The Portland daily press., 1888-05-19


The Democratic State convention to NOM
mate candidate for Governor is to be held
next week. The party has so little life in ii
and is SO thoroughly satisfied that 1t is des-
tined to defeat at the polls in September that
the contest for the glory of the gubernato
rial nomination is not very spirited. Never
theless there are apparently several gentle
men quietly working for that doubtful hon
or, inspired doubtless with the idea that in
case of the election of a Democratic Presi-
dent the candidate of the party for Governor
will by virtue of that candidacy become a
person of great influence, and be consulted
in the distribution of the patronage in Maine.
SO far Col. Edwards. Hon. John B. Redman,
Hon. William II. Clifford, Hon. Simon S.
Brown, Hon. John w. Deering and the
Hon. William L. Putnam are the
names principally mentioned in con-
nection with the nomination, though the
Rockland Opinion this week adds the name
of Col. John NJ. Adams. All these gentle
men have some points of strength and some
of weakness. Col. Edwards has precedent
on his side. but he is said not to want the
nomination. The glory of once leading
his party to defeat at considerable expense
to himself is quite enough for him. He will
probably present letter to the convention
thanking the Democracy for honors already
conferred, and declining any more of the
same sort. The Hon. John b. Redman is
endowed with certain amount of magne-
tsm and one of his strong points is that he
wants the nomination. But he is accused Of
h. i Rac IN tfT1ir
the influence" of the Hon. Simon S,
Brown, and this is likely to ruin his
influence with the convention 1t will
undoubtedly be mentioned to the conven-
ton in behalf Of the Hon. W. III. Cliff
ord that he is young, rich and hand
some, but it will be urged against him
that he has been guilty of the sin of avarice
in desiring and seeking to obtain all the
Offices In the gift of the Democratic party
This undoubtedly will have very damaging
effect on bis prospects, for If there is any
body whom the Maine Democracy hates it is
a Democrat who wants more than his
share OF the Offices. Next will appear the
Hon. Simon s. Brown. Mr.. Brown will be
able to make very formidable presensation
of "claims." He has helped to steal State
government for the Democracy. He has
secured great many post offices for the
Democracy. He has carried the new city OF
Waterville for them. But Mr.. Brown has
weaknesses The Hon. j. p. Bass and the
Hon. j. b. Redman do not admire him. The
State government that he helped to steal he
failed to keep. His assessment of post office
applicants for expenses was unpopular and
disguised great many third class postmas-
tiers who are now persons of influence, and
will be likely to use their influence against
him. The Hon. John w. Deering has lots OF
vim, something that the Maine Democracy
are greatly in need Of, but the fact that he
claims to have enforced the prohibitory law
will greatly chill the convention. The
Hon. William l.. Putnam's belief in the
principle Of civil service reform will sc
thoroughly disqualify him that there will
be no discussion whatever Of his merits. Sc
the convention will 60 through the list with
out finding candidate exactly to its taste
Nevertheless the convention will nominate
candidate. and probably one from the abov'
list