Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1912-12-04


The Lewiston Journal repeatedly refers
to .sthe Penrose Hale Burleigh Peters
combination. What is q combination?
1t seeks TO give the impression by the
use OF the hyphen, for example, that Rep
resentaiive John 4. Peters, who is re-
publican candidate for speaker of the
House, has something in common with
Senator Penrose. What possible common
interest can Mr.. Peters, whose home is in
Ellsworth and in the State of Maine, have
with man who represents Pennsylvania
in the United States senate? Senator PEN
rose, as we understand it, is regarded as
a political boss. Would the Lewiston
Journal claim that John A. Peters is
political boss? II he is a boss he has care
fully concealed the fact from those who
have some familiarity with political con-
ditions here in Maine
Peters is neither boss nor has any one
ever charged that he has been bossed by
anyone else. On the contrary his legisis-
tive record shows that ne has been one OF
the independent, free thinking men of the
republican party in this State. He has
never presumed to assume the leadership
of his party in the legislature and has not
always been in accord with his party in
Legislative matters. Peters is the last man
in pub lic life in Maine against whom such
charge cogid be made with any justifica-
ton
Senator 2enr3ss, as we understand il, is
regarded as reactionary. surely similar
charge cannot be made against Mr.. Peters
As representative in the legislature he
has made many fights for what are gene
rally termed progressive principles
He favored and voted for public utilities
bill. He favored and voted for the pas
sage of bills aimed against the employ
ment of children in factories and to limit
the hours OF labor for u1en and women.
He has publicly declared that he believes
it would be wise to elect the United States
senators by the people rather than to be
embarrassed by direct nrimary nomina-
tion, which we now hay rh does not
go far enough, so Mr. has said, in
giving to the people difecll the right of
voting for United States senator. In
TACT Representative Peters has repeatedly
shown and repeatedly said that
he has favored nearly all OF the
so-called progressive" principles. As we
understand it he entertains no views in
this regard in common with Senator
Penrose with whose name his own is be-
ing coupled.
To be sure, Mr.. Peters voted for the
regularly nominated candidate of the re-
publican party for the presidency Be-
-, a
would punish him by denying him the
speakership. Because he exercised his
right to vote for whom be saw fit, Mr.
Peters has been savsgely attacked and
abused by the organ which knows no
rhyme or reason when it comes to villifi-
cation and abuse OF those who do not en-
dorse all of its paranoic views about men
and measures.
What has Mr.. Peters in common with
Senator Hale with whose name his own is
frequently coupled in the journal? These
men live in the same town. They
have been neighbors for years. Mr.. Hale
has retired from public life and from
politics in this State. He has not given
Mr.. Peters any aid in his candidacy for
the speakership, though doubtless Mr..
Hale would willingly help his fellow
townsman obtain this position If he could.
How can Mr.. Peters be held responsible
for anything Mr.. Hale did or did not do
when he represented this State in the
Senate? Ii the impression is to convey
the belief that Mr.. Peters is wearing the
collar of Mr.. BALE, Senator Penrose or
anyone else, those who don't know John
A. Peters may be prejudiced by all of this
jargon OF misrepresentation and abuse
which the Journal is INDUCING in. But on
man who has any familiarity with Maine
Legislative history for the last two admin
istrasions will take any stock in such stuff
as this.
AS to Mr.. Pstcrs' connection with Mr..
Burieigh, We presume that ii is supposed