Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-05-01
WAR DECLARED
The Mexcans Have Nothing on the
Democrats at HailoweIl.

To be, or not to bel That is tha
unanimous question:! Whether 1T "
best to hold caucus, and die an ig-
nominious death, or whether by
"watchful waiting" the coveted plun
may be secured, is the problem caus-
ing mental anguish to the many post
office candidates in this city.
Years and years ago, this same mo
mentous question faced the Democrats
of Hallowell. There was only hand
full of the faithful" then, but what
could be scraped together We're cor
allied at the old City hall. AS soon az
a stranger arrived, he was promptly
shanghaied to some part of the build
ing by Pat" or Charles" or "Dody."
And it Is said by men who recall that
memorable evening. that Daniel Web
ster or the great Cicero, had they been
present, would have bowed their heads
at the bursts of silyery eloquence.
Each was the Moses" chosen to lead
the flock of Israel. AS the din of ths
battle waxed warmer. eloquence waa
forgotten Good old-fashioned Eng
iish (mostly) straight from the shout.
der, could be heard above the strifa
Twas hand to hand, and foot to foot"
'sTwas hand to hand and foot TO foot,
Nothing there save death was mute;
Stroke and thrust, and fash and cry
For quarter. or for mercy,
Mingled there with voiieying thunder"
But why dwell on the dead but not
forgotten past.
Passive hostilities in the present
campaign began several months ago,
when the various candidates began
circulating petitions. No one was oV-
acknowledgements, Republicans, So
cialists and Prohibitionists-all were
herded together In due course Of
time these petitions were forwarded to
the Great White Father" at WASH
ington, and his selection breathlessly
awaited. March 18th, the date on
which the present incumbent's term OF
office expired, finally arrived, but still
no appointment. Something must be
the matter. Letters from all quar-
tiers began pouring into the nations
capital Forgotten for the time being
at least, was the tariff, the currency
bill and even the prohibitory law.
Eventually, word was received by the
powers above" that the responsibility
Of an appointment was too great. 1t
might endanger the dear old party
at the Gubernatorial election. Couldn't
the candidates get together, smoke the
pipe of peace, and agree upon one man.
The braves, thereon, met at the
wigwam of their chief, but somehow
or other, the old pipe wouldn't draw.
Couldn't agree on anyone or anything,
Some wanted a caucus-some didn't
Some remained quiet like good In.
dams, and--some didn't. Active hos
tilities had begun and are quite apt
to continue. At the present time
chances are quite favorable towards
the Republican incumbent serving an
other term. No agreement can be
reached between the Democratic. can
didates, and to quote the words of u.
s. Grant at Spottsylvania. Il purpose
to fght 1t on this line if it takes all
summer" Applying the quotation to
the local disturbance sit probably WILL
The latest from the Great White
Father at Washington is that CON-
sultation has been held with his med
icine men, at which he spake in this
manner:
MANY obstacles are in my path. I
would not displease any of you. The
duty is a sacred one,y etc. There
fore: have a caucus" So there it in.