Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-07-29

gubernatoral candidate, vote of 49,
500 to 34,350 for Melvin P. Frank,
Democratic.
History will record that he made
one of the best governors the State
has ever had. He had the same care
full oversight over State matters that
he gave to his private business. He
did not want q cent wasted because
it belonged to the people. On one oc-
casiOn during the first of the Spanish
war, a strong pressure was be-
ing brought from many quarters to
have the governor call an extra ses-
sion of the Legislature He was OPP
posed to it. He was in Augusta and
expressed his views frankly and en-
phatcally. why" said the governor,
'if | call a session of the Legislature
it will cost the State thousands of
dollars. After the Legislature is in
session who knows what will happen?
The people are excited and may de-
mand that something radical be done
| don't intend to call the Legislature
together. If the State is in need Of
money l believe I can raise it. l am
going into Portland and talk over this
matter with some of my friends, but
| guess you will find that there will
be no extra session."
The result is we'll known. Gov
Powers acting on the advice of the
able, conservative men of the party
did not call an extra session. He ad-
vanced the money needed by the State
and the next Legislature approved his
action and refunded the money he had
advanced.
On his retirement from the chair of
governor at the expiration of his term,
Jan 1, 1901. he was mentioned in con-
nection with the congressional con-
test that was apparently soon to be
waged on account of the Illness of
Cong Boutelle. He became an active
candidate when Mr.. Boutelle's letter of
resignation had been received and won
out easily in the Republican cOnven-
ton held previous to the special cleo
ton in April, 1901, when he was chOs-
en- to fill out the balance of the 57th
Congress. He was reelected to the
5Sth, seth and Goth Congresses and on
April 30, 1908, was re-nominated for
representative to the 61st Congress, by
reclamation In a letter dated July 6
withdrawing from this nomination, al
though his nomination papers had pre-
viously been filed at the office of the
secretary of State at Augusta
Gov. Powers strong personality was
impressed upon one at sight. his face
ana figure being cast in the mould of
those who are leaders of men. A
SWarthy complexion, keen but kindly
eyes. and hair worn quite long,-the
exceeding blackness of which was I'M
relieved by single touch of the ~
odd years of his active lfe,-en-
HANGED the dominant characteristics
of his features. He was the most ap-
proachable of men. frank and open
ir his conversation and dealings. He
was fine public speaker, persuasive
and eloquent, and very effective in his
appeals to reason. He always had the
reputation of doing as he agreed, and
his promise of support was conceded
to be as good as written contract,
He was eminently man of AFFAIRS,
possessed great executive ability, ex-
tended experience in his legislation,
and thorough acquaintance in the az
fairs of state.
He was a staunch believer in the
principles and policy of the Republic
can party, and from his first vote al
ways supported its measures and can
didates. For more than 80 years he
took an active part in every political
campaign in Maine. and at various
times has done effective work upon
the stump in Massachusetts, New
York. and even in Far Western states.
Continued on Page Twelve)
1904