Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-08-01
For the Herald OF the Time:
Robert Ii. CranstOn.

Two years ago the Frccmen Of this
State approved Of this gentlemen for one
of their representatives to Congress, and
then elected him by n large majority ;
and he is now again, unanimously, re-
commended by Convention of Dele
gates appointed by the Wing Frecmen
to select candidates entitled to their con
tidence, and worthy of their suffrages.-
But this is no reason why he should not
be opposed ; and, as was to be expect
cd, an administration candidate is set up
against him. This being the case, il is
matter of course, and not improper,
that his public conduct as a representa-
tive, should be freely canvassed. OF
this, if the inquiry is conducted with
lairness and candor, the candidate has
no right to complain. And perhaps,
thus far, Mr. Cransion has less reason to
complain of general abuse than most of
those who venture upon the stage Of
public life. The reason Of this may be
that although he has always been firm
and consistent in his political sentiments
and conduct, he has never been politi-
cal advcnturer, or an intrisucr for Office.
1t is well known that, before the last
election, he declined being candidate,
until he was assured that other interests
than his own required that his name
should be used But, whatever the
cause may be, we find that there are
but few charges now made against him,
(thrce only, ] believe and, these being
distinctly specified, there can be no dil-
fcuIty in asccraining their true weight,
and deciding upon them correctly.
He is not charged with any neglect
of his official dutcs--any inattcntion to
tho business of tho House of which he
is a member. Even Mr. J. g. Adams
himself, who holds il to be a matter Of
conscience, never to be absent from his
seat, day or night, while the House is
sitting, from the beginning to the end oi
the session, is not more strict in his at
tendance there, nor in his attention to
all the business acted upon in that body.
Nor is he charged with any want Of at
tenton to the numerous private claims
and applications with which, while al
Washington, he is charged by individu-
ais at home, many Of which claims are
defoctiveIy made out and require much
time and labor to put them into condit
ion to be presented aud acted upon.-
This is no part Of the appropriate busi-
ness Of representative, and it cngrosses
the greater part Of his time, moi devoted
TO his public duties. Yet no reprcsen-
iativc has more willingly given his at
tention TO il, or conducted it more ably ;,
or more successfully. For the respect
in which he is held at Washington, Sc
cures a ready attention to whatever ap.
plicalions are presented and recommend
cd by him. | speak with confidence,
because with knowledge, Of his standing
at Washington. lie has not entered his
name upon The imposing list of speaking
members = most OF whom, by The by,
make much more conspicuous figure
in the newspapers than in the House --
yet he is capable as any of them, (noi To
make long set speeches, TO which he
~ v.r trained hImscIf,) but, 10 express
his sentiments with cloaincss and fnrcc
upon any necessary occasion. But, see
.me. "rcn every debate able question ,and