The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-05-03
"A VETERAN LANMAKER.
Venerable Major Dickeys Long Career
/, Closing.

Fort Kent, May 1.--Several interesting
occurrences this week have indicated thai
the political mantle Of the patriarcha
duke of Fort Kent" has fallen on thu
shoulders of worthy successor. 10 bt
surs Mai. Dickey is not yet done with
life. He may arise from his bed of SICK
ness and shine with the mellow lustre o.
ninety years in next years legislature
All his myriad friends devoutly hope
| that he may.
Nevertheless, the fact cannot be dis.
guised that the venerable MAJOR is very
sick man. His severe cold contracted on
his way home from tbs legislature not
only Frustrated him but has induced
pulmonary troubles that have broken
him down completely. The probabilities
are that even if the major is not done
with all the interests of life, he is at least
forever out Of politics.
This week, for the first time in half q
century, he was unable to attend the
town meeting and the commencement at
the Madawaska training school, At both
he has always led, in his quaint. quasi
dlctatorial fashion that no one presumed
TO demonstrate against, from state super
lntendent to first soleotman.
But though the major was i'll in bed
he was we'll represented by his logical
successor, his son Cyrus.
OF course, twas perfectly natural that
OF the town meeting that anti Diokey
element should think that it's triumph
was sure. These forces were led by MIR.
>. A. Laliherte, whose remarkable legis-
iative campaign last fall under the
French tricolor is familiar history. At
that time, with the major at his peri
helion, Mr.. Laliberte gave the veteran e
close push. This week his victory over
the disabled leader seemed likely indeed.
But although Mr.. Cyrus Uiokey hasn't
appeared prominently in Madawaska
politics up to this time, it's apparent
tnat ne's the SOD Of his father all right
he appeared at the town meeting and
marshalled the majors old battalion.
They got behind the new leader in solid
array. No appeal to race prejudice could
swerve them.
First, Mr.. Laliberte appeared as candi-
date for selectman. He WAS defeated.
Then in successor he stood for several
other Off ces but was as promptly aud
convinoingly thrown down as in the first
instance. MIR. Cyrus Dickey was alert
and assiduous.
Finally the Laliberte element made a
stand on the position of town clerk and
put their man forward. The assertion
was mnde that the Dickey man wouldn't
serve.
He WASH It present but courier hast
eIted forth and brought him IL. He in
formed the voters that he would take the
office, Mr.. LaliEerte to the contrary,
notwithstanding. So he was elected
At that final blow Laliberto bottled the
nesting and his taction went with him,
leaving the Diokey element to run the
machine.
The next day the new Fort Kent leader
further represented his DISTINGUISHED
father. At the Madawaska school is o
huge arm chair, kept for Maj. Dickey's
exclusive use. The mnjor has for years
been frequent visitor to the school and
has never failed to attend, rs sponsor.
every commencement.
This week, at the graduation, his son
occupied the old chair in the majors
stead, and his presence was heartily
greeted by the pupils.
Mr.. Diokey is lumberman with large
interests and is an extensive employer of
labor. He is very popular with all par
ties in the St. John valley, and though
be has hitherto left all political affairs
in his fathers hands, he now shows
natural aptitude for management.
1t will surprise no one IL his constitu.
ents send him to the next legislature
provided be will accept.