The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1908-02-20
THE ISSUE.

1t is not a political issue which is to
be decided at our city election March
9th. The issue is one of good govern
ment and good citizenship, and Demo-
Gratis and Republicans can, and will,
stand side by side in rescuing Belfast
from the evils attending one-man
rule. The present mayor has DONNA
ted every branch and department of
the city government They have been
subservient to his passions and his
prejudices. Every one who has refused
to bow to his will has been subjected
to personal abuse on the street corners
and from public platforms. No one
could question his methods or criticize
his official acts without mourning his
bitter enmity. He has been fire brand
in the community, menace to its pros
perity. and an inciter of strife. Demo
Gratis as well as Republicans have in
Cured his displeasure. Not content
with attacking the living he has sought
to deflle the graves in Grove cemetery
of respected citizens who long since
passed away.
1t would be detrimental to the best
interests of every citizen, no matter
what his political affiliations, to con-
tinue such man in office. No city, no
community, can prosper under the con-
troll of promoter of dissensions and
strife. The city of Belfast and the
county of Waldo can never be doomed,
and cannot retain the prosperity they
now have, by such methods as we have
seen of late. Intelligent people are not
to be deceived by promises which on
their face are impossible of fulfillment,
and whose insincerity is apparent. AS
President Lincoln said: you can fool
some of the people all the time, and all
the people some OF the time, but you
cannot fool all the people all the time. 4"
The Republican caucus named for
mayor man whom all can suppOrt-a
man who has not an enemy and who
bears enmity to no one; a man who
will administer the office for the well
fare of the city and i'll the interest of
its citizens regardless of creed or party
He is property owner and tax payer,
and has a stake in the community. He
did not seek the office. The office
sought the man. He was reluctant to
accept the responsibilities that must
devolve upon him, but the manner in
which he has administered an important
county office assures his fellow citizens
of his ability to successfully conduct
the affairs of the office they propose to
bestow upon him. AS to his sterling
integrity, high moral character and
worth as citizen it is unnecessary to
speak, They are known to every one.
The present mayor was not the choice
of many leading and influential Demo
Gratis last spring. He forced himself
upon the party then, and has again
made himself the standard bearer
against the wishes of an increasing
number of Democrats, who disapprove
of him personally and disapprove of
his methods. He is sailing under false
colors. He does not represent the
Democrats of Belfast. He represents
the Hanson party-a party made up by
promises of office and by methods
which are menace to good citizenship
and to the material and moral welfare
of the community. Democrats and Re-
publicans are alike interested in bring
ing about change that will ensure
peace and prosperity to our city.
When man shoots off his mouth
whatever he hits is likely to become d
oomerang.-Portlaud Express.
Yes, the truth of that statement is
daily verified in Belfast