Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-10-27
Editorial Comment
Has Maine q History? u. So, 10 u o.
Conseouence2

fN4S q - ~
Consequence?
(Sprague's Journal Of Maine History
Two false ideas relative to the I'M
portance Of a knowledge OF MAINS
history, we believe, are more or less
prevalent among Maine people: lal
That because the ancient Province o.
Maine became a District. that Tor
time was under the political juris-
diction Of Massachusetts,. we have no
distinct place in early American MS
tory. (b) That even il we nave
history it is not of consequence, inter-
est or value to any but lovers OF any
thing that is antique and venerable;
it's usefulness in the work Of today be-
ing. at most, only negligible.
A plain statement Of the first prop
osition refutes itself. From the times
Of Weymouth and the Pophams 70
these days Of Oakley Curtis and Carl
Milliken, Maine has had a continuous
record Of events that are potential
parts Of the history Of democracy IN
the world.
From the early years OF the seven
teenth century when the explorers,
coIonists and missionaries first began
the making of American history. I'M
til ITS, people Of the old world were
coming to the new world. and COM
ing here to Maine. for a shelter from
tyranny and oppression. They sub
dued the wilderness and replaced 1T
with homes. fortresses and fertile
fields. Thus they came here to Maine,
as to other parts Of the north Allan
tic coast. with bare hands but with
hearts full of longings for freedom
that was then only dream. and for
liberty that they knew not how to
use.
The development OF representative
government was a slow process. I.
was at best, only an experiment. It
was a political ideal that startled and
amazed the greatest statesma nship and
most profound philosophy Of the en-
tire world. Our plan was unlike any
other that had before been known
It was governmental system out
side Of all known precedents. with
out an example, ancient or modern"
The question Of its success or fail
ure certered around one single prob
lem whether or not man was capable
of self-goVernment.
In this way did the roots of democ-
racy commence to sprout in this
strange soil A thirst for individual
liberty. For many former centuries
man had had soveregnto direct hin
in his religious duties. and blood and
treasure had flowed continuously to
force him to pursue what his rulers
conceived to he the right course. This
new undertaking allowed him to choose
his own religion and his own prayer
book. CT none at all. as his own con-
science might dictate. and he was
to be his own sovereign.
In 1852 the highest intellect and
shrevdest judgment of the world sin
cerely believed that this scheme was
doomed to collapse. Its success could
only be demonstrated by actualities.
the Gay of theories was done; the hour
of facts had struck. The leaders in
this majestic adventure constituted
the most glorious band of patriots
that humanity has ever known But
Washington and Hamilton. and JEFF
ferson. and Adams and all their great
compeers were themselves alone power
less to solve the problem of self gov
ernment The men who built log hous-
es and cleared up farms, who run
stores. taVnrns, saw-mills stages and
cooper shons. were the only ones who
couI6 prove 10 the WOiI1 thdt man
could govern himself without a king.
And so, in all parts Of the Ameri-
can colonies. from the Carolinas 10
the Penohscot, it was in the homes of
these grim old pioneers that we find
the roots of democracy. 1t was these
first settlers and their descendants,
here in Maine. whose sacrifices and
toll laid the foundations for a great
state. and for its prosperous towns and
cities. who helped work out this prob
lem for all mankind
The story of their lives is part Of
the glorious record Of mans supreme
achievement in finally making himself
capable of self-government. Their
history is part of the history
Of the worlds struggle between
depotism and freedom: 1t is the
tale Of the progress Of humsn-
ity. And Yet. there are many in
Maine today who 90 not appear to
perceive that such history is Of
worth and inspiration to the present
generation. It is full Of fascination.
but they see II not. 1t inspires pa
triotism and love for their own
state, but they know it not. Neither
do they seem to realize that the edu-
cational system Of Maine in not max
ing town. county and state history
part Of its regular course Of study
in every school, is doing a fragrant
injustice to the youth of our state