The Republican journal., 1908-07-09
THE BANGOR CONVENTION.

Returning delegates and the press
representatives say that the Bangor
was enthusiastic and har-
monious to marked degree. In num-
bers it fell but short of the full num-
Der of 1920 delegates, and all were i'm
bued with the true Republican spirit
and inspired by their conviction OF a
sweeping Republican victory in Sep
tember From every part of the State
came cheering reports OF Republican
gains, and the action of the convention
is everywhere commended and en-
dorsed. The speech of Chairman Asher
C. Kinds at the opening OF the session
was an able presentation of Republican
policies in the State and nation, and in
closing he said: 81 know that in your
proceedings today you will emulate the
example of the Chicago convention and
that you will enter the campaign with
the candidate, with the principles and
with the unity befitting an honest party
in proud State" When the nomina-
tons for Governor were declared in
order Mayor Irving L. Merrill of Au-
burn was introduced and in speech
that was loudly applauded presented
the name of Bert M. Fernald OF Poland
for Governor. He was followed by Hon.
Herbert M. Heath of Augusta, whose
speech in nominating Hon. William L.
Haines of Waterville for Governor was
the oratorical feature of the day. AS a
public speaker Mr. Heath has few If
any equals in Maine, and on this &C.
casion he outdid himself and made an
address that will live in political annals.
1t was of course foregone conclusion
that the nomination would go to the
Poland candidate, but Mr.. Heath made
it clear to his hearers that the candidate
who had the loyal support OF the minor
ity was eminently worthy and deserving
of the honor and that he had been mis-
understood and misrepresented on the
issues of the day. With the seconding
of the nomination of Fernald by E. n.
Merritt of Skowhegan ended the speech
making in behalf of the candidates, and
then came the second great event or the
the announcement by CHAIR
man Kinds that Mr. Haines had asked
permission to address the convention
briefly. When Mr.. Haines appeared
and stepped to the front of the plat
form he was greeted with storms of
applause. He bore himself proudly in
what he knew was the hour of his de-
feat for the honor he had sought, and
his voice rang true and his words went
home to everyone in the crowded audi
ditorium as he moved to make unani-
nous the nomination of Bert M. Fer
maid. and extended his heartfelt thanks
to those who had supported him so 10y
ally. His brief address was punctuated
by laughter and cheers, and he voiced
the sentiment of all present when he
said "By the action of this convention
the great cause of prohibition has been
reaf1irmed as much as if it had been
voted upon by the people of the State
at the polls. l pledge my earnest sup
port to the nominee of this convention.
don't like 5000 majority for the Re
publicans in Maine and prophesy that
all of us shall take hold and put it back
this fall to $4,000, where it belongs
At the close of Mr.. Haines' address,
Fernald's nomination was made unani-
nous, MI. Heath casting the ballot and
as he did SO that the heart
of Kennebec went with it. Then the
candidate was escorted to the platform
and received with great enthusiasm.
He thanked Mr.. Haines for his action,
and made brief speech of acceptance,
closing with these words: 81 accept
The platform you have today adopted,
and pledge it my earnest support; and
after few days rest shall be ready to
respond to the call of our chairman,
discuss the issues and, SO far as am
able, carry the glad tidings of Republi-
canism to every section of our State"