Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-01-04

l desire to call the attention of democrats
to the fact, that simple item recently pub
lished in the Journal, embodying the inquiry
as to whether an existing agreement between
Messrs. Fowler and Morton bound the for
mer to respect the wishes of the latter 10
matters of appointment. had the effect to
create such q commotion in the New Age and
post office that messengers were despatched
hither and thither to ascertain its authorship.
Why this uneasiness? 1t is true that Mr..
Fowler's appointment awaits confii nation,
were of an honorable and strsightforw ard
character. why should the spirit of inquiry be
depressed and investigation bafled?
Morton's summary withdrawal which oC-
CURED at the White House coincident with
the obtainment of the executive promise to
appoint Fowler was little private affair done
up expeditiously, but what is there about the
circumstances which calls for silence and con-
cealment?
The New Age. in its issue of Sept 9th,
the first after the appointment, truthfully
said that Mr. Fowler was not the
choice of Augusta democrats. and it
might have added that they were not
consulted in the matter. Whose choice was
he: None other than this man Morton's, who,
after having received, it is alleged, various
offers to Sign over his claim on the nomi-
nation, had at last settled on satisfactory
subject. Now a general disposition prevails
in this community to know the full particu-
lars OF the transaction, planned in the New
Age Office and consumated in Washington,
whereby Fowler became postmaster.
The New Age has already asserted that
Morton withdrew sin the line of a patriotic
duty" and shall an example of patriotism be
lost to the community on account of the mod
esty of the New Age.
1t Is said that during Morton's contest,
when 1t became evident that his chances were
hopeless, he was advised by prominent dem
ocratic politician now residing in a neignbor
ing State, to openly withdraw and give other
democrats fair and equal chance, adding,
that by this course his standing in the COM
immunity would be raised and the interests
of the party improved To this advice he re-
Joined, It Is said, in saucv and defiant letter
affirming an intention to remain in the
field until peremptory notice of his rejection
by the President was received.
This letter vas dictated sin the line of
patriotic duty"
The New Age cabsl will find it more
difficult in the future to hide their per-
soEal and private schemes behind any party
prejudice they make seek to excite, against
members of the opposite party.
1t was a democratic President and not Mr.
Blaine, that defeated Morton in his race for
official glory.
1t was democrat, none other, that public
~ charged him with having "sold OUT his
claim on the nomination to Fowler & Co.,
and it was the accused who assisted. him to
Office.
1t is democrat, or a piece of one, that is
running the Augusta post otfice-not Manley
and the responsibilities of its administers
ton, are on the democratic party.
1t is Morton, not the democratic party,
that is debating the appointments therein,
| subject only to the restraining influences
inherent in the fact that Mr.. Fowle.'s nomi-
ration awaits confirmation, and that the
standard of efficiency shall not be lowered so
far as to cause public complaint.
| And now Mr.. Pierce comes to the assis-
lance of the New Age caba and denies that
his appointment conveyed an injunction of
secrecy to be religiousy observed on his part.
From the very nature of the case, any state
ment that Pierce may now make invalidates
| itself in this vicinity and the only purpose
prompting 1t is concluded in the desire to eff
feet outside influences, in order that Mr..
Fowler may not fail of confirmation.
These apprehensions, which everybody un-
| derstands exist, are Of significance in show
ing that the New Age cabal confess Judgment
before the tribunal of their own consciences
But, gentlemen, becalm yourselves. Mr.
Fowler will probably be confirmed Every
consideration of party policy approves the
wisdom of it, and the proverblal dignity of
the United States Senate is proof that con-
test which SO long claimed a disproportion-
ate sshare Of public attention will not be
re-opened.
The New Age annex of the Augusta post Of
fee, will hardly be deemed important enough
to warrant congressional investigation,
and when the democrats of Augusta have ops
portunity to pass upon it, its importance will
| be less.
The dummy which the New Age cabal has
set up in the Augusta post office. will stay
there and Morton, Lynch and Co, have their
| brief hour DEMOCRAT.
III