Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-04-07
THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION


Political conventions are not what
they once were in some important
respects. For one thing they do not
select the party leaders. though in
medium by way Of which leaders
and would-be leaders may impress
themselves on the attention of the
voters. But party conventions we
must have II We are to have party as
q factor in the affairs Of government,
and the good sense of Maine people
is. we like to believe, a long way
from abolishing such arrangement.
Delegates assembling from all
parts of the State, getting acquaint-
ed. talking over the relations be-
tween the affairs of their respective
communities and those of the State
inevitably derive some benefits there
from, and so do their party organiza-
lions and the State. AS yet we see
no practical substitute for these con-
ventions.
Believing as we do in two great
political parties with elbow room in
each so that those whose views do
not exactly agree on all questions
are yet able to concur on vital mat
ters, we were glad to note that the
recent Democratic State convention,
though assembling at time when
that party's prospects are not ap-
parently high, nevertheless seemed to
arrive at a state of mind such as to
enable that party to remain an i'm
portant factor in the States affairs,
q party to be reckoned with.
We were impressed by these words
OF Chairman Gardiner, In his ad-
dress at the opening of the Repub-
lican convention, Tuesday: I'VE
claim no monopoly of virtue, and we
find no satisfaction Of accomplish
ment in criticism of political OPP
ponents. but we set up the right as
we see 1t and we fight for It," And
II we may Judge from appearances
fighting spirit In the Republican
party OF Maine today.
Anyhow, there Is plenty Of oppor-
tunity to point with pride"-and
there was no lack of doing so.
Senator Tess had an abundance of
that, which is agreeable to Repub-
licans' ears. stimulating to their en-
thusiasm and convincing; well estab-
lished facts from the splendid record
of the Republican administration of
national affairs, record such that
the national leaders Of opposition to
the Republican party are having
great ado and mighty little success in
getting hold of an issue that they
dare use. A tremendous problem has
confronted the Republican admins
tration since taking it over and this
has been handled in a way to COM
mand the respect of Democrats as
well as Republicans.
The manner. too. in which Re
publicans in this State have managed
it's affairs, is a source of pride and
congratulation. Chairman Gardiner
did not exaggerate when he declared
that the pledge of economy was no
idle talk. We have been prudent,
too prudent in certain ways, some
may say, but we were not making
idle talk about economy, and If one
would save he must save. Yet we
spend much money-and right here
Is something to be considered, we
have been getting much for it. Much
has been done\ in educational de-
velopment. Our welfare work is
creditable and there is a disposition
to increase II. We have raised much
money for our ENTHUSIASTICALLY
from motorists-and we have been
wisely expanding 1t. We know of no
State that has received more for its
money and doubt If there be any
that has received as much.
The Republican party is in hearty
accord with the awakening spirit of
development of Names resources
and is gratified to recognize that
1.-The guiding hand, the energy. the
coordinating power and inspiration
of Governor Brewster" are contribut-
ing so much to it. We see no reason
why the Republican party should not
with assurance go to the people this
fall for an overwhelming endorse
ment.