Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-05-17
THE BANQUET TO
COL. PARkHURsT
Great Enthusiasm at Bangor
Clubs Event The Candi-
dates Statement and Con-
gresham Peters Address.
(BangOr NeWS)

Hon. Frederic H. ParkhurSt, candidate
for the nomination for governor at the
June primaries, made a concisely
straightforward declaration of his
principles.
The gathering was under the aus
pices of the Bangor Republican Club,
and it was one of the most significant,
politically, held here in a long time. 1t
marked the formal beginning of the
whirlwind campaign which Colonel
Parkhurst is planning to conduct be-
tween now and the DAY Of the prima-
ries-a campaign which includes speak,
ing rallies arranged by his supporters
in all parts Of the State. 1t showed the
strong Parkhurst sentiment which has
developed in eastern Maine.
1t was nine o'clock when the gather
ing filed into the main dining room
and seated itself at long tables, ar
ranged in the form Of figure U and
beautified by flowers and lights. At the
guest table were Colonel Parkhurst.
Hon. John A. Peters Of Ellsworth, rep
| resentative in Congress from the Third
Maine District, Judge Charles H. Dunn
| of Orono, Mayor John F. Woodman,
Judge Benjamin w. Blanchard, Dom
aid F. Snow and James M. Gilin. The
banquet was elaborate, and it was
1890 when Judge Dunn. as toastmas-
ter, raped for order. The tributes to
Colonel Parkhurst by his local sup
porters We're numerous and sincere;
but especial interest attached to the
| address by Hon. John A. Peters, who
| is intimately in touch with the situa-
| ton.
Hon. John A. Peters.
Everybody stood when Hon. John A.
Peters was introduced, and when some
body called for three cheers they were
given with a will. He has just returned
from Washington, and he began by
saying that the Democratic party,
! through its national leaders, is prepar-
ing for the greatest drive in Maine
next fall that political history will
ever record. An evidence of this is
shown by the appointment of Judge In
graham Of Portland as assistant secre-
tary Of war-an appointment undoubt-
eddy inspired by the approaching
Maine election, and which would have
been most unlikely at any other tins.
however able in his own field Judge
| Ingraham may be. These are halcyon
days for any Democrat in Washington
who comes from the State of Maine
| Witness the honors recently bestowed
upon Senator Johnson and Representa-
tive Observation-Disclosures to which
their short service, admittedly bright
men though they are, would not have
entitled them under ordinary circum-
stances. The president himself recog-
nizes the situation-recognizes that
everything possible must be done for
Maine, and is acting accordingly.
The Democrats, said Mr.. Peters, have
no hope Of carrying the first, third, or
fourth Maine districts. They do hope
to retain Senator Johnson and Repre-
sentative McGillicud6y; and it, in adj
dition, they can elect governor, the
result will be heralded across the coun-
try as great Democratic victory.
Hence the whole impact of the Demo-
cratic force in this country will be di
rected into Maine next fall; and hence,
therefore. the Republicans must stand
shoulder to shoulder. and be headed by
the strongest candidate available, if
they are to withstand the onslaught.
The last Of the address was a glow
ing and earnest tribute to Colonel
Parkhurst's qualificsti tons, and a de-
scription of what he has accomplished
for the party in Maine. with him
as the standard bearer" said Mr..
Peters. Il believe that the election
would be almost automatically won.
Hon. r. H. Parkhurst.
Colonel Parkhurst was given an
ovation that must have awakened
everybody in the hotel-an ovation
that was a splendid tribute to his
popularity-and he spoke in part as
follows:
standing here tonight, surrounded
by friends, and embarrassed by what
has been done for me and said about
me. I lack command Of words to ade-
quately express my appreciation and
gratitude.
"The scales were balanced against
me by the splendid endorsement given
to me by Bangor, by Penobscot coun-
ty. and by eastern Maine at the time
Of the Portland Convention. The con-
ception and organization of the Bangor
Republican Club, the preliminary cam
paign of publicity covering the entire
State, the enthusiastic open air rally
held in the inclement month Of March,
the decorations along the streets Of
Bangor and at headquarters previous
to the departure for Portland, the tri-
umphant sweep Of the special train |
through the State, the gruelling march !
in the snow from the station on the |
arrival in Portland. the enthusiasm at |
the Falmouth Hotel-all stirred Maine |
as no other political event Of similar |
character has ever done.
IT was a splendid plan, wisely con-
ceived, faultlessly carried out, and far |
reaching in it's influence. 1t estab- |
lished new standard Of Republican |
enthusiasm and will be talked of as
long as conventions are held in Maine. |
This occasion affords me a suitable |
opportunity of which I gladly avail |
myself for making personal state |
ment in connection with my candidacy. |
The present campaign has two dis |
tinct phases:
"1st-The primary campaipn. which, |