Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1908-02-19

ResubmissiOn.
NORTH PENoBsooT, Feb. 10, 10

Resubmission.
NORTH PENoBsooT, Feb. 10, 1908.
To the Editor Of The American:
The question OF resubmission seems to
be worrying some republican politicians
who are looking officeward. Aside from
this limited disturbance of the political
waters, there seems to be an unusual
calm on the ocean of political thought in
this State
Has resubmission gained any since the
legislature Of 1905! There were but sixty
petitioners calling for it then, and they
from the city Of Lewiston, which has for
q long period of years recorded the low
est temperature on the temperance ques-
tion Of any city in the State, except, pos
sibly, Bangor. l was q member of the
House then, and also a member OF the
the opinion that but for young demo.
crat lawyer from that rum-cursed city,
who wanted an opportunity to spread
himself in behalf OF his clients, the mat
ter would not have been brought forward
during that session.
The resolve found no support OF impor-
lance in the discussion among republicans,
and was voted down almost to a repub-
lican, and we thought the matter was
practically dead for decade.
But under a republican governor pledged
to the enforcement of prohibition, and who
wanted "big stick" in his hand, prohi-
bition fever was running high and devei-
oped the famous Sturgis law. Since it's
first reactionary effect upon city elections,
and more especially since the last State
election, certain prominent republicans,
following in the wake Of prominent demo-
Gratis, have been trying to manufacture a
public sentiment in favor of resubmission.
In his last message Gov. Cobb discussed
both sides of the resubmission issue. but
didn't commit himself to either l nat
urally infer that inwardly he was in favor
of resubmission, but outwardly he was
looking both ways ''to onced" with
political twinkle in his eyes.
How he stands on prohibition as a
State policy, do not know, nor can any
one derive any satisfaction on that sub
ject from his public utterances. In his
first message he discussed the opinion OF
others on that subject, but adroitly with
held his own. He declared for the en-
forcement of this law, as the best way to
test it, by any means it seemed that the
ingenuity of man could devise.
In the last House l think the republicans
stood very squarely against it. The demo-
Gratis, with their large minority, voted
for it. On the strength of this apparent
public sentiment, Mr.. Haines announced
his candidacy for governor, endorsing the
democratic planks, resu omission and all.
He said he was ambitious to be governor
OF Maine, and so l suppose he wanted to
take the wind out of the democratic sails
by framing his platform early and stand
ing on it, and waving his nomination flag,
with Haines and resubmission at the top
and prohibition at the bottom.
The Waterville Sentinel CHARGED him
with stealing the democrat platform. He
stood square as a brick in favor of resub-
mission and the referendum, in condem-
nation Of the Sturgis law and everything
else ] believe in the then democrat plat
form. But prohibition? o, yesi lie believed
in prohibition, and if the prohibitory
amendment were resubmitted, it would
be re-affirmed by very large majority of
the voters of the State.
What, then, does he want to resubmit il
for? II he thinks large majority of the
voters of the State are satisfied with the
prohibitory law and don't want a change,
what sense is there in advocating resub-
mission? Does he advocate resubmission
for fun or for votes In my opinion, there
is neither in it for the republican party.
When you, leading republicans OF the
State of Maine inscribe prohibition on your
State banner, you will affront and possibly
ALLEVIATE forever that large majority Of
voters which Mr.. Haines confidently be-
lieves will support the prohibitory amend
ment, including the advance guard Of civ
iiization in this State, nine-tenths of the |
clergy, three fourths OF the male teachers,
and nineteen-twentieths of that other
half of the adult population of our State
the women-without the noble influence
OF whom civilization would be a farce,
and decent government an impossibility.
The republican party never won its
laurels in the past by following demo-
cratic ideals, and can never hone to win
when it ceases to lead in the race for
poiitical progression. Fl.