The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1900-08-09
Gardiner Incidents.

Two incidents, not of great import
ance but some what outside the usual in
politics, have occurred in the city of
Gardiner thus early in the campaign.
These incidents we're the raising of a
banner bearing the names of Republican
nominees thereon, with the exception of
that of Representative in Congress, that
being the name of the Democratic nomi-
nee; and the wide circulation of set of
resolutions signed by five gentlemen,
purporting to be a committee of Calvin
Boston Command of Union Veterans
Union of that city, condemning the
action of Congressman Burleigh in the
recommendation of a certain gentleman
for postmaster in that city few months
ago.
Both of these acts were done to dis
credit Congressman Burleigh in the
coming election and draw away votes
from him in the September election.
OF course these people are not insane
enough to suppose for an instant that
they can defeat Mr.. Burleigh for Con.
gress, but they have an idea that they
can punish him by causing him to run
behind his ticket, something he never
has done. Now, in Gardiner, where the
facts are known, there is little danger;
but the circular alluded to above has
been distributed in every part of the
third district, and, of course, Republi-
cans in the district outside of Gardiner
and the immediate vicinity, are not
familiar with the situation there and do
not know the inside facts of the case.
We have taken some pains to get at
the true inwardness of the case and the
animus that has inspired this attack
upon Governor Burleigh. 1t is long
story, too long for our use in detail and
we shall merely give a few salient
points bearing upon the situation.
Mr.. Gay, young man, started in
early for the Gardiner post office, and
secured large number of petitioners,
as any man can who is first in the field.
brother in-law of the Democratic post
master then in office, circulated petit
tons through his friends, and succeeded
in getting many names and in cutting
into Mr.. Gays lists, greatly. Objec-
tions were warmly urged against each of
the candidates by friends of the other,
not an unusual occurrence in such cases,
and there were developments of which
Mr.. Burleigh concluded he was obliged
to take cognizance. At this juncture a
third candidate was brought forward,
having strong political and business
support, man whose ability and fitness
for the place was unquestioned In
due time he was appointed and makes a
very acceptable and efficient officer.
The unique phase of the Gardiner
contest appears to have been that the
battle of one candidate was organized
and directed by Democrat, and it is
fair to presume the attack upon Govern
or Burleigh is directed by Democrats
for Democratic advantage. This is
generally understood by Rel ublicans in
Kennebec. One observing, young, Ken.
nebec Democrat stated in the presence
of the writer that he believed Demo-
Gratis had more to do with this attack
upon Congressman Burleigh than Re-
publicans.
One allegation made against Congress.
man Burleigh by the veterans who sign
ed the condemnatory resolutions is that
he has been unjust to veterans in his
recommendation for appointments, and
"uttery disregarded the claims of
soldiers. This is not the fact He
has made many recommendations of
veterans for appointments to federal
offices and has worked hard for pension
ers and very successfully. He has the
names of about 1900 applicants for
pensions, veterans and their widows,
with a complete system of record of
these cases, such as few congressman
keep, and has urged favorable action
upon the Pension Office whenever posi-
BILE. He has broken the record of Maine
congressman in securing the passage of
special pension bills, and has been con
spicuous for his persistent, untiring
labor for veteran constituents at the
Pension Office. Numerous instances
could be given of his vigorous
work in this line, and we use the fol-
lowing:
Litchfield Plains, Maine, July 81, 1900.
Hon. E. G. Burleigh:
My Dear Sir-As adjutant of Libby
Post, No 90, G.. A. K am instructed
to extend you the sincere thanks of our
Post for your successful efforts in secur-
ing special act of Congress for the re-
lief of Bertha NJ. Jordan. We shall
hold you in grateful remembrance for
your kindness.
Sincerely,
GARDINER ROBERTS, JR,,
Adjutant.
Oakland, Maine, Aug. 6, 1900.
Editor SOMERSET REPoRTER:
wish to heartily corroborate the
article in recent issue of your paper
relative to the constant and successful