Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-08-11

Portland, Aug. 9-Speaking before
the women of the Lincoln Club at
Peaks Island this afternoon, Senator
Ralph o. Brewster, Republican can
didate for Governor. declared that he
stood upon the Republican platform
and upon the Constitution of Maine.
The parts of his address containing
TINS declaration are as follows:
In the last thousand years the
Ansio-Saxon conception of popular
government has been developed bas-
ed upon the party system. In CONT
mental Europe popular government
mas been interpreted in personal
terms with various blocs under pop
ular leaders controlling affairs by a
system OF personal coalitions. A
dangerous drift in the direction CT
such a system in America has re-
Gently developed and l believe
thoughtful Americans will unite in
desiring return to responsible party
government.
AS the Republican nominee for
governor should wish it to be clear
, ~ understood at the opening of the
campaign that stand as a Republic
an candidate, upon the Republican
platform. advocating Republican
principles. That is my position. no
more and no less.
AS the days go by shall be pleas
cd to discuss with the citizens Of orr
state. without regard to party. what
understand to be the issues with
which the citizens Of our state are
now concerned and the position of
the Republican party upon those is
sues
AS candidate ! stand not only upon
the republican platform but also up-
on the constitution of the State OF
-Naire. AT the very inception of this
campaign | would invite ali our citi-
zens TO give their particular atten-
tIon to Section g. Article /. of the
constitution of Maine. containing the
Declaration of Rights:
All men have a natural and mn
ahenaDle right to worship Almighty
God according to the dictates of their
own conscienceS, and no one shall be
hurt, molested or restrained in his
| person. liberty or estate for worsbin
ping God in the manner and season
most agreeable to the dictates OF his
own consc1ences, and no one shall be
PROFESSIONS or sentiments, provided
ne does not disturb the public peace.
nor obstruct Others in their religious
anu all persons Oeme0n-
ing themselves peaceably, as good
members of the State. shall be equal
~ under the protection of the laws.
and no subordination nor preferences
o, any one sect or denomination to
another shall ever be established bv
law. nor shall any religious test be
required as qualification for any
o1llce or trust. under this State"
This was written or inspired by
one of the greatest. Democrats of all
time ana seems to me to express in
language of wonderful felicity the,
position of all good Americans upon
the question Of religious freedom. To
that declaration l subscribe in letter
and spirit.
One issue seems to transcend all
Others out Of the troubled experiences
through which we have just passed
and that is the purity of our ballot,
All good citizens must unite in seeing
10 1t that neither in primary or cleo
tlon are such practices again permit
ted as have been recently revealed.
Inc fact that the greatest corrup-
tlon occurred in Democratic ward
with a Democratic warden in charge
Is no excuse for the members of any
other party. 1t Is a problem in which
every good citizen without regard 70
party is vitality concerned.