Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 12.pdf/705

were invited by the party devoted to good they were accordingly declared deposed. By morals, to send delegates to assist in estab other votings, Tomer Soc Alexis was elected lishing a better government on the Penob- governor and another Aitteon, son of John scot. Osson, was chosen lieutenant-governor. In 1838 twelve delegates from the St. Yet the matter was not settled; the " un John and twenty-one from Quoddy met their written constitution," upheld by the bold and brethren at Oldtown, to assist in deposing strong, prevented a change in the offices, the unworthy rulers, — one for his crime, the and the flags of the rival factions continued other for its condoning. Neptune himself to fly. There was much bitter feeling and was the principal speaker in opposition to the excitement, but, finally, a letter from the movement. The following are extracts from governor of the state sent the delegates a portion of his speech which has been pre home. served : The legality of the election being disputed, the legislature of Maine, in 1839, passed an Brothers, we boldly come here. We face act which authorized the male Indians of the the storm. We fear not, for our hearts are firm as rocks which never move. Penobscot tribe, of lawful age, to elect a gov There is extant only the briefest summary ernor and a lieutenant-governor, to serve two of the body of his address. He said that years, and until successors were chosen. For twenty-two years before, he and Aitteon were a long time attempts were made to elect un elected governors for life, according to In der this act, but always the minority insisted dian usage. His address closed with this pas on having its way, and, with the two old sage, — very shrewd in its pathos and covert chiefs, it proved, every time, to be the stronger party. After the " gubenor " quarrel had threat : continued many months, the disturbance was Will brothers turn to bears, to tear us in ended by a vote that the old chiefs, Aitteon pieces? Come they here to dig our graves be fore we die? Then is our end come. Soon will and Neptune, should remain in office during white men push us off to drown. The Great their lives, and that after their decease the Spirit sees it. His eye is over every star. He governor and lieutenant-governor should be knows all things. Yes, He knows John Neptune elected annually. The moral triumph con has the soul of his father, — Never-Afraid. He sisted only in a constitutional change by which will never turn his back to fighters, — brothers hereafter misconduct in office could be or bears. He is sachem for life. brought to judgment with reasonable prompt The Ouoddies had an orator also, — Sa- ness. A curious provision of the law, which battis Neptune. His reply to this sturdy explains the result of the first election under and obstinate offender was in part as follows : it, is that that which was known as the " old We come here, a great way from home, to party" should first choose the governor, and hear what our brothers speak of John Neptune the " new party " have its turn at the next and his party friends. Many say he drinks a election. great deal of strong water; then his words very The process of inauguration in its present loud; his eyes flash fire. degree of modification may be apprehended by The accuser next devoted some time to the a newspaper report of the one which occurred evidence of Neptune's many social immoral in the evening of January 4, 1899. It took ities, which he denounced vigorously. His place in the hall of the reservation at Indian closing sentence was, " Aitteon and Neptune Island. " The oath of office," says the report, "was administered by Francis B. Sockalexis, are joined together." When the vote was taken, it was found ex-governor. The oath and the address of that a majority were against the chiefs, and the governor were spoken in Indian, but were