The Portland Gazette

THE ELECTION.

To the Editor of the Portland Gazette.

SIR—A most singular state of things exists in
regard to the approaching choice of a Chief
Magistrate. We have arrived almost at the
very eve of the election, and we have looked in
vain to the usual sources of sound and correct
principles, for guidance and direction in this important concern.—Upon the abdication of the
chair, by Gov. King, the inquiry was instituted,
"Who will be our next Governor?" A response
from one oracle immediately answered, "this
man shall reign over us;" while a contradictory answer issued from another. Without attempting to decide which is the false prophet, a
question vastly more important arises, how this
was brought about? whether the people had any
voice in it? and whether we must all come and
put our trust in the shadow of either. To determine this, we have only to look at the truly oracular decision of the Argus, before a single
Convention had been held, that their candidate
would be elected by a very large majority. No.
It is but too manifest that the people had no part
nor lot in this matter; but that the whole proceedings are the result of the management of a
few men behind the scenes, who modestly ask
us to sanction the decrees of the privy council.
And is this a state of things with which the
people of Maine will rest satisfied? Are they to
have no choice, but to elevate a candidate to
office, for the private gratification of a Junto,
whether poor or rich? No sir. They have been
anxiously looking for a candidate who is elevated
far above the sordid and selfish views of a faction
a man of independence, whose head is sound
and whose heart is pure—of commanding talents
and tried integrity more worthy of all the confidence of those, who look only to the public
good. But the question is still asked—Where
is the people's candidate? Why, sir, have not
measures been taken to produce a concert among
the friends of correct and elevated principles?
What has caused such an apathy in those who
were wont to contend manfully for the faith delivered to us by Washington? Where are the sleeping Sampsons of the land? Are they all lulled by
resting in the lap of deceptive conciliation, or
the syren sounds of harmonizing policy? Let them arouse from their slumbers and the people may
yet enjoy the privilege of a FREE ELECTION.

The fact is notorious, that a new nomination
is called for, by all who can see through the disguise of a pretended "equalization" of the spoils
of office—who contemn an amalgamation of the
discordant materials which compose the rival
cabals—of all, in short, who prefer the preservation of the honor and interests of the State, to
their immolation at the shrine of self-aggrandizing ambition. This call is not satisfactorily answered, by naming half a dozen distinguished
individuals, out of whom a selection might be
made. A name is wanted in which all can unite.
It cannot be concealed that there is an "UNTARNISHED NAME," preeminently distinguished,
whose superior talents and tried patriotism merit unlimited confidence, and whom the people
would delight to honor. Nor can it be denied
that the public expectation was disappointed,
that it was not offered to the people, by the respectable Convention which assembled at Westbrook. It is alleged, indeed, that this would
have appeared assuming towards the rest of the
State; when this is the very mode, in which the
other candidates have been nominated. Another,
and it is understood the prevailing objection, was,
that the eminent individual alluded to would not
consent to have his name exposed to unprincipled abuse. To this it is a sufficient answer, that
it would be time enough for him to decline, when
his consent was asked—that the people have a
right to vote for and elect whom they please,
and he may then refuse to gratify their wishes,
if he can do it consistently with true patriotism.
But if there is such a conspicuous character—one who does not seek for office—one, untrammelled by party—who would act with freedom and
independence, and with a single eye to his country's weal, uninfluenced by sinister or partial
policy; he it is who should be Governor of the
State. Convinced, from experience, that to
him this description will justly apply, the name
of the

Hon. EZEKIEL WHITMAN,

is offered to the people, as one every way qualified for the highly honorable and responsible
trust.

Let the second Monday of September declare
that such is the voice of

THE PEOPLE.