Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-01-09

English sentence or write a ballot. This kind of
ignorance exists, though in far less degree, how
ever in every State in this Union, and begets per-
sona dependence upon others for the most trivial
information. 1t destroys the dignity of true and
intelligent manhood, aud encourages the worst
forms of political corruption and bribery. Ignorant
voters constitute u bulwark behind which base
demag ,gues and pretenders find refuge and use for
their selfish purposes. Education begets qualifica
tion'. which, when sustained by high moral
cha racter prepare man for every duty in life and
every responsibility that government expect him to
bear.
John Adams ia the early days of the Republic,
said: "Tlc whole people must take upon themselves
the education of the whole people, and must be
willing 10 bear the expense OF it," Statistics show
that the dark clouds OF the nations ieracy and its
sad consequences more than any other cause darken
the sun-iig ht of American civil cation. national
evil calls tor ma onal remedy. The recomme ndaton
which comes from the wises and most phiauthropic
men of the nation in favor of national aid for edu
cation, should receive the careful consideration OF
Con zress and an early action Is one Of the necessi
ties for national security.
The recent national election fer President
developed an unusual political excitement, which
unfortunately was intensified by personal abuse of
the character Of the candidates, necessarily democrat
izng the higher purp OF political canvass
1 he state of Maine, bv urmstakable popula
vote, clared its allegiance and faith in the prin-
ciples and policy otthe Republican party which has
uninterrupledy for quarter of century governed
this nation, and also confirmed its attachment to,
and confidence in the ability and integrity of
character of our respected fe low ci lien, who by
the emphatic voice OF his party became its honored
cllieitain and leader. In the iii appointment of
part defeat a. we'll as in the hour of victory,
james G. Bl inc will carry into the future a stain
les, ecord ppl mented by the recoll ction of the
fidelity Of MS own state and tho unfaltering trust
OF q contidug people.
to prefer change in its administration, which sen
ment howevs r, is much more apparent among those
STATES nat for .evtral years Inside OF the
Union than elsewh 70 this decree the minority
party will grace. uliy submit. The loyalty of the
people of Maine rises above ali party considera-
lions and is a sure guarantee that our citizens of
a Ell N
aiding and sustaining the incoming officers of the
general government in the discharge of their public
duty; and it is a reasonable expectation that the
future will find our noble ship of State pursuing
prosperous course sustained by the honest endeavOrs
continue to keep step to tina music of the Union
which has always inspired the loyal heart of the
Nation,
Freedom and equality of the citizen are the first
elements of popular government; they are the
natural attributes OF the human heart and the
teachings of enlightened wisdom. 1t il of the
results of the recent war, supplemented bv the voice
of the American people, that our constitutional
obligations to protect the rights and equality of the
citizens has been proclaimed and made sacred. The
weight of prejudice and legal and social recogni
ton of inferiority of race, during many of
years have made the color line the cause of great
injustice, and there seems to be reasons in some
quarters for national interference, in order that
many of our citze MS, both educated and lowly NAV
be better protected in life liberty and the pursuit of
happiness. Human government fails to discharge
Its highest duty when it neglects to protect the
rights of Its most humble citizen. The rights of the
and an honest return and count thereof The
intimidation of voters the South, and the frauds
and bribery practiced in other sections of the
country, menace the perpetuiy of the Republic.
would call the attention of the Legislature to the
alarming evils which result from the large expendi-
ture of money in our national State, and not un-
frequently in municipal elections. The civil
service rules as applied to Federal Office holders
have practically broken up corrupt and oppressive
practice of assessing candidates Office by party
managers, and the means of c0rruping the pur-
chasabe voter has been lessened. I would recon.
mend that the principles of civil service be adopted
by our own State by the enactment Of such laws as
will hereafter prohibit the collection of political
sessments from any officer employee in our
similar is to the law which was se'e'e enacted
by the Legislature Of New York The shameful
practices of bribery and intimidation in our cleo.
tons are not confined to single State to one
party. 1t may become general, unless speedily
checked. that the elections will longer be the ex
recorded result of the highest bride for the
vo'e-. England, and many of the States of the
Union have taken advanced action this subject,
and recommend that our election laws be carefully
considered by an appropriate committee of the
Legislature for the purpose if practicable of more
efeetuay preventing intimidation. bribery and
corruption in our elections when and where they
may exist. Let us secure in season better methods
of detection, increased penalties and surer enforce
as yet comparatively unknown in our elections may
never disturb the justice and freedom of the popu
lar voice of the State of Maine.
CONCLUSION.
l have endeavored to lay before you such recon-. |
mendations and suggestions seem to be |
essential at this time to the proper legislation and
government of the State. Whatever subjects may
have omitted trust that your own observation and
care will supplement. Let us to whom the affairs of
our beloved State are entrusted be moved by the in
1uences which recognize the supremacy of law and
order and the rights of man. keeping constantly in
view the lessons of the past which incucate the !
historic truth that the perpetuity of free govern
ment Is based upon universal intelligence and that
Righteousness which exalteth nation. The PRINT
tive New England home, with its simplicity.
frugality and Christian virtues, must be cherished
as the nursery of that noble manhood and woman.
hood which are the essentials Of strong and happy
State. May our action and example, as proud and
loyal sons of Maine, by the blessings OF God, re.
dound to His glory and he continued prosperity of
the Commonwealth.
FREDERICK ROBIE-