Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-08-25

together with those associated with
US upon the Republican ticket in
this state. as Republican candidates
upon the Republican platform ad-
vocating the continuance of Repub-
lican policies in the administration
of our. state.
In recent days in our state there
has been some speculation as to
what a vote for me might mean. 1t
seems clear that vote for me is a
vote for Republican administration
OF the affairs of this state with what
ever of promise it may hold out for
Republican administration of the
affairs of the nation. My candidacy
means that-nothing more and moth
ing less.
If you believe in what you find a
Republican administration to mean
YOU may safely vote the Republican
ticket on September Sth. If you do
not believe in it you will be very I'M
wise to do so because that is exactly
what you will get.
Meaning of Government by Parties
Party government as distinct
from personal government means
that the individual is subordinated
TO the group. Candidates do not
write nor rewrite platforms. They
are written by the authorized repre-
sentatlves of the several parties as
sembled in convention. Those plat
forms are either a contract or they
become a farce. Upon those plat
forms 1t is both the privilege and
the duty of candidates to stand I'M
less their exception is noted at the
time. Omission of certain provisions
ssould bind candidates with peculiar
force when their inclusion has been
carefully and fully considered and
their rejection determined upon.
IF candidates may rewrite plat
forms to suit the eXigencies of a
campaign then 1t is evident that the
party has in reality become SUBJ
ord1nated to person. Party anarchy
must ensue. Senator LaFollette is
more logical and more honest in de-
Ginning to have any party organiza-
ton to promote his candidacy in
order that he may leave himself I'M
trammeled by obligations that are
apparent rather than real.
Concerning Issues
Governments and political par
ties are properly concerned with the
making of laws, with the enforce
ment of laws, and with the prudent
administration of the financial at
fairs OF the state. Citizens may con-
slider whether agitation that is con-
cerned with subjects not within
these categories is real issue or a
red herring drawn across the trail
or calm and dispassionate consid-
Grafton of the laws and the finances
Of our state.
Enforcement of law and observ-
ance in spirit and action of the wise
provisions of our constitution is u
course that will allay any real oc-
caSlon for concern regarding the
rights or privileges of any of our
citizens. To that course Republican
candidates are pledged both by the
platform and the record of their
party. Attempts to make political
capital out of appeals to passion or
to prejudice are beneath the con-
tempt of anyone who understands
the spirit of American institutions.
Such attempts are certain to react.
Concerning Personalities
The history of American politics
indicates that in the very great ma
Jority of cases attacks upon persons
indicate bankruptcy of issues.
During the campaign l shall have
nothing TO say in disparagement OF
the character or the motives of 9TH
err candidates. The more violent the
abuse that is visited upon candi-
date, the more quickly the public
Will detect the weakness of the op-
ponent's case. The issues that now
| concern our people are of far too
great importance to waste time in
petty personalities. To these issues
and principles of government VIC
shall devote our time.
Law Enforcement
NO state can retain its self
respect or the respect of its citizens
that permits its laws to be fiouted.
We are only distinguished from the
savage tribes that once roamed this
country by the social compact under
which we agree to live together with
mutual respect for our constitution
and our laws. The success of our
form of government is dependent
upon the voluntary observance of
law by the great mass of our people.
No citizen can consider himself loyal
to his~flag unless he in loyal to the
constitution which that flag symbol
ICES.
Violation of one law begets and
condones violation of another. The
burglar has exactly as much right to
elect the law he will violate as has
his neighbor to violate the law he
considers interferes with his personal
liberty.
Thoughtful citizens concerned
with the protection of their personal
and property rights are increasingly
coming to recognize that their pro-
lection Is in the constitution and
that it must ultimately stand or fall
as a whole.
The Republican party seeks no
votes under false pretenscs as to its
position in favor of an uncompromis-
ing enforcement of all our law and
its platform singles out for especial
mention the prohibitory law. The
Republican party was born out of
the proposition that notification is
treason.
Education
Education of our youth is one Of
the most important concerns of the
state. Our public school system has
been one of the most conspicuous
contributions of America to civiliza =
ton. Its integrity was threatened in
the last decade because the made
quacy of the salaries paid teachers
would not attract our more capable
youth to this profession. These SAL
aries have now been increased to n
point somewhat commensurate with
other professions requiring similar
talent and training and n teachers
pension law has been passed. The
normal schools are now being re-
populated.
THE distribution of the state
school fund has been changed to
benefit the smaller towns of the
state in order to equalize as far as
possible the educational advantages
Of the country child with 4hn cIty