The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-06-21
The Ethics of Candidacy.

The gentlemen of the Independent"
press have set aioat story that Mr.. Blaine
is to be ''the manager of the campaign" in
this State behind the scenes" Suppose
that were true, what of it? There are pee
pie who think it implies want Of principle,
or modesty, or dignity, or piety, or right
sentiment, or noble indifference, or some
Other exemplary virtue for a candidate to
take any part in securing the success of the
cause of which be has cen made the repre-
sentative and leader. That is stuff and
nonsense, the subiimated sentiment of inef-
fcehcy. Because a man has been nomina-
ted as party candidate he is not therefore
excluded from working, as intelligently and
effectively as he may, for the success of the
| cause, and bis work will neither lie better
nor worse in the character of it because he
Is candidate. Is it seriously pretended
that parties must weaken themselves by
nominating their ablest men for office and
| so retiring them from active exertion in the
common cause? The alternative according
| to the sentimentalists is that only such men
as are of no use in the practical conduct of
party's campaigns shall be nominated for
Office.
We are sometimes recommended to look
to England for an example Of political con-
duct But what English statesman refuses
| to take an active part in the election cam
| paigns according to his talent aud power to
promote the success of the party to which
| he belongs, the success of which means
! of course his elevation to office. Certainly
neither Beaconsfeld nor Gladstone, nor Lord
| Derby, nor Lord John Russell nor any other
leader of English parties has refrained from
active and jealous participation in the can
vases which were to determine whether or
not they would govern England. Did Lin
coin do wrong in arguing the Republican
cause, with senatorship at stake? Did Gar
fed demean himself contributing his advice
| and bis voice to the success OF the last ma
tional campaign? Did Governor Robinson
incur dishonor by his grand efforts for the
defeat of Butlerism in Massachusetts,? OF
course no Democrat who Processes to hold
Mr.. Tilden in respect will have anything to
say against candidate for managing his
own campaign.
But our friends, the Independents, need
not worry undnly, Mr.. Blaine is likely to
have enough to do without assuming the
personal direction of the Republican cam
paign. No one has any warrant for
| the assumption that he will take per-
sonal control, either before the scenes or be-
hind them, of the Republican campaign in
this State. We do not wonder that those
who want to defeat him are already laboring
to create prejudice against him even on such
flimsy grounds. No doubt they would like
to be assured that Mr.. Blaine will take to
the woods and leave the party which has
nominated him to get along without the
benefit of his counsel and experience. But
we may be very sure they will not insist on
the indifference OF the candidates they sup
port, if they are capable of rendering any
service. When party has candidate who
cannot open his mouth without laundering
| it is wise to secure his silence if possible.
We have no QUESTION that those who are re-
| sponsible for the conduct of the Republican
campaign in this State, as well as those who
are responsible for the national campaign,
| will have more or less consultation with Mr..
| Blaine aud that he will aid them with the
| wisdom of his good sense. That they will
impose upon him, or that he will undertake,
any work that properly belongs to the COM
lnittees, and not to the candidate, is absurd.
| The Republicans of Maine have an able, ac-
tive, experienced and enthusiastic state
committee, quite capable of efficient service
and not disposed to shirk any duty. They
will be supported in the coming canvass by
party all alive to the obligations imposed
by the honor conferred upon this State in
the nomination of their most distinguished
citizen and much-admired leader for the
highest office in the nation. If there is any
State in the Union which the candidate will
be justified in dismissing from his anxieties,
| and leaving to the care of his ardent and de-
voted supporters, it is the State of Maine.