Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-06-09

real editor of the paper for a fou,
months. and used it like hatter;na
ram against the crumbling walls of The
democratic citadel. He was from tho
hrs' an enthusiastic adherent and
e"ihes. advocate of Lincoln, and he
CANNED that the Journal was the first
paper TO mention Lincoln's name for
the presidency.
Inc names of James G.. Blaine and
the hennebec Journal are inseparably
connected. 1t was to be it's editor that
ne came from Pennsylvania to Maine.
MS work upon it first gave him prom
lhence and power in his party. When
ne lett its editorial rooms it was to be-
come a leader of that great party in
state and nation and his life hence.
lorth became an undying part of our
country's history. His work on the
journal trained him to win those gloi-
GUS victories that challenged the ad-
hilratlon of the world; trained him to
meet those great defeats of his later
years that could not dim his fame or
lessen the love felt for him by the
American masses.
John l.. Stevens. who had joined
Mr.. Blaine upon the Journal in 1863
was fortunate upon the retirement of
Mr.. Blaine in securing a partner like
John S. Sayward. Mr.. Sayward came
from Bangor, where he had been for
years editor and one of the proprietors
of the Wing and Courier In recon-
mendinG his successor to the Journal
readers, Mr.. Blaine said: Mr.. Sayward
IS we'll know to the public of Maine as
an editor of readiness tact and ability,
a gentleman of refined taste and eX-
tensive political information. and a
thorough going and reliable Republi-
can"
For decade, the most critical in our
nations history, Stevens & Sayward
continued the proprietors and editors
OF the journal, and they kept it pro-
Sressive and prosperous. In almost
every column of every issue it's s,er-
ing Republicanism was made NANTES.
and it never wavered in it's devotion to
the principles of that party. it's sublime
faith in Lincoln. and its firm belief in
the final triumph of Unionism and lib
erty. The Legislative tri-weekly was
continued. and during a portion of the
war daily leatlet containing the tele-
graphic news from Washing, ION and
the seat of operations was issued from
the Office. Local news were now an
important part of each number and
display headlines, though not com 1. on,
We're occasionally used, especially in
announcing political or military vic
tories. The editorials We're aflame with
nt,.;n
of Lincoln was the occasion of the first
appearance of the paper with mourn
ing rules between it's columns.
In 1862, as has been mentioned, the
home of the journal was changed from
Norths block To its present quarters.
This building, known then as the
Smith block" had been built over a
quarter of a century before by Thomas
w. Smith, who was for half century
one of Augustus leading business men.
The site had been occupied since the
last century by a wooden building used
as a store. Before the removal of the
Journal to the Smith block, it had been
used at times as a tannery. a store,
diStillery. and a carpenter shop in con-
nectiOn with a Shipyard in the rear.
1t was unoccupied when Stevens and
Sayward purchased it and fitted it out
for the occupancy of the Journal After
the great fire of 1865 the postoflice hal
IA temporary home here. for several
months, in the Jouinafs business ana
editorial rooms. The third story OF
the building was long occupied as
book bindery. The Journal now utll-
ICES the whole building, from attic To
sub basement, and feels the need o'
larger and more convenient quarters.
John l.. Stevens and John s. Say
ward continued the ownership ana
management of the journal until 1905.
In May of that year Howard owen and
Charles f. Nash bought Mr.. SayWard
half of the paper. and he removed to
BoXford Mass, where he lived IN re-
tirement enjoying the fruits of busy
and well-spent life. His death occurred
in 1875. Mr. Stevens remained silent
partner and continued his work as po-
Iitical editor until January. 1869. Then
his half of the paper was purchased by
Alden Sprague of Rockland. and the
new firm was known as Sprague. owen
& Nash.
For IA wears Mr.. Stevens had been a
tircless editorial worker on the Jour
nal. using all his splendid energies t.
advance the interests of the Reiupn
csn marty. First shoulder to sho -lde
with Mr.. Blaine and then with Mr.
Savvard. John l.. Stevens had made
the Journal the great Republican paper
e Maine In it's editorial columns had
been pointed out the paths for the new
marty TO follow. and over these paths 1t
led the party to victory after victory
If was more than the mOuthpiece of the
marty. if was the leader of the party,
and in this great work of leadership
Mr. Stevens bore a most important
mart He was a man of ability, sagac-
itv and prudence, and he ever wielde
. v;ooro1,s and versatile pen. During