Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-01-19
The Elements Disturbed.

Below the general appearance OF salts
faction which appears on the surface of
the supporters of Mr.. Cleveland is rude
stirring of the elements in regard to the
distribution of the offices. Mr.. Cleveland
is not yet inaugurated, but the office
seekers are busy constructing their ap-
proaches to the positions desired. and en-
ploying every arti6ce that will aid them
to gain their ends. In all cities and towns
of any political importance the schemers
and managers are at work pulling wires
and laying plans. 1t will not be many
days until easy-going democrats will be
startled from their slumbers by finding
states all completed, bearing the names
of Offices and those who are to enjoy them
under the new administration.
Some idea that such a state of things
exists has already begun to dawn on the
understanding of even the sleepiest dem
ocrats. The meetings Of leading demo-
Gratis here and there for consultation; the
whisperings among the knowing ones
and occasionally the mutterings of the dis
appointed and fiery Hotspurs OF the party
who find unexpected obstacles in their
way or meet with deception and coldness
where they had not looked for them; these
and many more signs toll of the fierce
struggle which is going on beneath
the placid appearance of the dem
ocratic party. Those who "make
hay when the sun shines are up
and doing. Those who wait until Office
comes to them without seeking will never
obtain what they wish should they live to
be as old rs Nethuselah.
One of the difficulties is what to do with
the independents. They are q trouble
some pack anyway. Tnsy will break up
and destroy any party with which they
are connected unless they can control
everything as they desire. They consider
themselves mach better than the average
democrat. Indeed they depiss all but
slk-stockins democrats. They think it
entirely right and proper for democrats
who have grown gray in the service of
their party to be showed aside that men
who voted their first democratic ticket at
the late election, and who probably will
never vote another, may 60 in and possess
the highest places in the gilt Of the COM
ing administration. Already they are
threatening to make mischief and bring
down destruction on the democratic camp
if matters are not conducted according
to their fastidious and fantastic notions
of managing political affairs.
Another matter almost as bad as the
management of the independents is how
to reconcile the ''mossbacks'' of the par
ty, the cunning old foxes. who are laying
the wires early and skillfully for them
selves and friends, and the young
and ardent democracy who fought
the fight and believe themselves
entitled to the rewards of victory. There
is great deal of pentup thunder con-
corning this. The difficulty increases every
day. The conflict becomes fiercer as in
auguratiou day approaches. The 'moss-
backs" inwardly believe and openly say
this is their last chance to ''get their toes
warmed" and they must improve it. The
young men say they won the fight and the
prizes belong to them. Both factions are
of the opinion that the hold of the democ-
racy upon the national governments only
temporary, that the republicans will re-
gain their ascendency in 1888, and there
fore each faction hastens to make the
most of the present opportunity lest an
other may not present itself for the next
twenty-five years at least.
So the elements in the democratic party
are mixed and conflicting. There is
storm brewing that will lash the political
sea into angry waves that will carry de-
struction in their path. Republicans need
only to keep their organization complete,
to meet the enemy firmly and decidedly at