Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08

bly, connected. It was to be its edi-
tor that he came from Pennsylvania
to Maine. His work upon 1t first
gave him prominence and power In
his party. When he left its editorial
rooms 1t was to become leader of
that great party in, State and nation,
and his life henceforth became an
undying part of our country's his
tory. His work on the Journal
trained him to win those glorious
victories that challenged the admira-
ton Of the world: trained him to
meet those great defeats of his later
years that could not dim his fame or
lessen the love felt for him by the
American masses.
Stevens and Sayward
John L. Stevens, who had Joined
Mr.. Blaine upon the Journal In lS5o,
was fortunate upon the retirement
of Mr.. Blaine in securing partner
like John s. Sayward. Mr.. Sayward
came from Bangor, where he had
been for years editor and one OF the
proprietors of the Wing and Courier.
In recommending his successor to
the Journal readers, Mr.. Blaine safd:
"Mr. Sayward is we'll known to the
public of Maine as an editor OF read1-
ness, tact and ability, gentleman
of refined taste and extensive politi-
cal Information. and a thorough
going and reliable Republican"
For a decade. the most critical IN
our nations history, Stevens and
Sayward continued the proprietors
and editors of the Journal, and they
kept it progressive and prosperous.
In almost every column of every
issue its sterling Republication was
made manifest and it never wavered
in it's devotion to the principles CT
that party, it's sublime faith in Lin
coin, and it's firm belief in the final
triumph Of unionism and liberty.
The legislative tri-weekly was con-
tinued, and during portion of the
war a daily leaflet containing the
telegraphic news from Washington
and the seat of operations was issued
from the Office. Local news were
now an important part OF each num-
Der and display headings, though
not common, were occasionally used.
especially in announcing political or
military victories. The editorials
were aflame with earnest patriotism.
The assassination of Lincoln was the
occasion of the first appearance OF
the paper with mourning rules be-
tween it's columns.
In 1862, as has been mentioned,
the home of the Journal was
changed from North's block to Its
present quarters. This building,
known then as the Smith block" "
had been built over a quarter of q
century before by Thomas w. Smith,
who was for half century one OF
Augustus leading business men. The
site had been occupied since the last
century by a wooden building used
as a store. Before the removal of
the Journal to the Smith block, it
had been used at times as tannery,
a store, a distillery, and a carpenter
shop in connection with shipyard
in the rear. It was unoccupied when
Stevens and Sayward purchased it
and fitted 1T out for the occupancy
Of the Journal. After the great fire
of 1866 the postoffice had a tempo
rary home here. for several months,
in the Journals business and edi-
torial rooms. The third story of the
building was long occupied as book
bindery
John L. Stevens and John s. Say
ward continued the ownership and
management of the Journal until
1000. IN May VI tIIdI year I1OWdL
Owen and Charles f.. Nash bought
Mr.. Sayward's half of the paper, and
he removed to Bedford, Mass, where
he lived in retirement enjoying the
fruits of busy and well-spent life.
His death occurred in 1875. Mr..
Stevens remained a silent partner
and continued his work asa political
editor until January, 1860. Then his
half of the paper was purchased by
Alden Sprague of Rockland, and the
new firm was known as Sprague,
Owen g. Nash.
For II years Mr.. Stevens had been
q tireless editorial worker on the
journal, using all his splendid ener-
gies to advance the interests of the
Republican party. First. shoulder
to shoulder with Mr.. Blaine, and
then with Mr.. Sayward, John l.. Ste
vens had made the Journal the great
Republican paper of Maine. In its
editorial columns had been pointed
out the paths for the new party to
follow, and over these paths 1t led
the party to victory after victory. 1t
was more than the mouthpiece of
the party. it was the leader of the
party, and in this great work of lead
ership Mr.. Stevens bore a most i'm