The mention of the "Maine Law" recalls a little episode that occurred
in the early days in the good county of McLean. One Duncan--no
kinsman to him who had been
"So clear in his great office"--
was again a candidate for the Legislature. The temperance question,
in some of its many phases, was then giving much trouble to aspirants
to public place. In the midst of his opening speech at the old
courthouse, the candidate was interrupted by one of the inquisitive
men who always appear when least wanted, with the question:
"Mr. Duncan, are you _in favor_ of the Maine Law?" "Yes, yes,"
quickly replied the candidate, "I am coming to that very soon."
Shying off to the tariff, the improvement of Western rivers, and
the necessity of rigid economy in all public expenditures, our
candidate was about to close when the same troublesome inquiry,
"Mr. Duncan, _are you in favor_ of the Maine Law?" again greeted his
unwilling ears. "Oh, yes," exclaimed the orator, in tone and manner
indicating much thankfulness. "I am glad you called my attention to
his subject; I was about to forget it. My fellow-citizens have
a right to know my views upon all public questions, and I have
nothing to conceal. I have no respect for candidates who attempt to
dodge any of these great questions. I have given you fully, my
views upon the tariff, upon a general system of internal improvements,
and something of my own services in the past; and now thanking you
for your attention, will ----" "Mr. Duncan, are you _in favor of
the Maine Law?"_ were the words that again escaped the lips of the
importunate inquisitor.
Fully appreciating his dilemma--with constituents about equally
divided upon the dangerous question--the candidate at once
nerved himself for the answer upon which hung his hopes and fears and
boldly replied; "Yes, sir, I am in favor of the law, but _everlastingly
opposed to its enforcement!"_