The Evening critic., 1884-09-09
MR BLkINE,S SPEECH
At n Meeting of Augusta Republic
cans Last Night.

The Augusta (Ie.) Republicans held
grand public meeting last night over the re-
suit of the election in that State yesterday.
They serenaded Mr.. Blaine, who addressed
them as follows:
FELLow.CITIzENs AND OLD FRIENDS: The
Republicans OF Maine may well congratulate
themselves on the magnificent victory which
they have won. Four years ago this evening
we were overwhelmed and Inundated by the
loss OF the State. We rejoice now over an
unparalleled triumph which is registered by
The choice OF both branches OF the Legislature,
by the election OF all the Representatives In
Congress, OF all the county officers In every
county In the State except one, and by popu.
lar majority for Governor Robie of perhaps
10000 votes. The cause OF this Democratic
overthrow, gentlemen, is known to us all.
our canvass has been conducted on ono
great issue. Our papers have kept that con-
siantly before the people. Every speaker from
every platform has enunciated, defended, en-
forced H.. II is the issue OF protection to
American labor. The tariff has been almost
the only question discussed In our canvass,
and the people have responded nobly. They
understand the subject fully. They know the
details OF the Morrison Tariff bill, and they
read therein the precise results which would
follow IL our opponents should obtain control
OF the National Government. They see and
they know that the Morrison bill enacted into
law would seriously cripple, II not destroy,
the leading industrial interests OF Maine, that
II would reduce the wages OF every laboring
man and stop new manufacturing enterprise
In the State. Seeing this the people OF Maine
have protested against tho enactment of 80
destructive measure and have set the seal of
disapprobation upon the Democratic party
that support 1t.
Many Democrats In Maine, who have never
before wavered In their allegiance to the
party, have ranged themseives to-day on the
side OF protection to American industry by
voting the full Republican ticket. Their
leaders could not hold them. Party discipline
is powerless against the convictions OF men.
The issue on the temperance amendment to
the constitution has been very properly and
very rigidly separated from the political con.
voted for II and some Republicans have voted
against 1t. Tho Republican party by the do.
sire OF leading temperance men took no action
as party on the amendment. For my part
decided not to vote at all on the question. 1
took this position because am chosen by the
Republican party as tne representative of
National Issues, and by no act OF mine shall
any question be obtruded upon the National
campaign which does not belong properly to
the domain OF politics. Certain advocates OF
prohibition and certain opponents or prohibit
lion are each seeking TO drag the issue into
the National canvass and thus tending to OK :
clude from popular consideration the ques-
lions which press for National decision.
II there be any questions that belong solely
to the police power OF me State IL Is the con-
troll OF the liquor traflc, and wise men Will not
neglect National Issues In the year OF a Ma
tiohal contest Judicious friends OF pro.
tective tarin, which is the practical issue OF
the campaign, will not divert their votes to
the question OF prohibition, which is not a
practical issue In the National campaign. |
accept with great pleasure your congratula.
lions on the vote OF this city and the surround
Ing towns or Kennebec County. / do not dis
guise from you that am profoundly gratined
with the result. DESTROYS OF the good opinion
OF oil men, am sure that estoem beyond all
others the good opinion OF these excellent PEG
pie, among whom have passed nearly all the
years OF my adult life, who know me intl-
mately from young manhood as a fellow.cltl-
zen, neighbor ana friend. return my thanks
for your call, and still hearter thanks for your
great work OF to-day.