Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-07-12
Policy, Not Principle.

Lewiston Journal reporter recently
interviewed Aaron Clark. the third party
candidate for Governor, and drew from him
some important admissions which should set
every true friend of temperance to think
ing, and should show all who truly believe
in that great cause the great importance of
standing by the Republican party in its
great fght against high license and the
rum power. Since the action of
the Democratic Convention said the
reporter, 1.-THE journal has been urging you
and your party to Withdraw from this years
contest and let the fight he fought out on
the license issue made by that convention.
We want to know if you do not think tbs.
it would be better for the friends of prohih-
tory legislation to unite in favor Of the Re-
publican ticket and Republican PLATFORM"
Slowly and carefully, rs if measuring
every word. the old gentleman emphaticslly
responded, II think not. done think it
would be better. know the Democrats
have declared for license. In urging the
re submission of the prohibitory smendmen.
they must have meant license
The Democrats having practically de
clareI for license, would not the cause of
prohibition be toe gamer by your with
temperance legislation
In the same considersts vein Mr. Clark
thoughtfully replied
II don't think there would be anything
gained by withdrawing. II would destroy
the prohibitory party in Maine by demorsl-
ixing it. don't think i. would be policy.
I believe ,Lere will be no advance along
the rrohibi.ory lines in Maine except
Al.
at has been made question of prohi-
biton or no prohibitiou-lieense or no IL
eense ia Maine" suggested the reporter.
We would like to see the question met
f.iriy and settled in Maine. license or no
license, but do not think either of the old
parties as now constituted capable of
settling the question"
Don't you expect to see the liquor ele-
mens voting this year with the Democratsf"
II suppose they will draw some liquor
Republicans into their ranks, hu, do not
think that license is popular enough in
our State to draw many from the Rsrubii-
can party. understand this TO be des
perste movement, to destroy prohibition in
Maine. and | am rot sorry il is being male
q straight issue. can't bel.eve tia, a rls-
jority of either party fsvors license any
way"
Mr.. Clark asked the Journal man,
"sre you rot aware that every vote cast
against Edwin c. Bnrieigh next September.
no matter under what guise it IL recorded.
will be heralied ali over the country as ex-
pressive Of dissatisfaction with oar prnhi5-
TORY law - shown bv the reduction OF the
Republican usjoritv?"
The venerable candidate hesitsted a mo
meat In silence that vss almost oppressive.
He colored deeply and pained look swept
across his countcnanee. Then With bis
hand pressed against his bror, be respond
ed With tie same careful 1sliberateae.s
n have some doubts about that, sir
"Do you doubt that If the Democratic
party we're to succeed in Maine thi, fall,
il would be regarded all over the world q.
a victory for the rum power.H continued
the Newspaper man in an endeavor to i'm
press upon him the magnitude of the Issues
at stake.
No." he promptly replied. at would be
\ victory for i'auor and license
"Do you nc; see tsst every vote tina. is
cast for you helps to bling abou, tbs, very
| thinsgN observed the eoa.scr
Mr.. Clark mused thoughtfully for some
time. but made no reply.
"Don't you. 10 q tsupersrce man ~ecjorse
the stand taken By Governor Burieigh on
the Temperance question: