The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-09-08

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who can be induced to vote the Demo-
cratic ticket Such activity has never
within our recollection existed among
the Democratic workers. To defeat
their unusual efforts an unusual effort is
needed on the part of the Republicans.
The Republicans have become so accus-
toned to carrying this city in state cleo
lions, that many of them are inclined to
assume an easy confidence and think that
no personal work is needed on their part.
But we warn them that they cannot
safely proceed on this assumption this
year.
Certain considerations which enter
into this election have stimulated all the
wings of the Democratic party as they
have not been stimulated for many years
before. The reputable element of the
party is interested to poll as big vote as
possible for the effect upon the national
election. The disreputable element is
interested to throw as many votes as they
can in the hope and expectation that a
Democratic victory will bring less Wig
orous enforcement of state laws and less
danger in violating them. Ordinarily
when this element of the party is enthu-
siastic the other is likely to be luke
warm, but the issues are such this year
as to inspire both to do their best for the
bulk of the ticketif not for every name
on it. This condition must be recog
nized by Republicans by a CORE spond-
ing activity on their part if they would
carry this city with their old time ma
jority.
In many respects the coming election
is to be one of the most important held
here for many years. Maine will be the
first state, where therei is any real contest,
to speak in the Presidential campaign
and of course its utterance will affect
the national contest which is to
come in November. 1t must be borne
in mind that the Republican candidate
in this district is one of the most con-
spicuous leaders of the national Republi-
can party, and that the result here will at
tract great attention all over the country.
Any substantial reduction of the normal
Republican majority in this district will
give great comfort to the National
Democracy. These national considera-
lions alone ought to be sufficient to slim
ulate every Republican to do his full
duty, not merely at the polls but in
missionary work among the voters.
The state and local issues are of great
Importance too. The Republican candi-
date for Governor is an honored citizen
of Portland, and every Republican
should feel local pride in giving him
big majority in our city. Mr.. Cleaves
deserves the cordial and enthusiastic
support of every Portland Republican.
The legislature which is to be chosen
will elect United States Senator, and
the interests of the Republican party de-
mand that Mr.. Hale's reelection shall
not be put in jeopardy by any lukewarm-
ness or over confidence on the part of
Republican voters.
In many respects, however, the issue
which is made over the sheriff and coun-
ty attorney is the most important in the
campaign in this county. This issue is,
not merely political, it is much broader
than that. All the disreputable elements
of the community are enlisted in behalf
of the Democratic candidates for sheriff
and county attorney, and are working
li1ro hoo yorc tn cooura thar a1pction for
the reason that with their election will
come, they believe, a relaxation in the ex-
ecution of law which will permit them to
become violators of law with impunity.
1t should be borne in mind that the ques-
ton of prohibition has no proper place
in this contest. Honest men and good
citizens may differ in regard to the eff
cacy of that system and the ACCESSIBILITY
of continuing it. But that is not involved
here. The question is, Shall the execu
ton of this law and all other laws be
given to a man who is the choice of
all the people who want to violate law,
or shall it be retained in the hands of a
man who has been faithful to his oath of
Office? Covered up somewhat by politi-
cal considerations though it may be, that
is the great question involved in this
contest. The election OF Messrs. SWEET
and Bradbury will be the triumph of the
disreputable elements of the community
over the reputable elements. That any
respectable Republican should for mo-
ment hesitate how to vote in such con-