Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-03-12


The Journal cheerfully gives place
In another column to q communication
from Hon. r. o. vickery. The correct
ness Of the figures given by the JOURNAL
in the editorial upon which Mr.. Nickery's
communication comments, are not called
in que stion, but he seems TO think that
it would have been fairer to have given
the figures for 1855 instead Of those
for 1880. We turned naturally
for comparisons TO the ng-
ures OF the last State election.
We selected s State instead of a munic-
ipal election because we believed that
there, under proper management, the
party strength Is always most fully
registered. We certainly did not intend
''to cast any reflections upon the voters
of Ward - or to call in question their
integrity. Our remarks were directed
against certain parties who were not
vo.erz in Ward : and some Of whom
were not Republicans, but who, never
theless, as we learn from reputable
citizens who were present, partici
pated in its caucus. We know
very well that the Republicans
Of Ward : did not want them there.
We do not think that the exclusion OF
them would have changed the result or
kept Mr.. vickery from receiving very
aattering compliment in the expression
Of the personal friendship and good will
of his neighbors. We do not think there
Ia any denial but what number Of per
sons voted 10 the Ward caucus who
had no claim to Republicanism or to
citizenship there. Each side claims
that the other voted such men. As one
Of Governor Burleigh's opponents has
stated in a communication to Portland
paper there are charges and counter
ehtrges-both sides VOC 'erously crying
fraud Now 1t was iu-t this very con-
dition Of affairs that the Journal has
all along desired to have avoided. 1t
was DESTROYS. In the interests of party
harmony, that there should be no chance
for rlther charges" or counter
cha rges" and that no man could have
any possible chance to cry fraud, vc-
ciferously or otherwise. For this rea-
son we urgei upon the party, before the
caucuses were held, the great impor-
lance Of having them so conducted that
their results would be entirely above
suspicion. W. believed that this was a
proposition entirely in line with the very
best Repuhlicanism and that, as such it
| would not fail to receive the hearty en-
| aorsement Of all members Of the party
| TO attain this desirable end we suggested
the use OF the check lists. This sug
gestion was not adopted on the ground,
we understand, that az registration Was
not completed there we're no check lsta
The same objection might have been
urged with equal force in the city Of
Portland. where, although the Republican
caucuses were held ten days before the
close Of registration, check lists were
used with such satisfactory results as to
leave::no chance for charges" counter.
charges" or "vociferous crys of fraud.
We desired to gee iust such caucuses in
Augusta and urged the importance OF
having them with considerable earnest
ness. Caucuscs without safeguards
are quite certain to be invaded by in
eligible parties in times Of political ex
element, and the feeling thus engen
dered is always to be deplored. The
| fairest possible methods are none too
good for Republicans to use for the
Republican party has always stood for
fairness We regretted that a
departure was made from estab-
lisked custom in calling a portion
of the oaucuses early in the week. We
thought 1t WAS a mistake and said so
The fact that "charges" and counter
changes" are now being made would
seem to establish thu correctness of our
views, But, however much we may
have differed regarding the methods
employed in these caucuses the fact re
mains that they have been held and their
candidates nominated The only thing
that remains for Republicans to do is to
line up solidly in support OF those can
dldstes and see that they are given the
hesrtiest kind Of support on election day