Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-03-25

with view to clearing the Republican
party of any such suspicion. Mr.
Reeds course in this campaign will re-
lieve him of any criticism in this re-
spect. He has attended strictly AMI
impartially to his duties as speaker Of
Republican House amid most trying
circumstances. He has guided the
affairs of the House in a manner that
commands the admiration of all par
ties, without fear and without favor
The good name of the Republican
tial nominee, whoever he may be- have
rested safely under his mastery lead
ership. Indeed his record since ilst
December, were all his brilliant
achievements in the past lost sight OF.
affords ample evidence. not only of l.i.
eligibility to the Presidency but his
superior qualifications for it. His repu-
tation rests upon no fortuitous circum-
stance; he is IA peer among men. he il
a typical Republican among Repubii-
cans. he is the candidate above other
candidates for the Republican party to
nominate.
We have no doubt but that part of
this alleged enthusiasm for Mckinley
is genuine. 1t was that gentleman's
good luck to be appointed by Mr. Reed
as chairman of the committee which
framed the tariff bill. which according
ly bore his name, which was con-
demned in his name and the principle
of which every Republican wants re-
stored, and some, who view the que.;-
ton in it's generalities. think they want
to restore it in Mr.. McKinley's name.
Again there is noble instinct common
to the human race, the desire to right
wrong. to set up in the high places
the man who stood as the figure head
of the so-called Mckinley bill When il
went down in defeat. This feeling is
being shrewdly made the most of. just
now. by the Mckinley managers,
Surely no one can blame them for do
ing So But it is quite a long time be-
tween now and June 18th, when tl:re
is reckoned by presidential possibili
ties. Opinion will have time to clarity
itself. mere sentiment will give place
to reason. The people will be assured
l..
elected President will in nowise affect
the policy of protection. which is the
keynote of this campaign. Nevert;le-
| less. the sober second thought of the
great Republican party will take INFO
| consideration the selection of the best
man. the imperative need of sound
money and the election of candidate
who stands for that principle. No one
can for a moment seriously question
Mr.. Reeds position on protection or Oh
sound money. He is the equal of Nc
| Kinley on the former, no. he is more
for he represents principle where
Mckinley represents a schedule: While
| on the currency he possesses the con-
! fidence of the sound money forces re-
CARELESS of party, and this cannot now
be said of Mr.. Mckinley. although he
| yet has time to set himself right. Il is
| therefore apparent that Reed men, rs
such. have no selfish reason for max
| ing charges of corruption against the
| managers of Mr.. McKinley's campa. n
or the campaign of any other candi-
date. and we are pleased to see that
they are not doing so. 1t is equally
apparent that there is no good ground
| for the Mckinley men to charge the
| foremost Republican of the time with
being the stalking horse of political
bosses Indeed such limitations need
| no more complete refutation than Mr.
Reeds own acts as speaker of the
present House. The sooner the Re-
publican party proceeds to settle
| the presidential candidacy upon it's
| merits, and it cannot afford even this
year to settle il in any other way. the
better it will be for all concerned