Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-06
The "issue" in Augusta

The tissue" in Augusta
On Monday the Portland Argus pub
nshed as a part Of its political editor
ial blast, the following: -.
THE ARGUS confidently expects to
have the pleasure of announcing to-
morrow morning the election Of James
II. Mcdonald as Mayor Of the City Of
Portland
On Tuesday the Argus gave its Ia
NOUS rooster an airing with its toes up.
The Republican candidate had won by
1900 ma jority, decisive increase over
last years victory.
In Portland the Democrats had des-
perately hunted for an issue, but the
only thing they could discover was the
old and ever-present one--maintenance
of party organiza ton by loyal support
Of good candidates. If that Issue"
was religiously considered by the vot-
ers Of both parties then Portland is a
be captured by Democracy when the
Republican voters select a weak cam
didate or Democratic politicians can
fool Republican voters.
Portland is. obviously, we'll satisfied
with the record of it's present mayor.
In Augusta prevailing conditions are
much the same-the Democrats have
strained every tendon in the donkey
trying to discover something in the Re-
publican administration of the last
two years, or in prospect. to take be-
fore the voters Of the city. They have
failed. The people are we'll pleased,
and say so. They have had clean bus
mess conduct Of city affairs-and every
voter in the city knows and respects
the present Republican candidate.
The only issue in sight for Demo-
cracy is party allegiance" the neces-
sity for maintaining the Democratic
organization, even when no enthusiasm
can be aroused for its candidates.
SO Tar as that tissue" goes, we re-
spect the attitude of the Democratic
leaders and accept the challenge.
The necessity, under our form of
government, for preserving two strong,
opposing political organizations is ev-
erSwnere recognized among thinking
men. This is a two party country.
The natural leanings in wrong direc-
lions by human beings, particularly in
PUBIC arairs. are restrained by close
watching political opponents. Cam
paign criticism is a wholesome vehicle
or progress. All parties are better
when the brainstorm has spent itself
Let US accept the Democra tic tissue"
Let every Republican remember his
party obligations on Monday next. No
member OF the Republican party has
even the smallest excuse to do other
wise. The head of the CITY ticket 10
all that could be demanded by the most
critical adherent Of clean politics and
business integrity above partisanship
The ticket itself could hardly he inn.
proved upon in selection by a nom
partisan committee.
10 keep up an effective State orear-
zation in any party it is necessary that
ely ana town organizations be main
tanned. To keep such organizations
WITHIN the respect of all the people
they should be kept clean and above
BOARD. Only the best men should no
put forward as candidates. We hava
oone that in Augusta. We have select
ed candidates worthy of the supnort 80
the voters. in every particular. and
they deserve the loyal support or
their party.
Mr.. Swift and the men associated
with him on the ticket are entitled 70
the vote of every Republican in the
city OF Augusta. The entire ticket
should be elected by increased ma ior.
tiles over last year.
Why?" do you asko
Because this is a Republican c,tx
ana Republicans have a duty to mar.
! form in maintaining their party and q
constantly better government in cttv.
State. and nation.