The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1908-09-17
Somerset Stands Pat.

publican column, the margin, how
ever, being uncomfortably small, only
81 plurality for the head of the ticket.
The misaprehensions of the public
mind which led to this Democratic
drift will cure themselves. If in any
measure the Republican party has
contributed to the reduction of its
majority by errors, either of omis-
/ sion or commission, it should profit
by the experience through which it
has just past. The affairs of the
/ county are, as they have been for
generation, chiefly in the hands of
Republicans, notwithstanding the one
or two offices captured by the opposi
ton, and they should redouble their
efforts to give the most efficient SER
vice in every department of the
county's business.
Opinions naturally differ somewhat
as to what was the chief factor in the
contest just closed, having the prin-
ciple effect on the vote in this county.
Previous to election day the cause
most often assigned, by voters VINO
proposed to change their allegiance
from Republicanism to Democracy,
was the Sturgis Commission. Right
or wrong, the public got the idea that
the laws were being poorly enforced
in this county. When the Sturgis
deputies commenced to operate here
they looked for better things but the
hopes raised by their arrival were
doomed to disappointment. The
menace of their presence was just
enough to cause the liquor element to
try to punish somebody, and the
brand of enforcement handed out by
the Sturgis men had little effect fur
ther than to raise widespread feel
ing of resentment. By election time
all elements were looking for scape-
goat and by a mixture of ten percent
of logic and ninety percent of imagin-
alton the Republican party was desig
mated for sacrifice.
The first regret that will come to
Skowhegan people is the defeat of E.
F. Danforth in his candidacy for re-
election to the legislature. Judge
Danforth was by training and temper
ment we'll suited for legislative duty.
His conclusions were never hasty, he
always had an open ear for sugges-
lions from anyone, his manner was
calm, fair and dignified. 1t was not
urged by anyone that he failed to
give satisfaction in the 73d legislature
or that he was not in every way a
creditable representative. His case
is certainly one where duty admira-
ably performed, through force of cir
cumstances, failed of its reward.
In county matters the sheriff con-
test of course, attracted the most uni
versal interest. Extended comment
thereon is unnecessary, especially in
view of the fact that Mr.. Jacobs gives
in this issue, over his own signature,
a well considered resume OF that sub
ject. None should seek to embarrass
Mr., Moore by an unfriendly attitude
in advance of his entering upon the
duties of his Office. His position is
trying enough at the best and he is
entitled to the best support the press
and the public of this county can give
him. The REPORTER will have no
criticisms to offer unless his varia-
tions from duty are conspicuous and
oft repeated, and not even then I'M
less some good can be attained by
criticism.
The result in the western senator
ship contest is a matter of regret
from a Republican standpoint at
least. Generally speaking, however,
we believe Mr.. Donigau will make an
acce ptable legislator. He occupied a
unique position, two years since,
carrying his legislative class, Bing-
ham, Concord, Emblem and the plant
atoms, by small margin and being the
only Democrat to secure an election
for any office within the limits of the
county. He made a favorable inn
preston during the Legislative session
and it would be craftsmanship of mar
Continued on Page Four.