The Portland daily press., 1885-11-07
covernor RobIe and His critics.


The following letter appears in the Lewis
ton Journal:
To the Editors of the Lewiston Journal;
Will you please allow o Democrat the op-
portunity of expressing disapproyal of the
severe, and, as we believe, unwarranted
structures passed on our chief Executive by
various late political papers.
Gov. Robie is not novice, but Governor
of three years experience, during which his
courtesy, fidelity and honesty have won the
confidence of the masses of beth parties, and
at this late day it is likely to prove difficult
task to convince the people that he is un-
faithful and dishonest. Regarding the dis
posal Of two petty islands, viewed in the
light of personal honor, no mud is likely to
stick to him in the eye of the people. The
matter is altogether of too small moment to
spend much time over, and were it a thous-
and times more important there is no evil
evidence impugning his honest intent.
Regarding a sentiment in his State Fair
address claimed to be unfriendly to our
alien citizens, it is but just to say that the
unmistakable tenor of his entire public and
private life affords complete denial as to
his intent. His genial heart is full of broad
charity that stamps his public acts, and
bears an impress on his pure private life.
Those who know him best are the most COM
petent witnesses to verify his friendliness to
all races, classes and all legitimate interests,
We believe that any insinuation that he has
a shadow of animosity towards any class OF
foreigners has no foundation in fact, and
any averment to the contrary to be peryer-
sion of his words and intent. In the affirm
ance of this we are actuated by no other mo-
tive than that of simple, naked justice, and
in depreciation of what we consider unjust
personal attacks on our Executive. re-
cent article concerning His Excellency In
New York Sun is not only .perversion OF
the spirit of his address, but trenches close
upon the honor and dignity. of our common
wealth, fors an intimation calling in ques-
ton the intelligence and discretion of our
Governor, is by inference an implication on
the fair name of our State. AS matter Of
fact, Governor Robie is to be justly classed
among the most prudent and discreet OF
Maine's Governors, and any attempted reiu-
tation of this is not likely to rebound to the
benefit of any political party.
AS Democrat, the writer believes that
Governor Robes politics, as displayed in
occasional evidences of partisanship, is open
to just criticism, In him many people would
have been glad to have witnessed greater
degree of independence in some official acts,
but in maintaining fellowship with his party,
he has done not otherwise than his political
opponents could reasonably expect, and
this furnishes no just pretext for the
seemingly methodical personal attacks
on him by political papers in and out
of the State. The personal mud-slinglns
tactics of the last national campaign dis
gusted the better element in both parties,
and we believe its renewal in local or general
politics is likely to prove boomerang. Not
that honest criticism Is to be disparaged, but
that between this and captious and unfair
personal attacks there should be ingenious
discrimination.
The administration of Gov. Robie has, in
the main, proved wise and conservative. He
has done notably more than any predecessor
in elevating and making more popular our
leading industry agriculture. He and his
council have at various times displayed COM
mendable fidelity in guarding the peoples
financial rights against the encroachments OF
corporations and monopolists, and we believe
that no political advantage is likely to be
gained by distortion of facts. These sug-
gestions are offered the Journal in the inter-
est of justice and fair play.
A CUMBERLAND DEMOCRAT.
Westbrook, Nov 3d.