The Washington herald., 1916-07-16
Maine as a Barometer.

PRESIDENT Wilson in the near future VIII prop
ably make at least one address in Maine Can
didate Hughes has tentatively agreed to speak
there and former Presidents Taft and Roose-
welt will supplement his efforts to swing the
State into the Republican column. Thus our
farthest East may expect more or less OF the
political spotlight during the early campaigning.
Maine wields no mighty numerical strength
in the electoral college but ii has the distinction
of being the first of the voting units to hold
its State election, and purely for the psychology
cal effect of victory both sides will unlimber
their big guns and put forth every effort to
win. AS forerunner to what is coming in
November, September victory is considered
an excellent barometer
Gov. Oakley c. Curtis will be reelected. in
the opinion of the chairman of the Democratic
National Committee, because his administration
has met with the popular approval, and the dis
integration of the Progressive party will operate
to the advantage of the Democrats. Maybe so.
But Gov. Curtis success or failure depends in
its entirety on local issues.
What measure of popularity the Democratic
executive of Maine has achieved is largely at
tributed to lax enforcement of the excise laws.
On that issue, Milliken, the Republican standard
bearer, does not pussyfoot. He is squarely for
the enforcement of the prohibtory amendment.
His sincerity may be commended even though
1t fails to appeal in the large cities, where near
sightedness is the most commendable quality a
county sheriff can possess.
The national situation is another equation
Maine elects two United States Senators Sena-
tor johnson, Democrat is opposed by Col Fred
Hale, OF Portland, son of the former United
States Senator. Kenneth c. NJ Sills dean of
Bowdoin College, is put forward by the Demo-
Gratis for the unexpired term OF the late Senator
Burleigh. The Republican nominee, yet to be
selected, will be either Representative Guernsey
or former Gov. Bert NJ. Fernald.
In these Senatorial contests the Democratic
record of accomplishment for the past three
years will be the main issue. 1t is accepted that
the best oratorical talent on both sides will take
the hustings.
Maine has felt the effects of the Democratic
tariff while accepting its proportionate slice of
the prosperity that has come from the war
orders. He is a convincing orator. indeed. who
VIII prove that this feeting prosperity due to
the European conflict can offset the stimulus
to Maine industries that reasonable protective
tariff will furnish, business resumes a
normal basis. The additional revenue bill now
before Congress is but another evidence of what
a sad failure the Underwood tariff schedule has
been.
So far as the Progressives are concerned, all
OF the leaders have come back to the Repub-
mean told, and there will be no candidate for
third ticket. That the majority of the rank and
hle Will follow the lead seems assured
The Second Congressional district, where
Representative Daniel F. McGi1licuddy is well
lntrenched, is the one spot where the Democrats
may md ray of comfort The conditions
winch brought about the election Of Gov Plasted
and Democratic legislature some wears ago no
longer exist Upon that point there is no dis
pute Under the circumstances, unless all politi
cal signs are misleading the Pine Tree State
VIII take its place with the sister States from
New England that will roll up healthy Re-
publican majority in the next national election.