The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1908-05-14
Hon. w. 7. Haines Endorsed
By MIS-. Sarah G. Crosby, Prominent
Waterville Temperance Worker

"otS'' A1iS ASh ptiohbc WDIhcI
Waterville, Me, May 10 Special
Hon. William T Hsines Of this city,
candidate for the Gubernatorial nomi-
nation, has received the following
cordial endorsement from Mrs. Sarah
9. Crosby of this city, prominent
temperance woman and for many
years the president Of the Waterville
Women's Christian T importance
Union:
Not long ago heard man say with
, a grand air: 'This is a government
OF the people, for the people and by
the people,
This state ment sounds rather para
doxical to one VINO stands politically
cIa5sed with the insane. the idiot and
the criminal At glance il would
seem undignified for the women of
Maine TO express deep interest in
the great struggle going on today III
the Gubernatorial field. Yet when
you stop to think of il these same dis
francbised women are property mold
ers-many of them heavy tax PAYERS:
and handicapped as they are il is
fact that they do have a vital interest
in this matter and every woman who
thinks has choice in the candidates
seeking the highest Office in the State.
Two questions stand out with grave
Importance in the minds of the wo-
men of Maine Suffrage and Temper
ance-and We should choose the man
VINO will best represent us regarding
these two great issues; the acknow-
lodged right of woman to express her
preference at the pc lis and the pre-
serVatlon o. the most beneficial en-
actment ever placed upon the statutes
OF our State-tne prohibitory law.
We have carefully watched the ut
terances OF the two prominent candi-
dates that we might judge correctly
which has given as most reason IL
expect help in the attainment of the
one and preservation of the other.
Mr.. Haines openly declares for re-
submission: claiming that if the
matter is once more submitted TO the
people it will be strongly reaffirmed
and the question settled for all time.
Whethe ~such a result would follow
seems rather uncertain when we con-
slider the powerful influence which
would be brought to bear upon the
question by those in and outside the
traffic. However, it is a well estab-
lished fact that the balance of power
at the ballot box lies with the farmers
and residents of our rural communi
ties rather than in the cities and man
ufacturing centers. The farmers of
Maine stand firmly for the retention
of the prohibitory amendment to our
Constitution and can be relied on to
3 90 tn he n tn
the dictates of their own console noes.
They are our sturdy citizens whose
votes are not swayed by any influence
In the face of all possible opposition,
if a special vote could be taken allow
ing all men and women of lawful age
TO vote there would be nothing to
fear from resubmission because the
women of Maine have far more at
stake than the men, as the effects of
the drink habit fall more heavily up
on them, and they could be trusted TO
sustain the law.
And why cannot this be legally
done? With this privilege, the
women of Maine should hail resub-
mission because majority of all the
people should govern and if such a
vote could be taken no one could
complain whatever the result might
be. This method would be a decision
'for the people and by the people"
Whatever we NAV believe as to the
wisdom of Mr.. Haines' view in the
matter, no one who knows the man
personally can doubt his sincerity.
He is not and never has been a SYM
pathizer with those who have always
attac ked the pTohibitory law; his
personal habits speak in his favor;
he does not dispense wine, or other
intoxicants to his guests; he has
never rented any of his numerous
buildings in Waterville TO those who
engage in the liquor traffic. His life
has been open, his record clean since
he came among us with nothing but
clear head, an indomitable energy
and steady perseverance which has
won Kim an enviable reputation, not
only in this city but throughout the
State, as a man of affairs, a man of
integrity He has filed many Offices
of county and state and has always
been found to be absolutely fearless
in the performance OF the duties de-
manded of him by the oath of his
office. He has shown great interest
in the welfare of his own city and
this has been demonstrated by the
sacrifices he has made in upholding
these interests when he might more
protitably TO himself have done other
wise. We can scarcely think of
more capable man to be entrusted
with the business interests of Maine,
This, at all events, is the view of
one woman who never hesitates TO
speak for herself.
SARAH q. CROSBY,