Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-01-08
JOINT CAUCUS.
Continued from page 50

his value to the State, and. today,
stands uninlpeachable in his character
and in the performance of his duty.
Others are seeking the same position,
but all that can be brought against
this man is that he has served in this
position for twelve years, and that he
is now ripe with experience and knowl-
edge fitting him especially for the per-
Torrance of mis- duties in this capa-
city. Unlike some offices in the State
thatSof State assessor is not one to be
$ pdIcclled out by lot, but belongs par
ticularly to the man best fitted to per-
form its duties. Oxford county at the
present time has this one Office. She
asks for nothing. new, but she does
expect at your hands the re- nominal
ton of the Honorable Otis Hayferd of
Canton. for the position of State as
SCISSOR to succeed himself; and therefore
in behalf of the delegation from Aroos-
took county l present the name of Mr..
Hayford for the position of State as
SCISSOR. (Applause.)
Seconding the nomination, Mr.. Pet
.tingill of Rumford, said:
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen: In
behalf of the united delegation of OK
nation of the Hon. Otis Hayford for
the office of State assessor. The IS
years of his life which are past have
been spent among us, and we well
know him to be a man well fitted for
the position that he has graced for the
past ~ years. and l think every good
business man in this House, when he
gets a good servant continues him.
Mr. of r,la N
nomination for the same office the
and said:
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen of the
Caucus:--I view with surprise and
some degree of apprehension the idea
that any one man is created for any
particular office or that any office is
created for any one particular man,
or that the title to any office is to be
gained by long-continued adverse pos
session. The State of Maine has plen-
ty of men competent to fill all her posi-
tions of trust. The important Office of
State assessor demands that the best
man be chosen, and that this board be
constantly or at least occasionally re-
plonshed by new blood, by young men
bringing enthusiasm to their work, so
that we may keep pace with the ever
increasing growth which we so much
hope for. The theory upon which this
boord is constituted demands that we
have experience, or that some older
member of the board be always pres
ent: but progress is also desired, and
we should occasionally. at least elect
some new and young man who shall
gain experience and wisdom. The term
of this office is a long term, and when
one has completed two full terms, Pc
Rod of II years, ambition should be
gratified. and the public demand a
change, else the office should be made
one OF life tenure.
| have been selected to present the
name of a new candidate, not because
Of any familiarity of his with State
machinery or extensive acquaintance
with the electors who shall settle the
question, but because l am familiar
with the candidate and with his quail
flcations. George II. Clarke has been q
friend and acquaintance of mine from
mis- Youth. He was born In 1857 in Lin
coin county. His father was a soldier
IN the Civil War, and as such gave up
his life in defence of our Northern
principles. leaving this son of seven
years with no other resources except
mis- courage and natural abilities He
was brought up by farmers and strang-
ers in the vicinity in which | live in
Somerset county. By his own industry
he obtained an education at our COM
mon schools and at the academy of
Bloomfield. He taught school himself
for three years. He served for 10 years
IS travelling salesman for the whole
Portland, and received flattering invi-
tations to situations outside the State.
Wherever he has lived he has been
chosen to represent the people i'll some
caracity-upon the school board and as
trustee of Arson Academy. He has
served the county of Somerset for six
years as county commissioner, giving
eminent satisfaction in all these places.
A few years ago he took W his resi-
dence in Auburn, where is now one of
the directors of the Board of Trade.
He has also served as secretary of the
Maine State Fair Association. In all
he has given satisfaction and l believe
if elected he will give siminal satisfac-
ton to the citizens of the State. and
it is with pleasure that | present the
name off George II. Clarke of Auburn,
for the office of State Assessor. Cap
rlause.D
Mr.. Morse of Waldo. said:
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen of the
Convention:-I rise to second the NOM
ination of George H. Clarke of Auburn.
| have been acquainted with him for
rcany years and l assure you that you
Will make no mistake if YOU cast your
ballots for George H. Clarke. He is Il
Young man and, as my colleague has
stated. he is in every way qualified for
this position. | have been thinking of
this situation. q man like Clarke for
instance. claiming a third nomination.
What inspiring influence is left
for the rising generation? Our sons
are coming to the front and we should
make way for them to take their places
where they belong. This is Il matter
worthy OF our serious thought, to de-
termine whether we shall establish a
precedent like this. The term of this
office was made six years because it
was intended by the Legislature that
a man should fill but one term. l know
Mr.. Clarke we'll and / assure you that.
III 4