Year: 1879




of the State; is now major general of the enrolled
militia. and occupies position In social and polit
cal affairs which entities his opinion to the most
respectful attention. He has always taken
prominent part and displayed active interest in
the politics of his State since he came to mans
estate. He has been q sort of air brake on the
reckless leaders of the republican party ana
has always cried "Halt!" when there was
danger of committing serious blunder
The HERALD correspondent called on him this after
noon and solicited interview. The change from
. driving storm OF sleet and snow to his cosey library
was indeed pleasant one. and tho cordial reception
rendered the visitor greatly enhanced this comfort
able feeling. After brief desultory conversation
your correspondent stated the object of his mission
called on you." said "in your dual capacity as
an Ex-Governor of the State and the highest
officer in the militia to ask your opinion on
the serious presented to the people Of Maine.
and to ascertain what you regard the safest way
out of the trouble"


.As to the best way out of it," said General Cham
berlain. smiling. 'my mind is very clear. The REM
edy is simple"


"And that is-?"


can appeal to the Supreme Court. Ex-Governor
Morrill, has pointed out the fair and honorable solu
ton Of the problem. in my Judgment.


"How do you regard the action of the Governor
and Council?"
well. am not fully advised to the merits Of
the case. have only the published reports in the
papers, and of course, they or less colored
by the desire to promote party interests But there
is thing which strikes me, it must have
struck other people, and that is that the returns
could be counted under the provisions Of the
sttution and the laws that the result would over
turn the. popular verdict It might be easy to
satisfy my mind that this mere coincidence
fatality, II one express it-but It will be
difficult to satisfy the ordinary voter The day after
election the sent abroad that the republi-
had secured decided majority OF the Senator's
and Representatives. When the official canvass was
finished that majority was found to have been
changed to minority. and the conviction forced
itself the public mind that only republican towns
thrown out. and that by this means the ex-
pressed will Of the people had been reversed"


DIsAPPRovEs THE PRESENT AGITATION. Il


'Do you approve OF the indignation meetings as
they are called. and the tone Of the speeches de-
livered thereY


"No. cannot say do. 1t was very proper to
have the people brought together for the purpose
of entering protest agxinst what they honestly
gard a great wrong But to my mind. il they are
to be continued. their tone and character ought to
be radically changed. Instead of firing the popular
heart the leading who address the people ought
rather to counsel moderation. They ought to labor
in every way to allay the public excitement and
prevent any attempt violation Of law and order.
There has been meeting held in Brunswick
far. partly through my influence. and IL there
should be one. and I invited to
speak I would every means in my power to
check the fow Of incorporate language which is
doing much at present to stir up the worst pas
sions of the great of the people. Then there
is another point which ought to DO constantly
I'm N mee ar01
ments should be used to induce men who hold
tiicates and who know that they were not elected
TO reject the honor conferred them by the Gov
ernor and Council and allow those who were elected
to get their seats. They ought to be urged and
treated 70 their influence in the respective
houses to ave the will Of the people expressed at
the polls fully carried out Public sentiment should
be directed to tncm. that they would not merely sit
down in their seats. but stand up and raise their
voices for popular rights"


"Now about the appeal to the Supreme CourtY


FAvoRs SUBMISSION SUPREME COURT. d,


81 think the Governor should lay the whole matter
before that body and ask for decision the ques-
tions under dispute. The whole State would be
benefcially affected by this course, end the people
would abide implicitly by the verdict. II the Execu-
tive Department has made q mistake in interpreting
the law and constitution there ought 10 be hesi-
tation In recedng from the position taken; that Is
the part of fairness. II has been COM
mited and the Supreme Court should determine
that the constitutional provisions and the statutes
have been legally and properly applied then all oppo
sition, think. will cease at once"


"But can the Governor and Council recall certih-
cate duly issued and send out another o different
personT'


III think they cam believe there is precedent
for it, but it is a slender Even il there
not. the gravity of the situation would warrant tho
establishment of one. Let Governor Garceon be
quoted authority in tho and his reputation
would not suffer by the remembrance"


"what do you believe to be the duty Of the Gov
in the matter of those arms which his agont
prevented from removing on Christmas Day?"


well. must confess have not the details Of tho
affair with sufficient clearness to enable to form
Judgment express opinion.


"Yon have read the reports in the newspapers. I
presumeY'


yes"


"Mind." I SAID. 81 am not asking what General
Chamberlain would 90 il ho were Governor. for
think ho would take the muskcts 10 Augusta; but
what in your judgment is the bost way out of that
dinicuity--the best way for the public peacew


The General smiled and then thought for
ment After awhile no saId;- ;-"I think IL was q mis-
tako TO try tho Just at this time. and
during tho existence of 80 much excitement. and
think II n mistake to prevent their trausporta
ton. Tho Governor has perfect right to movc
State property when aud how lie plcasos within State
limits, but the removal of tho arms ut this time
might be regarded threat by the people. 1t is
verv dangerous to suggest force aid in tho So
luton OF political problem. IL is like putting
yoar haud OH your sword In a heated debate or
reaching around for your pistol


coscERSuSs TIE BAsoon INCIDENT"


''now do you regard the action Of tho Mayor Of
Bangor in countcnancing the opposition to the re-
moval OF the arms through the streetsf


1T would DO difiicult n not possibly unjust to
form an opinion without being on the spot Tho
course adopted may have been the only ono left to
prevent bIoodshed, and a serious riot. Then. 1
have heard that tho man who had charge Of the
State property had orders. nothing to show. and
that he did not receipt for them at the arsenal"