The Somerset reporter., 1904-06-30


Cobb's majority, IS
1t was the greatest convention in the
history of the State of Maine and those
who attended it will never so long as
they are living breathing men and wo-
men forget 1t. From long before the
hour at which the gathering was to con-
yene the hall was filled to its fullest ca
pacity and men perched upon the rafters
Of the great barn-like structure known
as the Auditorium.
To see the reception which the differ
ent men of prominence received was an
education of itself. To see the loyalty
with which the delegates cheered for
their favorites was to know how firm s
human friendship.
And yet to see the unanimity with
which those who voted for the losing
men cheered the victor when he appear
ed upon the platform was most elo-
quest testimonial of the principle of true
Republicanism. They had been beaten
in square fight and they were willing
to support the winner, Will Export him
most Loyalty at the polls.
At Isl p. M, the convention was
called to order by Chairman F. NJ. Smp-
son of the State committee. Rev. Elmer
f. Pember, pastor Of the Universalist
church Of Bangor, offered a fervent and
eloquent prayer. The call was read by
Byron Boyd, secretary of the State CON-
mittee, and then Senator Eugene Hale
of Ellsworth was introduced as the tenn
porary chairman.
Senator Hale was given warm re-
eeption and addressed the convention at
some length, his admirable address being
listened to with great interest.
After the remaining prelimnaries ill.,
cdent to the Convention were complied
with the nominating speeches were
made, all being glorious ones to listen to.
Hon. c. E. Littlef1eld of Rockland,
congressman from the second district,
presented the name of Hon. w. T. Cobb.
Hon. Jesse NJ. Libbey of Mechanic
Falls presented the name of Hon. B. M.
Fernald
Mayor Jas o. Bradbury of Biddeford
presented the name of Col. c. II. Pres
colt.
Not hitch occurred during the pre-
sent alton of candidates and everythin
went along smoothly as could have been
wished for until time for the balloting
arrived. And here let it be mentioned
that this State convention becomes
famous as being the first at which only
nomination speeches were made.
At 500 the ballotting began. The
delegates from each county came for
ward as the name of the county was
called and deposited their ballots in the
box in front of the platform. At IL
the polls closed and at 43 the result
was announced.
During the intermission between clos
ing of the polls and the announcement
of the ballot the committee on resolu-
tons reported.
When the vote was announced and it
was known definitely that Cobb was the
man, there were calls for Cobb. In re-
Spouse the nominee of the party appear
ed and addressed the assemblage in part
as follows-
"Gentemen of the convention: Your COM
mittee has just informed me that the honor
of being your nominee for Governor has fallen
upon me.
my first duty is that of expressing to you
my gratitude and | do it with deep and
abiding sense of the honor which | have re-
ceved.
"However, | wish to say to you that ac-
cept this honor with a realization of duties
and responsibilities which such acceptance
forces upon me. | shall endeavor to fulfill
these duties and responsibilities in such a
manner as to win the approval and support
of the Republicans of the State of Maine.
"You will not expect me to dwell upon the
differences of opinion that have arisen in this
canvass. | realize that the result of the con-
venton brings disappointment to many PEG
pie, but | wish to say that no word or act of
mine will ever serve to increase these differ
ences, but rather that everything will be done
to make such differences forgotten.
"To my friends | can express but little Of
the gratitude which feel for the loyal man
ner in which they have stood with me in this
canvass and to the candidates who have not
received the nomination | can say had the
nomination gone to to any other than myself,
that person would have been assured Of the
same loyal support in the campaign which
these friends have given me in this canvass.
al will say to you that | am absolutely free
from any personal pledges and belyeing as
do in the principles of the Republican party
shall have but one endeavor in my official life,
and that will be to make my administration a
credit to the party and to myself 1t will be
my endeavor to advocate an exact absolute
economy in the financial affairs of the state.
shall expect an efficient and honest admin
stration Of public officials. pledge myself
to do all in my power to see that all laws are
fully and impartially enforced.
81 will try to do these things and will use
every means in my power to see that Maine
shall continue to advance in prosperity as she
has done in the past"
The speech of Names next Governor
was enthusiastically spplauded.
Somerset's delegation organized as fol-
lows: Vice president, Levi W. Weston;
committee on resolutions, John W.
Manson; State committee, Geo. G.