Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1907-10-23
FOR GOVERNOR.
uoN. BERT M. FERNALD, OF PO-
LAND, A CANDIDATE.
IN OPEN LETTER TO REPUBLICANS OF
MAINE HE ANNOUNCES HIS POSI-
? TON ON STATE ISSUES.

NJ N
MAINE HE ANNOUNCES HIS POSI-
= TON ON STATE ISSUES.
Hon. Bert M. Fernald, Of Poland, has
announced himself as candidate for the
renublican nomination for governor,
;ssuing the following letter:
10 the Republicans Of M0ins:
In February, 1904, announced myself a
candidate for the nomination as governor Of
Maine in the republican convention to be
held in Bangor, in June Of that year.
At that time, expressed myself on certain
;ssnes which seemed to me to be worthy Of
consideration by the voters Of Maine. 1t is
Gratifying to me, and as I believe, to the
General public to see that those considera-
t;ons have been cordially received by the
raon1e: that some of them have been enacted
into law and that others have been adopted
nv both political parties as essential features
of their platforms. Up to that time such a
nub,ic expression had not been the custom Of
aspirants for Office in Maine. Since then,
however, the example thus set has become
General until nc W 1t is considered essential
that the candidate for any high Office in the
Gift of the people make candid statement Of
his personal views on the chief issues before
the people,
hardly think need recapitulate my an
nouncement of three years ago. The issues
of the campaign, thus invoked, have been
noteut In the councils both Of party and Of
State. Much good has come Of them. While
1t would be presumptuous on my part to
c,.,m ths. mine WAS the original suggestion
of these needed reforms, I am sure that the
voters of Maine will recall that, for the first
time through my letter to the republicans Of
Maine, was there definite call by candidate
for governor within the republican party, to
more economical and progressive methods Of
State administration and to needed reforms
in the party and in its policies.
THE ZEE SYSTEM,
as prscticed by State oficials, has been abol-
ished. The transportation pass for State Of
fcials is thing Of the past. competitive
system has been established in State depart
ments, SO that all, regardless Of party afiilia-
lions may have opportunity to bid on all sup
plies to be furnished by the State. The re-
publican party has stood consistently behind
these reforms. II has entered on discussion
Of what we all hope may be a more equitable
general plan Of taxation. 1t has stood for
the preservation o. our public utilities. 1t
has opened a way for the referendum sud the
initiative which may lead to solution Of the
vexed question Of resubmission. 1t has
pledged itself to purify the caucus methods.
And within its own party organization, 1t has
done much to open the door for the people to
fuller share In the councils of the same.
Once again announce myself as q candi-
date for the republican nomination as gov
ernor Of Maine. Before passing to the active
prosecution Of my candidacy I will give an
other general statement Of my views on GER
tain issues. Other candidates have said that
they would abide by the edict of the conven-
ton nominating them. assume that this
hardly need be stated. for. II the candidate
accept the nomination OF q party in conven-
ton he stands avowedly by the platform
which nominated him. / do not assume to
ictate any platform Of the republican party
of Maine, but am not averse to making
plain my personal convictions on what is
good policy and wise procedure. They are
submitted in Difference to the will of the re-
publican party, and as an earnest of my good
faith toward all OF the people of Maine.
This is to be an important election. 1t is
evident that national politics are to enter
into IT to an unusual degree. Our int ustrial
prosperity is unprecedented. Manufactur-
ing, numbering and pursuits OF agriculture
are enjoying good times. shipbuilding-the
only industry not adequately protected
against foreign subsidies and favoring grants
alone languishes, requiring prompt aid
from the government to restore our merchant
marine to its old-time place among the ma
tions Of the world. There is call for re-
vision OF
THE DINGLEY TARIFF.
The first issues of the contest will be heard
in Maine. am not opposed to reasonable
revision of the existing tariff; but, if it be
done, 1 want it done by the friends, not by the
enemies Of protection, and at such time as
may not entail business distrust, timidity and
disaster. The attitude of Maine on this issue
will be important. We should stand in
accord with the policies of the national re-
publican party and see to it that we carry the
State election by such an overwhelming
majority that its influence shall be vide
spread and beneficial.
The republican party has invoked general
investigation and discussion OF our taxation
system. A tax commission has been ap-
pointed which is highly regarded both for its
ability and the evidence of its bipartisan
makeup. The issues which suggested in
'hJ ie'ler vi iso4, touchins 'aAatioh oi WIN
lands and more equitable taxation of rail-
roads and other public service corporations
may be regarded now to be in the hands Of
that commission. / may say, however, that
nothing short of absolute justice to every
interest will settle this question. It cannot
be disposed OF by make-shift or by evasion.
This is the opportunity to enact a broad and
progressive policy in taxation; system that
shall be as fair to every interest as it is pos
sible to make law. It should be the square