Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-11-25
Monday, November Is, 1907.
The Sentinel Still Dodges the Issue.

The Watervile Sentinel quotes an
anonymous communication from the
Norway Advertiser relative to the word
"plebiscite," which the Standard
dictionary tells us means IAN express
sion of the popular will on given
matter by means Of a vote Of the whole
people" The idea Of such IAN express
sion Of the popular will' upon the
the prohibitory principle, "by means of
a vote of the whole people," conducted
at special election where the ques-
ton could be considered purely upon
fits own merits and without previous
prejudice appears to amuse "a
few professional humorists. They
would at least have the public think
80. These men are interested in resub-
mission only as they can use it as
political football, or as they think they
can utilize il in the interest Of the open
saloon. The fact that the fair minded
men Of both parties now recognize the
opportunity afforded by Initiative and
Referendum for the people to say at
the polls and under just conditions
precisely what place they desire the
DrOhibitory principle to fill in the
apprehension. They are trying in
every way to stem the rising tide of
public opinion; but in vain. Every
intelligent observer of events knows
that old fashioned political resubmis-
sion-the football of partisan con-
trovrrsy--is as dead today as julius
Caesar, A few Democratic bosses still
cling TO il with the frenzy of despair:
but the people who believe
That this question should be
dealt with fairly and upon its
own merits, now recognize the fact the
Initiative and Referendum affords
absolutely the only method of submit
ting it 10 the voters, without previous
interference or prejudice, and under
absolutely just conditions.
These few Democratic leaders and
their organs still continue to beat the
big drum. but the public is paying
scant attention to them. Long before
election they will recognize the folly of
their bella ted advocacy Of old-fashioned.
political injustice, that belongs to the
past and has been left far behind by
the progress of events. If the people
of Maine vote upon this question at an
II will be under the eminently fair
conditions that will be afforded by the
provisions Of the Initiative and
Referendum
In the same issue Of the Norway
Advertiser from which the Sentinel |
takes its anonymous communication
appears signed one from the pen of |
Mr.. c. f. Whitman which-strange TO |
SAVIOUR Watervillc contemporary
quite "verlooks. Mr. Whitman recog-
nizes the fact that the only fair way of
passing upon the question Of retaining
or abandoning the prohibitory principle
Is afforded by the provisions of the
Initiative and Referendum, When" he
says the friends of the cause note
how almost daily. the Argus, Sentinel
and Sun pour their broadsides of |
denunciation into the proposition of a |
rlebiscite. they know that these
Journals are not firing at mere
spook'
To he sure they do. These Demo-
cratic organs would not be nearly so
much disturbed if they really believed
1t I" be the ghost they are trying to
make their readers think that it is.
No. indeed. They recognize the fact
that il is both n legal and a practical
proposition. and one. moreover. that
appeals to the public sense of justice
and fai" play. They recognize. further
more. that il is here to stay Hence
their agony