The Portland daily press., 1886-07-29
CLIFFORD THE MAN.
Proceedings Of the Democrats at
Biddeford Yesterday.
The Candidates of the Knights of
Labor Set Aside.
Hon. John w. Deering also Laid on
the Shelf.
Loud Mutterings of Discomfort from
the Laboring Men.
Especial to the Press.)

Loud Mutterings of Discomfort from
the Laboring Men.
Special to the Press)
BIDDEFoRD, July 2S.-The Democrats Of
the First District surprised themselves yes
terday; or at least they all say that they did
The crowd that collected in this city in the
forenoon, seemed to have no particular fa-
vorite. John W. Deering's friends were
very busy, led by ex-City Marshal Andrews
William A. Cromwell of Berwick had look
out that he should not be forgotten, though
he was not there in person. There was con-
siderable talk about William Emery of Al
fred, but every one knew that he would not
accept a nomination. A good many, too,
spoke of William II. Clifford. and heaved
long sighs to think that he cared nothing for
the honors of politics. But these were not
all the names repeated. They talked of an
other; of man named Hunkins, who was
the little bakery wsFe 9e4s 9e4 Is apdqe effEackeS d p
said that he was man with level head,
that he had generally voted the Republican
ticket, that he was strong with the Knights
of Labor, and finally, that he rather expected
to be nominated. Mr.. Hunkins was doomed (;
men began to talk of the possibility of his
being nominated ON the first ballot. This so
excited one of Mr.. Hunkins' lieutenants that
he rushed to printing Office just before ten
o'clock, with the order, print thousand
ballots for James FL. Hunkins in time for the
convention" AS the convention was not
entitled to more than 2S1 delegates, this
shows that Mr.. Hunkins was not defeated
for want OF ballots. The friends of other
candidates were supphed with ballots also,
though not so plenteously. Ex-Marshal Ben
Andrews distributed slips bearing the name
of John W. Deering, ballots for William A.
Cromwell were passed around; and finally,
just as the convention was assembling it was
found that some oficious friend had gone to
the apparently useless expense of getting
ballots printed bearing the name of William
H. Clifford, the man who wouldn't be can
didate anyway.
1t was nearly IL o'clock when the conven-
tion was called to order in City Hall, by
George f. Clifford, ESQ.,, of Cornish. Two
hundred and fifty delegates were present:
within thirty-one of the total number allow
ed to the convention. The organization was
effected as follows:
President George f. Emery, Portland
Vice PresidentS-G, A. Hammond Eliot; John
Dockerty, Sac0; j. G. Lane, Limerick; nj. b.
Twombly Sanford; G. A. Bailey Westbrook: H.
r. Field, Brunswick; S. 7. Pingree, Cape Eliza
beth.
observation-disclosures T. Read, Biddeford; P. W.
McIntire, Portland.
Gn taking the chair Mr.. Emery addressed
the convention. He had prepared long
speech, which he proceeded to read to the
listening Democrats. They were congratu
lated upon their return to a participation in
the government of the nation, and upon the
fortunate selection of Grover Cleveland.
Then Mr. Emery turned to affairs of more
immediate interest. About the fishery ques-
tion there were several things that it would
be well to remember. The first was, that
the Democrats of Maine had always fostered
the fishing industry while they had q voice in
Congress. But he wanted his hearers to re-
member that the fishing interests were now
like a defaulted corporation, of which the
President and Secretary of State were the
receivers. In this capacity these officials
were doing all they could. Again, it must
not be forgotten that the present complica-
tions had arisen from different interpreta-
tions of treaty obligations. We could not
assert our rights by war, for our navy was
weak, our sea coasts unprotected, as had
been pointed out by that earnest statesman,
Samuel j. Tilden. Here each delegates
face beamed like that of fellow who re-
members an old sweetheart, and they all ap-
plauded. Then Mr.. Emery went on to say
that the trouble must be settled by diploma
cy; that failing, Mr.. Cleveland would begin a
course of retaliation. Mr.. CleYeland'S We
toes of pension bills were commended, and
the convention applauded when the speaker
said, "For any man to affirm that Grover
Cleveland is unjust to the soldiers is an in
dignity and an affront to the people who put
him in office" The tariff was the next SUBJ
iect, and the Republican party was rated
roundly for its policy of protection to home
industries. After dallying moment to tell
how Col Edwards left his plow, like Put
nam, to fight for his country, the speaker
proceeded to lay down the principle that a
tariff should be levied for revenue only. But
even Democratic delegates did not applaud
this; for there foated through the window
to their ears at the same moment the noise
of the thousands of busy spindles that make
Biddeford and Saco prosperous cities, and
give life to the surrounding community. Mr..
Emery advocated a uniform currency, in
which the silver dollar should be just as val
liable as the gold one Mr.. Manning's policy
was praised, and the Democrats who oppose
it; were condemned. Then the chairman
turned full to the convention and said: "But
how about civil service ref0rm?" There
was no cheer, but there was a general
snicker, and one disciple of Andrew Jack
son gave tremendous guffaw. Then Mr..
Emery explained how Mr.. Cleveland was
bound to enforce the civil service law as
we'll as any other. While they could not see
the reason of all the rules, he had no doubt
that all his hearers were in favor of honest
civil service reform. Active interference OF
office holders in politics, and assessments fol
campaign purposes were condemned. But
Mr.. Emery justified the wholesale removal OF
postmasters, because, he said, these officials
had helped the Republican party in its cam
paigns. had even taken subscriptions for Re-
publican newspapers.
When the chairman finished reading his
address some of the delegates were hungry,
and wanted to adjourn; but the majority, led
by ex-Marshal Andrews, decided to stay
until the business was finished.
On motion of Mr.. Fl. K. Bradbury of Hol-
lis, this committee were selected to draw up
a set of resolutions:
HI. K Bradbury of Hollis.
ID. +. Leavtt, of Saco.
Elliot King. of Portland.
Fred B. Wiggin, of Saco.
G. b. Emery, of Gorham.
Mr. Curtis of Portland p,oved +hot q com,