Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-06-01

Bath, as well as most of Maine, OBJ
served Memorial day in a drears
lnortheasterly drizzle with occasional
showers. This city, nevertheless had
a creditable parade and Colonel f.. c
Pmmmer delivered scholarly, elo-
quent and patriotic Grafton. AnenI
Memorial day | hear a little story
creditable to Hon. Harold Nj. Sewall
OF this city. From a little lady over
in Woolwich across the ferry from
Bath, Mr. Sewall received a letter
stating that they wanted him for
their orator on Memorial day because
they really were DESTROYS of hearing
him talk; that they We're unable to
raise more than SO to pay him for
his services. but would he come? Mr..
Sewall, who is a orld-famous man
since his services for Uncle Sam at
Samoa and the Sandwich Islands. APP
preciated the evidently sincere desire
as shown by the modest little note, at
once wrote a reply of acceptance and
in it told his fair correspondent to
buy flowers with the ten dollar bill.
that he would make no charge for his
services and he went over and made
one of the most eloquent speeches of
his career.
State Primary Rather Slow.
All through the Second Congress
sional district voters show little of the
anticipated enthusiasm for the prim-
aries that friends of the innovation
expected. Take in BATH only $50 to
mar 4 Ia
Lewiston the last | heard but so had
appear in future primaries and the
primary, so far as | have heard in my
travels. is regarded much in the light
Of an additional and needless cleo
ton. expensive in its operation and
hothersome. This feeling may dis
appear in future primaries and the
advantages of the scheme. If there be
such, as political project more
strongly presents Itself to the voters.
The present apathetic attitude of
citizens toward the primary causes
leading public men with whom have
talked to express themselves as
doubtful Of the results this year.
They are very chary of giving opin-
lens They anticipate a light ballot
throughout the State They fear that
the fact that the delay in farm work
because of the wet spring will find the
farmers too busy on primary cay TO
come out 10 vote. In the cities they
say the present apathy will cause the
same difficulty in bringing out voters
from their business and vacations.
In the Bath city clerks office the
other day a voter called TO ask City
Clerk Grassy what he would have to
do to be enrolled. He was informed.
Guess l won't bother about enroll
ing" said the voter. 'rli wait for the
election and then vote" Many 9TH
ers in this city have made similar re-
marks. As a matter of fact l have
heard but one voter speak in favor of
Names new primary system. Per-
sonally | believe that, as the primary
draws nearer. there will be more in
terest shown for most voters will wish
to have their preferences shown.
Republican Gubernatoriai Contest.
While throughout the Second dis
trict there is general hope expressed
that Hon. Albert II. Shaw of Bath,
will lead in the ballot at the prim-
aries the feeling is prevalent that Mr..
IIaines, by being longer in the race,
will win throughout the State. Sec
ond district leaders agree that Mr..
Shaw could be elected if nominated
and would give the State a splendid
business administration. Mr.. Shaw
personally expresses confidence that
the primary vote will be for him. Bath
is very loyal to its candidate. So far
as my impressions earlier in the CAM
paign have been, Mr.. Haines had the
Head. The recent stir over wild lands
directed against this candidate may
have to some extent detracted from
his earlier strength in favor of both
Judge Powers and Mr. Shaw. l don't
find betting prevalent in favor of any
| of the candidates. The sentiment
however is general that Col. Plaisted
| Mr.. Pattangall and Mr.. Davis have
| Their influence on the wane and that
the next Governor of the State will be
Republican.
a Bath Boatbuiider Printer.