Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-08-04

The Hon. Cyrus w. Davis. Demo.
| cratic candidate for Governor OF Maine
and the Hon. Daniel J. McGilliCuddy
candidate for Congress in the Second
District have been the first to speak In
| the opening campaign, and each, after
mounting the usual specious argu-
meuts relative to the Democratic de-
mand for resubmission and hypo-
critical advocacy Of Temperance and
honesty" have dweIt upon the method
and SCOPE of State expenditure and de-
claimed against Republican cxtrava-
rancc with all the power of their lungs
Mr. McGilIicui dy's statements were 50
devoid of exact and intelligent detail
and his untruths so glaring that they
could by no possibility deceive intelli-
gent voters.
Candidate Davis had made his plea
more artfully, evidently known enough
about the subject to twist figures to his
own uses But the whole aim and in
tent Of his discourse appears to be to
deceive by half-truths.
The Maine voter who is getting ready
to lick the end of his lead pencil de-
serves to have facts that are unas-
sailabIe-whehtcr those facts shall in
cline him to the side of the admnistra-
ton or against 1t. Those who hold
the keys should be ready at all times to
give an account of their stewardship.
In the case of the dominant party in
Maine, it's managers assert that they
are only too ready to give such ac-
count, their sole care being as to how
they may reach all eyes and ears.
l. ne hn ctnt fnIl In t.fn
tell the whole story. Hard, cold. I'M
assalable facts are "figgers" in every
instance.
pr 6. Langtry Crockett. that pic
turesIue stromy petrol of Knox county
politics. has always averred that he
enjoys being i'm the minority.
There's nothing" he says. "like be-
ing on the outside and having some
thing to harp on"
That the Democrats after being so ut
terly walloped two years ago on their
chosen battleficde of State finances
and expenditures should again charge
on the Republicans across that stony
field and against the impresnable wall
of ndsputable statistics is strange
evidnece of faulty.
1t may be that Candidate Davis
thinks the people have short memories.
1t may be authoritatively announced
now at the outset Of the campaign that
the Republican managers propose to
follow Mr.. Davis into every county and
upon every rostrum where he may give
voice to his juggled facts. perverted
figures and unjustifiable conclusions,
and show by actual and indisputable
figures that he is trying to hoodwink
the proletariat of Maine. If one
voter were deceived by the figures that
Mr.. Davis presents. the managers of
the Republican campaign would feel
that they had been remiss in their duty
to the people. VINO are the sovereigns
and who deserve "to be shown even
though this is Maine and not Missouri.
Each county has its own financial
balance sheet with the State. to be
shown all in good season to the voters.
Az the outset however some matters
or general State interest claim atten-
ton. having been made the topic of Mr..
Davis preliminary 'harping."
One of his great concerns is that the
amounts paid to State officers in the
last twenty years have increased in
totals. He simply says that these
amounts have grown to such and such
figures, and passes on without the
least explanation as to why they have
increased.
Now the aphorism Business is bust
ness" applies. whether it's States bust
ness or the business of an individual.
The fact that Mr.. Davis in his
present affluence Is spending moro
money than he did twenty years ago
may properly be considered sign of
progress ami is certainly justified. if
rot demanded by his present circum-
stances and environment.
Mr.. Davis. in advocating the return
Of the State of Maine to its old basis
of restricted financial expenditure, is
striking a blow at our State pride in
legitimate progress and at the
satisfying of actual needs required by
our improved institutions and mode Of
handling public utilities. The fact of
the matter is. Mr. Davis if put to ac
tuaI test of deeds would not drag the
State back thus on any consideration.
tor he ends each speech by declara-
ton that if he and his party ever get
into power. he proposes to expand"
and build up" and develop and 50
forth ito an extent. as Spartacus
once said, hitherto unknown even in
this luxurious capital"
AS a business man Candidate Davis
knows considerable about the need of
money in expanding" and 'elevating"
and developing" If he has dis
covered any method of doing more
business and at the same time spend
ing less money. he should give it to the
world.
The fallacy of Mr.. Davis reasoning
and the unfairness of his attitude may
be understood a bit more clearly when