Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-03-16
1.-THE Republican Duty"

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Writing Of 1.-THE Republican Duty"
the editor Of the Philadelphia Press
has evolved good advice to the Repub-
licans Of Maine. Let US remember
that only the best men available
should be sent to Chicago-men of
ability, judgment, and determination
to act for the whole country's best in
terests. Such men should not be sent
as photograph records by voters here
at home who are not in touch with the
situation and not as competent as their
representatives; but they should go
as the highest type Of Maine intelli-
gence to act for Maine people as the
situation developing at Chicago shows
them they should act for the national
welfare.
II the Maine convention, or any
other, is to send instructed" delegates,
it might as we'll send wooden Indians
instead Of it's most astute business and
professional men. AS to Republican
duty our exchange says:
The statement from Mr.. Roosevelt
should be Of much assistance in clear
ing the political atmosphere. He says
that he wishes no Presidential nomi-
nation that is the result Of fractional
fight and bitter preliminary contest.
Nor should any one of the aspirants
for such honor wish that kind Of a
nomination. The success that comes
after fierce battle leaves too many
scars to be of real advantage. Many
candidate for high Office can be I'M
done by the victory which brings to
him the nomination. A contest that
leaves behind it bitterness and feuds
is generally not worth the winning. A
nomination that is not followed by
an election is but bauble for the pres
ent and a source of grievous disap-
pointment for the future.
That Is especially the case this year.
This is no time to compliment any man
with the Republican nomination for
President II 1t Is to be but an empty
honor. Above all things, the delegates
who meet in June at Chicago must
keep in mind that they must select a
man who can be elected in November.
1t is of no avail to bring about the
convention selection Of your favorite
candidate If he cannot win at the polls.
Such action pays no real compliment to
the nominee, and gives the Democrats
further extension Of power. That is
something that must not be permitted
to happen.
Mr.. Roosevelt is in hearty sympathy
with the idea of putting out Of Office
the present Democratic administration
at Washington. So are the men who
voted for him in 1912. He sees that to
accomplish this purpose the desires of
individuals must be minimized and
subordinated, no matter who such in
dividual may be. In that he agrees
perfectly with the present sentiment of
the Republicans. The country needs
Republican victory in the nation. Such
victory is in sight, If the Republican
convention acts with wisdom and fore
sight. 1t cannot come as the result OF
the rash and boisterous naming of a
candidate that does not commend itself
to those who are opposed to President
Wilson and the party which he repre-
sents.
The United States has never had a
greater stake in Presidential election
than 1t has this year. In the outcome
are concerned the very basic principles
Of government. In 1t is involved the
question Of whether the people are tc
have real business activity. What the
country wants is that kind Of business
activity that is not dependent for Its
existence on the roar Of cannon and
the bursting Of shrapnel on the other
side Of the world. 1t wants that kind
Of prosperity that is not measured in
terms Of widows and orphans.
Tho Republican party is reunited to-
day. Upon the members of that party
is burden Of great responsibility, tina,
of choosing the proper ticket at chica.
go. That should be done without re.
gard to personal influence, anger
pique, greed, resentment or ambition
The proper solution Of the question is
solely a matter Of patriotism. The
duty Of every Republican is clear. The
intolerant individual in the party
should have no voice in these impor.
tant proceedings. He has no place In
the naming Of the Republican tickle,
Of 1916. The every best men Of the Re.
publican party should be sent to the
national convention as delegates. II
that is done. there will be no real doub,
as to the outcome, either in June or in
November. II 1t is not done the party
is taking a risk that is both unneces.
sary and unwise. and that may well re.