Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-08-27
TO MAINE MEN WHO VOTED
FOR ROOSEVELT IN 1912:


have been a life long Republican but in company
with majority Of that party in Maine voted for
Roosevelt in 1912. Whether by that act withdrew
from the Republican party Is a question which does
not need to be answered In the early part of this
year somewhat in doubt to the best course to
pursue, whether with many of those who likewise
voted for Roosevelt should quietly return to the Re-
publican ranks whether should still consider my
self Progressive.
decided upon the latter course and have taken
part in the various conferences and conventions that
have been held by that party. At these strongly OBJ
ected to the nomination of State ticket, thinking it
better for the party to support Governor Haines but
leaving it to the respective districts counties and
towns to decide for themselves whether to put local
ticket in the field not felt that it far i'm
portant promote Progressive principles than elect
nominally Progressive officials, and that an organized
body of independents holding Progressive principles
would be powerful factor in promoting good govern
ment.
My position however, did not meet with any sup
port and the Progressives are In the field third
party with a complete ticket; that they have any
chance of cannot believe and the effect of
their action any, will be to turn the State the
Democratic party.
The leading issue in our State is the question of
enforcement in which Governor Haines has taken
strong stand and for any he is defeated it
will be decided setback to the cause. We know that
the attitude of the Democratic candidate is on this
question and generally do not feel that the Demo-
cratic party will promote the good of State eff
GENTLY will the Republican There may be ques-
on to the policy of prohibition but long Maine
has decided positively for prohibition there be no
question as to enforcement
The Progressive candidate may be rs good man
Governor Haines this question, but he has not
demonstrated this fact and has not gained the right
be Governor of Maine UNLESS HE REPRESENTS
SOMETHING MORE THAN CRITICISM OF GOV.
ERNOR HAINES.
Criticism of the party in power is always easy
EVEN WHEN KEPT WITHIN BOUNDS OF TRUTH
and is the cheapest ammunition get wherewth
to carry on campaign, and SO far as have heard
to be the major part of what the Progressive
candidates are loaded with
This is not worthy of the Progressive party. who
have right to exist unless they have constructive
platform and furnish better candidates than either of
the other parties and this they have failed to do in
this years campaign.
My duty, under the circumstances is clear. name
ly; to return to the Republican party FOR THIS CAM.
PAIGN and vote their ticket unless possibly in some
instances where may think that the Progressive cam
didate is better than the Republican and one
whom think there is some chance of eecting; for
do not believe it is best to throw away votes except
when some principle is involved.
Whether shall be Progressive or Republican
in the national campaign Of 1916 cannot decide now
believe that the strength OF the Progressive party
SO called, going in this campaign to the Republicans
in such volume to insure the election Of Hanes and
call upon my associates who with me voted for Roose
welt in 1872 to join with to better insure this result
JOHN E. WARREN.
Westbrook, Aug &c. 1914.