Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-01-24
Editorial Comment
Senator Johnson's 6iunder


When it was first announced that Sena-
tor Johnson had recommended Dr. Sleep
er for the Portland collectorship the de-
-velopment came so suddenly and unex-
pectedly that no one was prepared to ex-
press an opinion.
Yesterday, however, there were opinions
aplenty being expressed all over the city,
although no leading Democrat cared to
talk for publication. A concensus OF
these comments was not favorable to Sem
ator Johnsons appointment. 1t had been
confidently expected that Sheriff William
NJ. Pencils superior claims for favorable
consideration would impress Senator
johnson so that he could not fail to real
ize the mistake that would be made
should any other candidate be given his
endorsement
One Democratic official said that 1t had
not been considered necessary for men,
bers Of the party in influential places to
openly express their desire for Mr.. Pen
nell to receive the appointment. Had
there been any doubt of Senator johnson
seeing his way clear to take the obviously
fair and judicious course in the matter
there would have been some effective
public demonstration Of party sentiment.
This gentleman was Of the opinion that
besides the unwise disregard Of Pennell's
claims a serious political blunder had
been made by the senator. 1t Is unneces-
sary to refer to Mr.. Pencils qualities as
a party leader, or to his services within
the party. 1t is a fact we'll known that
he consented to run for sheriff last year
only because the party leaders made him
feel it was his duty to do so that the
Democracy might have the advantage Of
his rare organizing talent and effective
campaigning
In this connection it is proper to say
the Argus is not expressing Sheriff PEN
nells personal views or feelings in the
matter as he would not make any COM
ment when seen yesterday. This, by the
way. has always been his attitude when
a political turn within the party has gone
against him. William NJ. Pennell has al
ways been good loser. and in this par
ticuiar instance he takes the situation
just as undisturbed as has been his won't.
since Senator Johnson's recommen-
dation was not made upon the basis
OF merit or for services rendered to
the party. there is much speculation
regarding the influences that induced
nm to ignore the popular candidate
possessing the personal and party
claims emitting him to recognition.
Ihere were a number of surmises, but
no one seen yesterday knew for GER
tain just what the influences were.
1t is true that Senator johnson did
not at one time entertain a hearty
good will toward Mr.. Pencil, but that
little unpleasant episode was supposed
to have been dismissed from the SEN
ators mind.
1t is also true that the best of fell
lowship has not been felt for Western
Maine Democrats by party leaders in
the section Of the State from which
Senator Johnson comes, but that sem
timent too was supposed to have UNI
dergone a change for the good of the
party.
local Republican paper had
story to the effect that Judge Connolly
had entered as a candidate, and that
for this reason Senator johnson took
occasion to settle on DR.. Sleeper. The
judge discredited that explanation,
didate, and further than that was one
Of the many leading Democrats who
had endorsed Sheriff Pennell and
asked for his selection.
In all the talk made about the affair
there was no adverse criticism of DR..
Sleeper. who was regarded as being
entitled to congratulation for his good
fortune in so unexpectedly receiving
one Of the most desirable Federal ap-
pointments in the gift of Senator
johnson. The criticism was directed
toward the Senator whose failure to
recognize the necessities of the Demo-
cratic party in Maine and do the
eminently correct thing in the prem
ises was so surprising. 1t was re-
garded as being calculated to have an
effect injurious not only to the Sena-
tors personal aspirations for re-elec
ton, but may also have an injurious
effect on the entire Democratic par
ty in this State at next election.