Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-09-16
SHOULD BE EVEN BETTER

SHOULD BE EVEN BETTER
Unless Democrats were unduly
expectant there seems to be in the
election returns no good reason for
either Republicans or Democrats
seriously to feel depressed. The
latter have known all along that
Maine Is a Republican State: that
their only hope for possession Of
the Offices must be in an Issue that
overshadows party obligations.
There was no such issue. That Of
giving or Withholding State aid from
other than public institutions was
not an issue within party line. Also
it evidently received some support
from sources where support was
not expected. and vice versa
We do not understand that the
Democrats are disappointed in the
leadership Of Mr.. Mclean and we
would be at loss to discover any
good reason for such disappoint-
ment For a candidate without an
issue and dependent upon discomfort
1t seems that he fought a good fight.
Governor Brewster. the State Of
ficials who have co-operated with
him in the effort to have efficient
and economical administration. and
the last Legislature with its COM
mendable record. have cause for
congratulation in the fact that the
Democratic leaders could find no
important issue. There always is
room for criticism, whether 1t be Of
a public institution, public Of
fetal. or even of public benefactor.
The underlying political sentiment
Of the State,-as expressed in the
vote taken as a whole, shows no
marked change, but, on the contrary,
demonstrates the solidity Of Repub-
lican opinion, which found express
sion notwithstanding the cutting OF
tickets, a feature in which an un-
usual number INDUCED. The Con-
gressional vote clearly shows that.
The finances of the State are not
being mismanaged. The opponents
Of the administration could do no
better than criticize the proposal to
reduce taxes and endeavor to show
that the money Is needed for other
purposes, a criticism which in the
nature of things should hardly have
been expected to be popular.
Evidently more voters than usual
were deluded with the idea that the
State election this year would have
little national significance and that
consequently they might safely dis
regard party obligations and give
expression to their notions-or not
bother to vote.
The gubernatorial vote was in
total over 10000 less than in 1924
but bigger by around 5000 votes
than in the previous off year" cleo
ton, 80 we need not be discouraged
although 1t should be apparent to
the understanding mind that apathy
Ia . very mischievous influence in
affairs Of state as in other matters.
However. 1t suggests a feeling Of
confidence on the part Of the elect
crate In the way the public business
Is being conducted. Surely. with all
the facilities for expressing their
will, voters do not remain at hons
in the delusion that their contribu-
ton Of opinion will be Of no avail,
but because things are likely to con-
tinue to go right If they don't
bother" to vote.
Doubtless Governor Brewster ex-
pected certain conditions would cut
into his plurality. It could not we'll
be otherwise. There were those,
hostile to the Khan, who believed,
rightly or wrongly. that the Gov
ernor had shown that organization
favoritisn. Those convinced of
this might be expected to show dis
pleasure. On the ticket in Ken
nebec County Mr.. Cummings, remov-
ed by the Governor from the Office,
was again running for endorsement
Of the voters, who had had oppor-
tunity to know about his admins
tration as sheriff and many of whom
felt that he had been made "the
goat. Resentment on the part Of a
considerable number Of the electorate
was to have been expected. The re-
suits Of these things are not at all
dificult to comprehend.
Governor Brewster Is retained in
ONCE by q good majority. He will
have a representative Legislature
and, nothing In sight to interfere
with their effective cooperation.
He Is pledged to economical adj
ministration and has shown ability
50 to administer the States affairs.
He has co-ordinated publicity en-
deavor, has enlisted the publics in
tsrest and has set in motion and
stimulated development policies,
which not only will be but already
are productive Of benefit to the
State. The people Of the State are
looking about with clearer percep-
lions and keener appreciation of
that with which we have been en-.
dowed. what we are doing here in
Maine. what we have to do with.
methods for advancement, efforts to
develop resources, better under
standing Of these. acquaintance with
the products Of our neighbors, clos
e. touch with policies that make for
growth and betterment. these are
.