeling and courtesy. 1t could not well
have been otherwise for both candidates are
gentleman of high character and honorable
record, by whom the public interests would
be well served, and against whom nothing
evil can justly be alleged. The success Of
either will not be in any sense reflection
upon the personal or political standing of
the other; but as both cannot be elected
their associates in the House are under
necessity of making choice between them.
We hope and confidently expect, that
General Mattocks will be chosen. On the
whole, as we regard the conditions, looking
to the prompt and prudent conduct of legis-
lative business, this result would be pre-
ferable. In the transaction of the business
of the legislature with comfort and salts
faction to the members, as well as with adj
vantage to the State, much depends upon
the Speaker of the House, not only in the
matter Of the appointment of the commit
tees which formulate legislation although
this requires large knowledge of men and
interests and much firmness in Judgment
81 To- ha Of int
sound discretion, good nature, and above all
trained facility in the rapid despatch of
business. Without in any degree dispara-
ging the qualifications of General HamliD,
we believe that General Mattocks possesses
the combination of traits which enable one
to discharge the duties of presiding officer of
such body not only with credit but with
distinction.
He has had an uncommon and an extra
ordinary discipline of experience and re-
sponsibility for so young man, and in every
one of the various high and arduous duties
imposed upon him he has acquitted him.
self in an admirable manner. AS a soldier
he had no superior in devotion and gal
lantry. He was almost the youngest officer
commanding regiment in the Army OF the
Potomac, and won his several promotions
from LIST Lieutenant to Brevet Brigadier-
General by brave fighting In bloody bat
ties. Returning home he entered upon the
practice of the law in which he has been
very successful. During his term as County
Attorney he gained high reputation for
x,;ooro,,a n ~ aff3oiopf oroconufions M bic
law business he has added the management
of one of the best stock farms in the State
widely known throughout the country. And
more recently has engaged in the production
of canned goods on large scale, showing in
this, as in everything which he has under
taken, the judgment, energy and capacity
VIII CD have already placed him in the front
rank of the able men of business of this com
munity, and of the State. Having a thor
ough knowledge of men and affairs, gained
by participation in large enterprises, he was
two years ago elected Representative from
this city in the Legislature where he at once
made his mark and exerted a commanding
influence AS chairman of the committee
on legal affairs he matured and guided
through the Legislature several important
measures while he kept himself we'll in
formed concerning all the business coming
before that body and secnred high respect
for his opinions whenever they were ex-
pressed.
The salient traits Of General Mattocks's
character are self reliance, energy, industry
and friendliness. He does his own think
ing, and great deal of it, and while he is
always ready to respect the judgment of 9th
ers he 10 not apt to yield to it out Of pure de-
ference without being convinced. He knows
how to advocate and defend his opinions
with skin aud power, whether in the court
room, the legislative hall, or popular gather
ings of men of all conditions. We have few
public speakers who are more gladly heard
or more Influential with their audiences.
This has been demonstrated often in the hot
campaigns waged by the Republican party
in this part CT the state, and particularly
during the last one. He obtains attention
and confidence as much by the earnestnesS
and sturdy sincerity of his convictions as
by the clearness and force with which he
makes them known. He is true to himself