Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-02-13
AN APPEAL TO MAINE SOBER

Long years ago woman standing
before the great Philip OF Macedon
said: 81 would appeal to Philip, but
TO Philip sober"
This good old State Of Maine,
when in normal condition, is only in
tolerant OF intolerance.
In this year 1924. when there Is
every good reason why Maine should
be normal. her people are being
played with like puppets on strings
and the ends OF those strings lead to
camps avowedly hostile, temporarily
gaining power and money through
emotions aroused by intolerance.
Intolerance never accomplished
anything in this wide world but n
cause for shame to the generations to
come.
Governor Baxter. speaking before
the Lincoln club at Portland Tues
ageous and wise spokesman of
Maine in her normal condition. Of the
Republican party in It's right mind
and under the counsels Of sanity.
Speaking as Il partisan for the Re-
publican party he yet spoke. as a
patriot. far seeing and discriminate
ing. for the welfare Of the country.
His plea to the Republicans OF
Maine. not to be made the tools with
which to help bring about the de-
feat Of the Republican party in this
country and betray one OF the best
Presidents she ever had into the
hands of his enemies. viii he long
remembered.
1t is like draught of clear. cold
spring water to the .parGhed tongue
of fevered waiting.
His appeal will touch tho hearts
of thousands in all political parties
and in all religious creeds: those
who have been born neiEhbors, been
educated In the schools together,
been associated in business. in poll
tics. in civic affairs ana SO have
learned both to like and TO respect
'bO hiio'ttt. 10y 81 IluCtl IlIS Ille
spirit Of brotherly love prevailed.
They are disturbed. grieved. as
founded Mt this revival of passions
expected among barbarlans but
which do not thrive in the open un-
dor the sway of-~rrightened intelli-
sencc.
They know that this sort of thing
must in the nature of things prove
n curse to the people of Maine. It
cannot be otherwise.
Maino has no desire to emulate.
Hcrrin, Williamson County. Illinois.
We wish there had been oppor,un.
ity for Governor Baxter TO have said
these things six months ago. Maine
undoubtedly will come to ner senses
in process of time.
But how long. Q Lord how long?
1t Is not conceivable that member
ship of the Ku klux Khan represents
Names majority. Its membership be-
ms secret. however, II can claim
what II pleases.
1t can and probably will claim the
support OF all those who believe the
state should not spend money tor
sectarian schools.
Such n claim would not be valid
We know some who resent slurs
on our schools as deeply as any MEM
Der OF the Khan possibly could. who
would keep church and state sepa-
rate. but they are not members of the
Khan and never will he. at least sc
long rs It's members cover their faces
before the eyes OF their fellow men
Governor Baxter surely has as
much occasion as anyone 10 become
excited over this school question.
He II was who had the courage to
recommend in his inaugural the
adoption OF non sectarian amend
ment.
He may now be wondering how
many OF those, who opposed this on
lehalf OF Protestant schools gettins
stipenas, are now helping 10 turn the
State upside down over this school
question.
But he does not despair of the
Maine schools. He is not ready &c
run amuck because his views have
not yet been carried out. Ana not
being candidate he Is not restrained
by fear Of political consequences.
Governor Bakers stand at thi.
lime is very impressive one. Whe
will be with him?
Those, who believe that our schoo
questions may only be settled pro-
perry in the light Of reason. by ra-
tionai human beings assembled to.
Eether in orderly manner. should b.
with him.
Surely 1t isn't necessary TO plunge
beadlong into the dust. biting. claw.
ing. chewing ears and gousing eye:
IN abysmal hatred that once aroused
kvould burn and blister for years.
Thank God there is room In thu