Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-03-17

The developments in the politica
life of Augusta. during this month
are of such an interesting character
and the completely of the situation af-
! fording a constant topic both on street
and in most every home, | will briefly
at the request of my friends, give my
! views on the subject even though
they may be of little value to the pub
| lic). AS previously stated in the Ken
| nebec journal. our city charter pro-
| Vides election of mayor and ward Of
ticers by majority, but should two at
tempts fail to give u majority then
the third election must be decided by
plurality. When the petition of the
Progressives for a place on the ballot
was encouraged by the Democrats,
and assisted by the signatures of a
| very large number of our Democratic
leaders" neither Mr.. NeWbert nor
his campaign boomers thought OF that
little clause which said majority,
and when that dark cloud doomed upon
the political horizon eliminating the
gleam of light (Which for few brief
/ hours they beheld when their gaze TO
cussed upon the Progressive tiekeD
, then dire gloom encompassed the
Democratic camp.
Every citizen is we'll acquainted
with the fact that Mr.. Newbert in
his desperation wendell his way to
yender Capitol, to seek relief from The
tangle into which he found himself
placed, introducing a bill with tha
emergency clause" attached to change
h., ,.ft al,
plurality instead of majority said
change to become operative immedi-
ately thus enhancing the chances of
Mr.. NeWberts election for mayor. The
bill as presented passed the House,
after some discussion. and although
Mr. Swift, the Republican opponent Of
Mr.. Newbert for mayor, realized full
we'll the benefit Mr. Newbert was
likely to receive through its passage.
supported the measure on the ground
that a considerable saving To the tax
payers of Augusta was of more i'm
portance than any political ambition
for f-agrandizement
But the Senate could not see why
a measure with the emergency clause
attached. should be passed after the
gates had by previous order been
closed, Feb, s. against the introduce
ton of further private and special leg
islation. unless the public health or
safety were involved; therefore the
refused to eXtricate Mr.. Newbert from
the political trap in which he had
helped precipitate himself.
Had there been no Progressive tick
doubtedly have Won out, March 10th.
for upon investigation we find that the
Progressives drew enough votes from
the Republican party which added to
the vote polled for Mr. Swift would
have elected him.
The Progressives by the statement
issued in the Journal, Saturday, the
Sth,. expected a vote far in excess to
that polled, last November, but when
the entire vote cast tailed only 3o3 Il
large number have stated that with
the possibility of electins a ticket or
any part of one entirely removed they
will cast their vote for Mr.. Swift ard
the Republican ticket, on March 18th,
as their sense of honor will not pei
nit the continuation of conditions con-
trary to the highest ideals of citizen-
ship.
What is the issue between the Re
publican and Progressive parties
which would prevent their united SUP
port of candidate? W no is possess
ed of those sterling qualities, high
ideals honest traits of character, bus
mess ability, and respect for our re-
lfginnc in all fnl- H.
citizens must realize are essential to