The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-02-24
GORHAM AWAKE.
How She Celebrated WashingtOn's
Birthday.

of seIectman-The McLellanites Beat
the Redlonites.
That lively and always interesting burg
of Gorham kept up its reputation as a
fighting town Saturday. Gotham has "a
way OF struggling considerably in the
primaries and then walking up on
election day and eleoting the straight
ticket
Saturday the contest was over choice
of Republican candidate for seleotman
and mighty interesting one 1t was too.
1t was held in Ridlon's hall and whe
the hour for calling the caucus to order
arrived the room was packed.
The MoLellanites met the Ridlonites
IN LIVELY COMBAT
and the McLellanites carried the day. It
was a case of the "ins" VS.. the 'fouts"
and the Fins" are still in for another
year. Governor Robe, Col II. R. Mil
lett and Chas. Deering lead the Ridlon
clans, while Lewis Mcclellan, candidate
for denomination, marshalled his army in
person. All Republican Gorham, for
miles around, was there. They came in
sleighs they came ON foot. In fact
there have been so many water cauouses,
dormitory meetings and electric road
meetings in Gorham for the past few
years that it needs but tie mention of
the magic word caucus to
thrill the soul and electrify the limbs
of the average Gorhamite and he will
forsake his home, his farm, his shop. or
his school and HE himself to the meet.
ing place where he may, exerc Use that
glorious privilege of American freemen
the right of suffrage.
CO.. Millett alled the caucus to order
and Stephen Huxley was made chair
man of the meeting and George T. Spin
ney, clerk. Nominations were called for
and Gov. Robe took the floor
THE GOVERNOR SAID
he was happy to see so many Republi-
cans present to assist in so important a
duty. The town of Gorham has always
been represented on the,board.of selectmen
by men of ability. intelligence and integ-
rity and he was proud CT the long line of
able men who had filed the office. He
looked back with pride upon such names
as jackson. Stevens, Parker, Robbie,
Emery. Prince, Jordan and Harding
who gave US low taxes and were econ o
mical and conscientious in the manage
ment of affairs. We have come to select
such a man today. I do not wish to make
any invidious companions. We want
an expression of opinion from Republi-
cans and only Republicans. We want a
man of character. of high credit. who
has the full confidence of the people; q
man whose private life is honorable
and successful. Public sentiment turned
to such a man beloved by every we'll
wisher of the town of Gorham, Deacon
Joseph Ridlon. Unselfish in his dealings,
modest, honest, a model man in every
way. He did not seek the Office, he
him. have heard the objection made.
'sHe is not a young man." Who would
turn down Senator Morrill,, Gladstone,
W. W. Thomas or Neal Dow because they
were old? l wouldn't. I have heard it
said the Portland Water company wanted
to be exempted from taxes and this was
a scheme to accomplish that. have
seen Mr.. Wsscott and he says he does not
desire any exemption. 1 have heard it
said tho village is after new school
house. Such is not true. Again I take
pleasure in naming man above re-
proaoh, Deacon Joseph Ridlon.
Several gentlemen seconded Mr.. Rid
Ions nomination.
SUPT CORTHELL,
of the Normal school, then took the
floor. He did not fully understand the
Gorernor's objection to former Demo
Gratis participating. The church he be-
aonged to believed IN repentance. If any
Democrat had repented Of his sins and
come in to the fold he would bid him
welcome. am one of those who believe
in continued service. A man who had
served three years in the war was worth
three raw recruits. He believed in retain
ing In office man who had stood like q
rock for what he believed to be RICH
He did not believe in Swapping horses
while crossing a stream"
ABE Lincoln said that" interrupted
a man.
Yes, and you can't quote from a bet
ter man." retorted the schoomaster.
am aware the pres
ent incumbent has some enem les and I
wouldn't give snap for man who has
MT. man of positive convictions and
the courage to maintain them will make
enemies every time. The man who has
MT any you can make most anything of
and finally dough. (Laughter.) For
twenty years the Portland Water com
pany has run pipes through Gorhan and
paid no tax. Eight years ago it was pro-
posed TO enact a state law giving the ia 4,