The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-09-14
MAINE is VOTING.
Only a Question of Majority
There Today.
Powers the Republican Candi-
date, Sure of Election.
THE DEMOCRATS SAY
That IF His Majority Falls Be
low 10000
It Is a Democratic Victory
10000 or 10000
Majority Is Looked For By the
Republicans.
THE DEMOCRATS SAY

Augusta, Me, Sept. 14.-Under wealth
er conditions not in all sections as clear
and favorable as had been hoped for
by some of the Republican leaders in
this state yet by no means of a dis
couraging nature, the election in this
state is progressing today
The reports at hand at IL o'clock this
morning indicated that the average
vote in the state would be equalled if
not exceeded. In many places, more
over. the vote cast up to the hour men
toned, was considerably ahead of that
cast two years ago. This was the case
in this city.
The polls opened at 9 o'clock. The
weather was cloudy but rain did not
seem improbable.
It is confidently believed by the pOlit-
ical prophets of both parties that Le-
wellyn Powers. the Republican candi-
date will be elected governor by from
80, 900 to 40. 900 majority
Not in 20 years has the Pine Tree
state seen such a vigorous canvass
with so much interest manifested. Dur
ing the last three weeks il is estimated
dhat over 700 speeches have been deliV-
cred in all sections of the state, by ora
tors of local and national fame, in be-
half of both parties Tons of campaign
documents have been distributed.
The Republican canvass has,Of course
been conducted under the more favOra-
BILE circumstances. Maine has never
heard so many disting nguished RepubIi-
can orators as during the past few
weeks On the other hand, the Demos
cratic host has had many dissenters
within its lines, and the number of
prominent deserters has been large. Six
weeks ago all was confusion and dis
organization in the Democratic camp.
The fighting fund was small, and vic
tory was practically impossible. But
the supporters of free silver rallied the
TaIIeTInG and took
determined to make the best fight pos
stble. and until the last gun was fired
they resisted stUbbornly.
The Democratic managers maintain
that the doctrine of free silver was
practically unknown to Maine two
months ago, and they argue that the
Democratic vote which will be cast to-
day means that their policy has made
great gains in the last few weeks. They
declare that if the Republican majority
falls below 10000 it will be Democrat
&c victory.
The governor is the only state officer
elected by the people in Maine, all 9th
ers being chosen by the legislature. The
candidates on the official ballot will be
Lewellyn Powers, of Houlton, (Rep.)
Melville P Frank of Portland. CDem.;)
Ammi S. Ladd. of Calais, CPro.) and
Luther c. Bateman, of Auburn. CPOp.)
The name Of William Henry Clifford.
OF Portland, the nominee of the gold
Democrats, is not on the ticket, and
those who wish to vote for him must
write his name on the ballot
Candidate Bateman has Waged a hot
fight for the POpulists, but as many of
that party favor free silver and desire
to be counted on that side his vote is
likely to be less than it was two years
ago Ihe dlSSenS1OnS among the Pro
hibitiOniSts over the currency question
have not affected the party in this
state, and their strength will probably
be about the same as in the last cleo
ton 1t is not expected that Clifford
the gold Democrat will receive more
than ., 600 votes.
In all of the congressional districts,
increased Republican majOritfes are
looked for. Speaker Thomas B. Reed,
of the First district. Will probably be
honOred with the largest majority he
has ever received, as it is expected that
many Democratic ballots will be cast
for him His Democratic opponent. Ed
ward w Staples, of BiddefOrd, has not
conducted a very thorough canvass.
In the Second district, the majority
for Nelson Dingley will probably be in
creased several thousand. Seth l.. Mil
Hken Of Belfast, in the Third district
is expected to obtain majority of over
10000. Two years ago it was 100. In
the last election, Charles H. BOutelle,
Republican, had a majority of a little
over 5000 in the Fourth district. There
IS a representative contest in Bangor
which may have some effect on its vote.
but it is thought that many Democrats
Will declare fer him and increase his
lead.
1t is unlikely that more than ten
Democrats will be elected to the house
of representatives, and only half that
NUMBER are sure OF success. In Ban
gOr and Biddeford, the contests over
representatives are hot and the result
IS very doubtful
It is not expected that a single Dem
0crat will secure a seat in the senate.