Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-02-19
Mr.. Spear Out Of the Race.

Rev. J. l.. Quimby in last nights Re-
porter,Journal announces the with
drawal of Hon. A. NJ. Spear as Il candi-
date for mayor. as follows:
MT. Editor: The position of self-ap-
pointed arblter is surely not one to be
sought according to the dictates of ordi-
when 1t is the part of wisdom to ignore
prudence and go straight to the heart of
the matter. For the above reason and
also for the additional fact that | occupy
the position of pastor and friend to both
the candidates now before us for Office
| OF mayor. sought conferences with each
or the gentlemen: | soon became thor
Oughly convinced that 1.-The opposing
struggle was to grow out of no lack of
friendship and high mutual esteem be-
tween the candidates themselves, but to
arise from misunderstanding of certain
circumstances, the satisfactory explana-
| ton of which. would lead to Il single cam
dldacy and happy issue. Fortunately
our city has been largely free from those
the welfare and prosperity of cty's life,
and 1t seemed to me grieviouS pity that
every honorable effort should not be made
| to secure the continuance of these gener-
Gus and united sympathies.
| 1t is a fact known to us all that Hon.
a. NJ. Spear has repeatedly refused the
solicitation of his friends to become a
candidate for mayor. Personal desire and
Judgment alike led him to maintain this
| position. and it was not until certain ac-
cusations and threats We're brought to his
attention that he felt compelled to subor-
| dlnate his own personal judgment to that
OF mis- friends. These charges were of
such nature as to make both the claims
of friendship and honor lead him to ac-
that have found these charges to be en-
tirely without foundation so far as Cap
tain Walker and his immediate friends
are concerned. Such being the case. the
reasons which led Mr.. Spear finally to
enter the contest no longer existing. his
friends have felt it right and just that
they should release him to his original at
titude. that of not being "a candidate at
the coming election. Doubtless there are
friends on both sides who would wish to
push the contest to bitter issue. but |
| thought of all friends will heartily an
prove of any adjustment which in no way
reflects upon the honor and freedom Of
the respective candidates. The claims of
friendship and love of city are far higher
than personal ambitions and partisan
| contests. and ought always to lead us
eagerly to seek for mutual conferences
hOnor Sunsallied and conscience free Not
privatA opinion but public welfare should
ever beNhe aim of all parties. and so long
we may be certain that we cannot go far
astray AS for Captain Walker. for fear
OF any possible misunderstanding | wish
10 emphasize that he will continue his
candidacy AS he stated in his letter of
acceptance. and as MIR. Spear would
have done. uninfiuenced and untram-
fn; by any threats or promises from
friends or foe; and when he secures the
office am confident he will act for the
highest welfare which the conditions OF
our citys life will merit
am sure that we all shall rejoice IL,
TINS honorable issue to what threatened
70 be a bitter personal and partisan strife
involving in the present the impugning of
the future in partisan divisions and
broken friendships. The decision OF this
contested Office will be settled in few