The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-06-02
APERNIcIoUs PRECEDENT.
Views Of Hon. William Rogers on Mr..
Burieigh's Candidacy.
bath Times.l

Mr.. ERIToR:-It is not my purpose to dis
cuss the merits of either candidate now in
the field for gubernatorial honors by the Re
publican party, although 1t is quite difficult
to avoid doing so when one has a decided
preference. My purpose is to touch upon
the candidacy of one only, that Of Mr.. Bur-
leigh; having had the pleasure of
his acquaintance for several years,
while he was assistant clerk of the House,
then Land Agent. also clerk in the Treasury
and as Treasurer, which position he now
holds. during which period he has had my
highest esteem as a man. 1t is with regard
to his present aspirations purpose to speak.
After having received so many favors at the
hands of the Republican party during past
years do not his desires seem to resemble those
of the Horse Leech. which continually cries
"give givel.' The step he now proposes Is,
in the judgment Of many able business men,
and men of the legal profession. fraught
with evil. not perhaps immediate but such
as may establish a precedence which will
stand for all future doings Of political par
ties.
That men are honest who now hold posi-
tiOns of trust Is no guarantee for the honesty
of those to come after them. Therefore IL
the door be opened in this instance where
dishonesty may be made available, why
shall the public find fault IL corrupt men
hereafter make use Of the means thereby af-
forded them.
Ali who are familiar with the affairs of
moneyed institutions know that as opportu-
mites continually offer for misappropria-
tions, ii Is the effort of those who oversee 10
throw safeguards around and prevent evil re-
suits and close every avenue tending therato
Is not the Treasury Of the State the most i'm
portant Of any within its borders and de-
serving of the greatest vigilance of the peo-
pie? In this instance Of the present Tress-
urer, who aspires to the Governorship. IL he
Is successful, is 1t not step which will open
way whereby some future occupant who
may follow in his footsteps, and, having
been tempted, be able to successfully cover
the work OF his head and hand for some
years and effect untold injury: doubt il In
any State can be found a similar advance
ment OF its treasurer. Nor would it be safe
IN such large cities as New York and Phila-
orship.
| trust Mr.. Editor, that the people will
pear TINS risk In mind and not incur it. Past
iegisiatures OF this State have done all in
tnelr wisdom to guard its funds and estab-
iisn lts credit. The trainers Of the constitu-
tlon deemed Article 5th, Section 8. contained
every possible protection of the Office of
stepping stone to the goyernorship. and of
making the two offices continuous. IL, how
ever, the language OF the Constitution and
Laws are not sufficiently positive in pfohib-
iting the new advancement, and can be in
terpreted to allow 1t, will 1t not If persisted
in, become a source of future troubieP has
it not been so in the past, where they have
been construed to meet the exigeneies Of the
case? Let us see, by report of the Gov
ernor and Council, under date Of Dec. Sth,