The Portland daily press., 1885-01-09

direful consequences. Over five millions, or
one-tenth OF the population OF this nation,
above ten years of age, cannot read or write
The voters 10 the sixteen Southern, formerly
slave-hOlding States, constitute enc bird OF cur
voting population and thirtyatW0 and three
tenths per eentum Of this number cannot read
the simplest English sentence, or write bal
lot. This kind OF ignorance exists, though 10
for less degree, however, in every State in
this Union, aud begets personel dependence
upon others for the most trivial information.
1t destroys the dignlIy OF q true and intelli-
gent manhood, and encourages the worst forms
of political corruption and bribery. Ignorant
voters constitute a bulwark behind which base
demagogues and pretender5 find refuge and
use for their selfish purposes. Education be-
gets qualifications, which, when sustained by
high moral character, prepare man for every
uusg in life and every responsibility that gov
eminent expects him to bear.
John Adams, in the early days Of the Eepab-
lie, said "The whole people must take upon
themselves the education OF the whole people,
and must be willing to bear tbs expense Of it."
taiBtcs show that the dark clouds OF the ma
tionB iiliteracy aud its sad consequences, more
than any other cause, daTken the sunlight Of
American civilization 4 national evil calls
for a national remedy. The accommodation
which comes from the wisest and most philan-
thropic men OF the nation In favor OF national
aid for education, should receive the careful
consideration OF Congress-; and an carly action
is one OF the necessities for national security.
Inc recent DatLOldA ei1stlUn lOE IEtSlQSNL
developed an unusual political excitement,
which unfortunately was intensified BY per-
soDal abuse of The character Of the candidates,
necessarily demcralizlng the higher purposes
of political canvass The State OF Maine,
BY an unmistakable popular vote, declared its
allegiance and faith in the principles and pol
icy OF the Republican party, which has unin-
serTaptedlg for a quarter Of a century gov
erned this nation, and also confirmed Its at
tachment to, and confidence ~ ths ability and
s,,fo ut oh of faA all
citizen, who by the emphatic voice of his party
became its honored chieftain and leader. In the
disappointment Of party defeat, as we'll as in
the hour of victory, James g. Blaine will car
rg into the future stainless record supple
mented by the recollection Of the fidelity OF his
own State, and the nnial.eTing trust Of q coz
hding people.
The majority Of the voters of this nation ap-
pear to prefer a change 10 its administration,
which sentiment however, 10 much more ap-
parent among those States that for several
years were outside of the Union than else
where. 10 this decree the minority party will
gracefully submit. The loyalty OF the people
OF Maine rises above all party considerations,
and is q sure guarantee that oaF citizens, of
every political faith, will render united ser,
/ vice ia aiding aud sustaining the incoming
officers OF the general government in the dis
charge OF their public duty; and il Is a reason
able expectation that the future will tind our
noble ship Of State pursuing a prosperous
course, sustained by the boness endeavor5 of
true patriotism and wise statssmanship. Let
us continue to keep step to that music OF the
Union which bas always inspired the loyal
heart Of the Nation.
Freedom and equality Of the citizen are the
first elements of a popular government; they
are the natural attributes OF tbs human heart
and the teachings OF enlightened wisdom. 1t
is one Of the results OF the recent war, supple.
msnted by the voice OF the American people,
that our constitutional obligations TO protect
the rights and equality of the citizen has been
proclaimed and made scored. The weight OF
prejudice, and legal and soetsl recognition OF
| interority OF race, during many scores OF
years, have made the color line the cause Of
great injustice, aud there seems to be reasons
IN como quarters for active national interfer-
ence, ia order that many of our citizens, both
educated and l0glyi may be better protected
IN life, liberty and the pursuit OF happiness
Human government fails TO discharge It's high
est duty when II negleets to protect the rights
OF its most humble citizen The rights of the
citizsn will not be secured until he has q free
ballot and an honest return and count thereof.
| The intimidation Of voters 10 the South, and
the frauds and bribery praeticed in other sec
tons OF the country, menace tho perpetuity OF
the Republic.
would call the attention of the Legislature
| to the alarming evils which result from the
| large expenditure OF moasy in our national,
! State and not untrequantly in our municipal
| elections. The Civil service rules as applied to
| Federal otfice-holders have practically broken
/ up g anu oppressive pfhCLiC9 OF assess
sing candidates for Office by party managers,
| ana the means Of coTruptine the purchasabla
| voter has baen lesseDed. ] would recommend
| that the principles Of civil service be adopted
| BY our owa State, By the enactment Of Guch
laws rs VIII hereafter prohibit the collection of
| political assessments from any officer or em-
| ploye IA our State county or municipal gov
ernments, similar to the law which was en-
| acted by the Legislature OF New York. The
| shameful practices of bribery and intimidation
| ia Cur elections are not confined
| to q single State or to one
party. 1t may become so general, un-
less speedily checked, that the elections will
no longer be the expression of free public sen
timent, but simply the recorded result Of the
highest BRIDE for the voter. England, and
many OF the States OF this Union have taken
| advanced action on this subJect, and recon-
mend that our election laws ne carefully con-
| sidered By an appropriate committee OF the
Legislature for the purpose, If practicable OF
more effectnallg preventing intimidation,
bribery and corruption in OR elections when
and where they may exist. Let ue seours in
season better methods of detection, increased
| penalties and surer enforcement of the laws,
| that the practices OF other States, as yet COM
parativelg unknown in our elections may new
| er disturb the justice and freedom Of the popu-
| lar voice of the State of Maine.
CONCLUSION.
have endeavored to lay before you such
recommendations and suggestions as seem to
| me to be essential at this time to the proper
| legislation and government of the State.
Whatever subjects / may have omitted, [
| trust that yonr own observation and care will
| supplement. Let us, to whom the affairs of
| Our beloved State are entrusted be moved BY
the ioffdences which recognize the supremacy
| of law and order and the rights OF man, keep
| ing constantly in view the lessons OF the past
| which inculcate the historic truth that the
perpetuity Of free government is based upon