The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1914-09-17
Maine, Barometer.

One thing sticks up beyond explaua-
ton in the Maine returns, and that is
the fact that the Bull Moose as po-
tential political factor has apparently
run its course. Whether the final re-
turns show small plurality Cor Gov
ernor Haines or Oakley c. Curtis, Demo-
crat, it is plain that the Progressive vote
has become a negligible factor
As to the Democratic strength, before
that becomes disquieting. it should be
remembered that notwithstanding the
diligent efforts of both Republicans and
Democrats to make the result in Maine
of national bigness. the great underlying
potency of state issues has by no means
been subjugated.
The ridiculous hypocrisy of the Maine
prohibitory law, still a fetish Of Rcpnb-
lican leaders, can always be depended
on to make trouble. The indications .le
that it has done so to some extent, and
that the election of Mr., Curtis. II the
final returns confirm it, may be partially
attributed to that influence.
The issues were drawn, however, as
clearly as possible on national issues,
Democracy by narrow margin is full of
Importance TO Vermont and other states
which put their parties to the test in
November.
Names representation in Congress,
however, seems likely to remain as it
was, Daniel McGillicuddy, Democratic
member from the second district, having
apparently saved his seat by defeating
Harold NJ Sewall, Republican white
hope In the third. however, John a..
Peters, Republican incumbent, has wealth
cred the storm created by William R.
Pattengall. while with Asher G.. Kinds
in the first and Frank F, Guernsey IN
the fourth these districts remain safely
Republican.
To what extent Maine may prove to
be barometer for Vermont, for ex-
ample, remains uncertain. With the Pc
publican and Democratic forces split as
evenly as they seem to be in Maine, the
election of United States senator would
seem perhaps to be the most likely point
on which to center Democratic or pos
! sibly fusion attack.
IT positively argues for immediate and
active campaigning but of type hth-
PTbO uHkiiONH III lulOHts W WIZ WIN
the Republican state leader on the de-
fensive. This. however. is not due so
much to Senator Dillingham; himself as
to the folly of his leaders in Washing
ton county, who have very effectually
estranged much priceless support in
these parious times.
Senator Dillingham; does not haze to
explain his record, but his friends are
being asked to explain their pernicious
activity in the governorship.
The Herald does not believe Maine re.
suits have any serious bearing on the
governorship campaign in Vermont. No
amount of aggressive assault is likely
to disturb the unquestioned popularity
of Mr.. Gates and the rest of the ticket.
but so much may not perhaps be said OF
the second congressional district, which
was analyzed by The Herald in soms
detail few days ago.
The first district. with Congressman
Greene's great personal popularity to
draw from. can hardly be seriously men
aced. but the district and state commit
tees should give immediate attention 10
the senatorship and the fortunes o. the
east side" congressman.
Whatever else Maine may teach, IL
surely shows the need of an active aud
aggressive state campaign, with state is
sues mostly TO the fore.-Rutland Her
aid.