The Republican journal., 1912-04-25
THE CALL TO ARMS.
Popular Government VS.. Anarchy. Plaisted
and Pattangall VS.. The People.
independent Reporter, skowhegan.l

independent Reporter, Skowhegan.]
There's no question about it - the
ominous sounds of approaching war are
heard in all sections of Maine today.
The outcome of the battles which are
to be fought in this war will determine
if the institutions handed down by our
fathers are to be longer perpetuated.
1t will determine whether the people
of Maine have lost faith in popular gov
eminent; whether the sneers of across
the-ocean critics are to be justified
when government of, by and for the peo-
pie will work woe and not veal to those
who live under it.
1t will determine whether a few men
high in the councils of the State con-
trolled by the will of greedy trust, can
domineer the sober judgment and we'll
intended desires of misguided followers.
1t will determine incidentally whether
such dangerous leaders of a party as
William r. Pattangall and Frederick w.
Plaisted are long to be endured.
The people are astir, everywhere.
The leaven of discomfort is working.
The people of Maine are getting right
ly alarmed over the twist that has been
given to the open spurning of constitu-
tional rights.
Nullificat ton of law is not something
altogether new to Maine: we have had it
before.
But never before to our knowledge
have we heard disrespect and disregard
of law-and constitutional law at that
preached to the people from stations of
high influence.
Never within our recollection have we
witnessed the alarming spectacle of a
governor of great State and the chief
prosecuting officer of great State open
ly advocating anarchy.
The doctrine Of notification preached
by Attorney General William R. Pattan-
gall is a sham, a subterfuge, shameful
travesty upon sacred trust, and he knows
it.
When William R. Pattangall states in
public that law in the Constitution of
Maine cannot be enforced, he knows, if
he knows anything at all, that he will
fully misleads the people of Maine.
Witness the enforcement of law in
Somerset county, as well as in other
counties of Maine.
Witness the ten days enforcement of
law in the city of Waterville, the chief
enforcing officer of which was Mayor
Pattangall himself.
When William R. Pattangall deliber-
ately states that public sentiment is not
behind the law, he wilfully seeks to mis-
lead the people of Maine.
Witness the majority in favor of re-
tanning the prohibitory law in the Con-
stitution of Maine.
When Frederick W. Plaisted, the pro-
tege of Mr.. Pattangall, declares in public
that he never promised to have the laws
enforced, he utters deliberate false
hood. 1t was on that promise that he
was elected Governor of Maine.
When Mr.. Plaisted declares the law
cannot be enforced, he stultifies himself
The prohibitory law can be enforced,
because it has been and is being enforced
in counties of the State of Maine.
But it all comes down to the question
of popular government versus anarchy.
of Plaisted and Pattangall versa the
People.
And the People are astir, thank God
This unholy alliance that has been
formed between officialdom in Maine and
the out-of State rum forces will be
broken. Those who have been guilty of
its formation have forgotten that truth
and justice will ultimately triumph.