Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-06-21
Consistency.

been accused of consistency. Doubt
less it is conscious that it has much to
desire in that respect. This being so
it is not surprising it should expert
ence that unholy glee the sinner is
supposed to feel on finding itself in
distinguished company, when it catch
es some other in a like predicament.
Just now Democrats are making
much ado over what Mr.. Fernald once
said respecting extravaganza and
economy. That was before Mr.. Fer
maid became Governor. No one ques-
lions that he spoke his convictions
That he was correct in his conclusions
many then doubted
Since that time he had opportunity
| to become better acquainted with ex-
act conditions and needs of the State,
better able to judge between false
economy and wise expenditure. The
Democrats hasten to assume that MS
first position was correct and that his
present attitude is incorrect, If not
worse Is this conclusion just or rea-
soma BILE, and will the men who think
for themselves accept the Democratic
view of the matter? We think not.
Indeed we are of the opinion that Gov
ernor Fernald will receive credit for
having acted in a broad minded, pub
lie spirited way, under conditions that
would have tempted man of smaller
caliber to win a little temporary APP
plause from the minimizing at the eX
pense of the affairs of the State under
his supervision.
In the first place. and it is a very
cannot be shown that any faint of dis
honesty attaches to the management
of the States finances. Again it is
not susceptible of the slightest proof
that the money has not been expend-
ed for worthy purposes. or that the
raising of it has increased the indiv
idual burden of the taxpayer, or that
the Democrats in the legislature We're
not equally responsible with Republic
cans in making the appropriations, be-
cause a lawmaker. though in the mi
nority party, is not thereby abSolved
from doing duty.
Nor does it anywhere appear that
any Democratic member of the legis
latures making these appropriations
has been criticized by his party In
deed the ambition of the Democratic
party this fall is to send more of the
same kind to the legislature.
The Democratic party processes
much desire that the people should
rule. If the men sent to the legisla
ture by the several communities do
not represent the people of those com
munities who does or would? Does
nor to rule the peoples representa-
tives? Under our form of government
he couldn't if he would, and shouldn't
if he could. Does Mr.. Plaisted if cleo
ted Governor expect to compel the leg
isiature to do his will? He will have
the veto power but no wise executive
eyer used that power successfully only
to a very limited extent. Is Mr. Plais-
ted to be the exception?
This matter is worthy of considera
ton and the more it is considered, we
submit, the greater victory for Gov
ernor Fernald
Moreover as patriotic citizens. it is
the manifest duty of the Democrats to
state explicitly what appropriations
We're extravagant, also where and how
their party proposes to economics
They can do no less and merit the
slightest confidence. They thus will
bring the matter squarely before the
poor people whom they SO passion
ately love at this particular season of
the year, and thereby enable those
people" to instruct their representa-
tives to go to Augusta and vote against
this or that. assuring them that if they
bring home not one cent for local APP
preparation. that fact of itself shall be
accounted to their credit.