Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-05-08
A Slight Indiscretion.

The general rule in Maine cities is to elect
delegates 10 conventions by wards. Down
in Augusta, however, one general caucus is
held. OF course this arrangement makes il
much easier to "capture" the delegates, and
promotes harmony a. far a. outward appear
ance is concerned by securing the election of
"solid" delegation Whether it conduces
to real harmony is very questionable. Judg-
ing from the remarks of some of the gentle
men who participated in the Augusta caucus,
which elected solid" Buregh delegation,
We should say that it did not.-iortiand
Press.
The midest language possible is to say,
that our Portland ncighbor Is entirely in
correct in the statement, that "ths geReraI
rule in Haine citicS is 10 elect dcieqatcS 10
Conventions by ,rdrds." There are fifteen
cities In Maine, aad al Of them but
three are accustomed to choose
their gubernatorim and congressional deie-
gates IN q singie city caucps, and not by
wards. Cities of 1900 population and
more may well select by wards, esq ecially
II the wards have anything near an equal
number of voters. Augusta has long
been accustomed to select her guberna-
torial, congressional, and county delegates
In IA single caucus. At present Augusta
could not well adopt the ward system
without doing injustice to the voters in
the small wards, three of which having
about the same number of voters rs one
of the larger wards. The ward system
as rule would cause the three small
wards to lose three times as many by
fractions a. the one large ward.
But the Augusta caucus called in qucs-
ton by the Press, which last Thursday
evening chose the Burleigh delegates with
remarkable uuanimity was one OF the
largest, if not the largest, ever held by
the Republicans of the city, 1t was COM
posed largely of our business men and of
our most responsible citizens. The dele
gates were all chosen by ballot, and the
proceedings were conducted with perfect
order, and had there been seven ward
caucuses duly called, the result would
have been precisely the same with an
overwhelming prcpouderance. A more
fairly conducted caucus was never held in
Maine, and an implication to the contrary
Ia a totally unjustfiable imputation on
many of the best men of this city
Ii Is to be regretted that the Press
should hastily indulge in such reflections
on the friends of Mr.. Burleigh. The
kennebec Journal does not propose to in
struet the Portland Republicans in their
duties. We believe them to be honorable
men. Ii is of the highest Importance that
the canvass of the several gubernatorial
candidates should be conducted by manly
courtesy and in good temper. Whoever
receives the nomination should he able
to have the loyal support of the entire
party. All responsible Republicans can
only regret to see local prejudice or parti
san animosity aroused IN the choice of
delegates. Good nature, fair dealing, and
a proper respect for the principles, the in
terests, and the harmony of the Republic
can party are best for all the candidates,
against no one of whom has this paper
spoken one unkind word, cheerfully
awaiting the hour when we shall give the
choice of the Convention our hearty sup
port.