Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-11-05
Governor Elect BOdwell
IxTERvIEwED-MR. BLAINE AID BUSINESS
PROSPECTS.
Portland Evening Express.1


II called upon Hon. J. R. Bodwell At his
Office in the Hallowell Granite works.
In answer to the question as to what he
thought about Mr.. Blaine and the republican
nomination in '8s. Mr.. Bodwell said very
| frankly that he felt sure, from repeated con.
versations with Mr.. Blaine, that he really
did not care for the nomination, and certain
/ ly would not seek it or do any act which
would in any way, tend to bring the nomina-
ton to him. He knew from q somewhat init
mate acquaintance with Mr.. Blaine, that he
was extremely anxious for the republican
party, and would do everything that lay in
his power TO bring about its success; that be
was an earnest believer in protection. and be-
lieved that the success of all the industrial
interests Of this country depended upon keep
ing protection the law Of the land.
"Unquestionablv," said Mr.. Bowel, "Mr
Blaine cannot decline the denomination If
rendered to him"
| then asked the goverBor-elsct what he
thought of the sentiment in the republican
party as to the nomination of Mr.. Blaine.
Mr.. Bodwell said II am constantly trsv-
cling, visiting New York. and the western
States, my business affairs taking me to New
York City, Albany, Cincinnati. Chicago, In
disnapolis and St. Louis, very frequently.
and have been surprised at the almost
unanimous opinions expressed by the repub-
licans in all these sections of the country in
favor Of Mr.. Blaine. There is no question,
in nv judgment, but what Mr. Blaine is
much stronger with the people and with the
leaders of the republican party to-day than
he ever has been and if a convention should
be held now there is no power which could
prevent his nomination with practical unani
mitv
why, in New York State, where there
have heretofore been divisions, there seems
now to be but one sentiment. The unpar-
alleled demonstrations given to Mr.. Blaine on
his trip through Pennsylvania is proof of the
affection of the people for him, their belief in
him AS a leader, and their desire to see him
chief magistrate of this nation"
Mr. Bodwell was asked if he thought the
third party had done any damage to the re-
publican party.
He said mo, the republican party is COM
mitted to the principles of prohibition and we
must see to it that the law is thoroughly en-
forced. When was Mayor of Hallowell
did everything IN my power to aid the mar
shall and his officers. There is no other way
but to see that the law, so long as it remains
upon the statute book is strictly and impair
TALLY enforced"
"What do you think, Mr.. Bodwell, of the
business outlook 2"
think business is improving | think
there i, increasing confidence. The country
Is now reaping the benefit of the action of
Congress in refusing to repeal the tariff laws.
/. the Morrison bill had passed YOU would
have seen great depression of business in this
country; now that it failed TO pass business
men are beginning to have more confidence.
They are satisfied that the republicans, al
nffh hoo hux thn 6 tha
ecutive part of the government must control
the legislative and that they will prevent any
tree trade theory from being carried into po..
litical effect. There is no question but what
the business and agricultural interests of the
country are thoroughly in favor of protec-
tive tariff. 1t is the only hope of this coun-
try and have great faith that this subject
is thoroughly discussed and properly present
ed to the people, they will decide by decis-
i've majority IN favor of the American policy
of protective tariff
"Then YOU are hopeful of republican sue
cess in 'SS?'
IAN indications point to it