Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1911-09-20
Correspondence.

Some Observations ON the Election.
MT: DESSERT, Me-, Sept. III 1911.
TO the Editor of the American:.
Responding TO your invitation 10, write
something about the election, I will;lmaks
few comments about the dif1erent classes
OF men acting in this campaign.
First as to those who worked patiently,
and made sacrifices OF time and money to
maintain prohibition. They :ihave the
satisfaction Of knowing that they did
their best to save sonnet hing that they be-
lieved in.
Next as to those who believed in, pro-
hibition but did not take time to vote.
These do not seem to appreciate the great
blessing Of good government; do not
seem to recognize the obvious duty OF
good citizenship, and seemingly never
ask the question: "What is the Lord
keeping me in the world for?''
Next as to those democrats who believed
in prohibition and had the nerve to bear
the sting of the party whip, and to with
stand the pressure of party associates, and
to- talk and vote as they believed was
night.
Such independent action, under such
moral courage such as few men possess,
and. entities them to the respect and ad-
miration of all fair-minded men. And I
will lift my hat tothem as long 8 ne
member their conduct in this campaign.
Next as to those republicans who said
little, did nothing and voted "yes,a
Someone has said: sHistory. repeats it.
self." And the, particular historical event
which this contest and these renegade
publicans repeat is recorded in the bible
Judges fourth and fifth hapters). The
heroes OF Israel were engaged in furious
combat against an invading host OF Ca
naanites. 1.-THE stars in their courses
fought against Sisera, " and Israel gained
great victory.
Deborah celebrated with q song oil
triumph. She speaks OF the ready re-
Spouse OF Barak and the princes of Is
sachaE and rehearseR the heroic deeds OF
Zebnlon and Naphtali. But there is q
minor strain in this exultant song. For
where were the sons Of Reubenf In the
thichest of the fight? q, nol But in a
safer place. SIN the sheepfolds listening
to the bleatings Of the sheep" And Deb
orah voices the sentiment OF Israels camp
with these derisive words: "For in the
divisions OF Reuben there were great
searchings Of heart"
The conduct OF the Reubenites caused nc
surprise in Israel. For many years before
Jacob told Reuben he was "unstable al
water and should not excel" and his de-
scendants had SO exactly lived up to theil
fathers characteristics that in all Of the
subsequent history Of this "peculial
people" its fourteen judges, its many great
prophets, preachers, kings and military
chieftains, among them all not one dis.
tinguished descendant of Reuben is to b
found.
But if the conduct Of Reuben was not {
disappointment to Israel, certainly the
the conduct OF some republicans is dis
appointment to US. But notwithstanding
that, for him who believes that prohibi
ton is very much better than Q license
law there is much consolation from know
ing that bare majority Of voters OF tn,
State las now apportioned) cannot elect ,
Legislature.
For in making up the Legislature tn
small towns have great advantage owe
the cities. To get a full understanding o
this, examine our constitution, article
part first, section 8, from which we lear
that great increase Of population is re
quired for each additional representative
And that if a certain city were to hav
half the population Of the State it coul'
have but seven representatives.
R. L. GRINDLE.