Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-01-19
Meeting Supporters
Blaine s. Viles

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Blaine S. Viles
The Municipal court room was well
filled Tuesday night in spite Of the
many social affairs which were being
conducted in other places, with an
enthusiastic group Of citizens. both
men and women, who are interested
in the candidacy Of Blaine s. viles Of
Augusta, a former ekowhegan boy
and q candidate for Congress from
the ard district. Robert B. Cole serv-
ed as chairman at the suggestion Of
Clyde H. Smith.
Kreger Of Fairfield, who said she
had come to Skowhegan expecting
to talk to a party Of women voters
and was surprised to find a mixed
company. but remembering how
many times she had with patience
listened to men, she hoped the men
present would listen patiently to her.
a woman. As Mrs. Kreger continued
all present were sure it was not
matter of listening patiently but
rather with the keenest Of interest
to the vital question which she pre-
scented in a clear and logical manner.
Mrs. Kreger spoke Of what seemed
to be the lack Of interest among the
Somerset county women and said 1t
really troubled her. She urged wom-
en- to study good government, not to
think the home was all she had time
for, because government goes into
the home, mentioning the food laws.
compulsory school attendance and
taking our sons.
Government and our daily lives are
inseparable. Mrs. Kreger said. There
is need OF two parties with different
methods and each woman should
study and decide to which party she
should belong explaining the need
Of enrolling and said that doubtless
some women still thought If they had
registered there was no need to en-
roll. Women should unite with one
party and endeavor to be a working
unit within it.
She urged good judgment in select
ing the best man for office and said
the call at the present time was for
a congressman from the 3rd district.
She noted the large percentage Of
lawyers in Congress and stated that
as her only son was a lawyer she
had nothing against the men Of that
splendid profession but felt the need
OF a business man in Congress, a
man who with his family would live
in Washington, and one who had
large interests in the State as does
Mr.. Viles, who would naturally work
for the business interests Of the
State which he represents. Mrs.
Kreger spoke Of the ballot being in
itself only bit Of paper, the right
to use it has been won by the blood
of our ancestors and even the World
War was necessary for the emanci-
patton OF the women. She expressed
her wish that all women would see
to 1t that they used this privilege
and accepted the responsibility of the
ballot.
Attorney Thomas Leigh Of Angus
ia addressed the audience as Eel
low Citizens" saying that formerly
it was proper to address a meeting
OF men and women as Ladies and
Gentlemen" but now all were fellow
citizens. He paid tribute to the
splendid Republican party and to
those in high official places. He spoke
OF the splendid service of Judge Pet
ers. who resigned as congressman
and Is now Judge Of the Federal
court. thus making the vacancy in
the Bird district. Mr. Leigh mention
ed the two candidates-Blaine s.
Niles and John f. Nelson, both Of
Augusta-both Of whom he knew
well. He said that while Mr.. Viles
was not an orator. his friends and
supporters knew that he could talk
simply. directly. strongly and effec-
lively and the need was for more bus
mess men at the head OF the nations
affairs. He mentioned some of the
great business men and lawyers of
the State who have represented
Maine in Congress, Frye. Boutelle
Milliken, Dingley and Reed. Mr..
Leigh said the Republican Machine"
about which We hear so much is
really the Republican organization
without which the party could not
operate.
He cited the way in which Mr..
Niles had stood by the party since
going to Augusta and the Offices to
which he has been elected, always
with an increased vote, and the
splendid service which Mr.. Viles has
given in each instance. He said Mr..
Niles was regular fellow" a
square business man, Is on the side
OF the man who labors, has the well
fare Of the State at heart and would
perform the duties of the office faith
fully. In closing Mr.. Leigh stated
| that this is real fight, q real bat
tie and that IL all would do their
part the battle would be carried to
victory for Viles.
1t had been expected that Mrs.
Viles would be present but she was
| unable to come. Mr.. and Mrs. Viles'
! charming daughter. Miss Dorothy,
was present and spoke briefly, ex-
pressing her mothers regret at not
being present that she had the best
father under the sun and that she
wanted them all to vote for him.
This tribute Of the daughter for her
| father was the most effective of the
many things that were said for the
| evening.
Mr.. Viles expressed his gratiica-