Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1847-09-09

| Several years ago, when the Militia System
was in its glory, military Offices, although by
no means lucrative, were nevertheless eagerly
sought after Cen Irwin held several Offices
in the Militia and Volunteer corps from 1921
to 1925 In the later year he was elected
Brigadier General. and in S32 to the office Of
Major General Thus stands his unpopularity
! in military affairs and now lie. see US how he
has succeeded in the civil department.
! In 1898 he was first nominated by the Wings
of this disric, as a candidate for Congress, in
opposition to W. w. Potter, Esq, gentleman
eminent in his profession as lawyer, and Of
great personal popularity. Al the previous
Congre elecuon, in 1896, Mr.. Potter re-
ceived majority over the Whig candidate of
! 1900 votes in the district but in 1888 his ma
iorly over Gen. Irwin was bu, 222 In 1899 a
special election was held TO fill the vacancy oc-
casioned by the death of Mr. Potter, when Gen.
Irwin was again placed upon The Whig ticket,
in opposition TO Gen. Mccullough, one Of The
strongest men in the district. AT this election
the Democratic majority reduced to l3l.
In lS40 Gen. lIvln was again nominated by
his party and was opposed by Gen. A. F. Will
son OF Huntingdon county, a gentleman OF known
ability as lawyer, and considered by his po-
dates, especially at time when personal pop
ulari,y was an important consideration. The
election resulted in giving Gen. IRWIN MAORI
iy of 4lO votes in he district. In lS43, after
full opportunity had been afforded TO test his
merits, he again appeared before The people as
candidate for reelection, and was opposed by
Gen. Nc Culough, who had been elected over
him in S39. The resul, of his election fully
proved his growing popularity and The approba.
.ion of his constituents, his majority being 1886
votes. IL is well worthy of remark that in 1888
this district was The only one in which the
Whig vote for Congressman exceeded the vote
for Governor. Blu, his popularity within his
own county, which has always been considered
one of the strong holds of Democracy, is still
more remark able. In 1910 Gen. Wilson's ma
jorily in Centre county over Gen. Irwin, was
625, being, however l69 votes less than the
majofily of Van Buren over the amen,ed Har-
rison. In ls4l Gov. Porer's majority in Cen.
ire county was ll74, but in lS43 General r.
wins majority in The sa:ie county over Gen
Mccullough, was $40, making change Of
1916 votes since The election of Governor Por-
ter in lS4l. Hence ii may be observed how
much of truth there is in the Locoloco state
men,s in regard TO Gen. lrvhs unpopularily in
his own district.
The lales. and most unfounded objection
which has been urged agains, him by his pollt-
caI opponents is, tha, when in Congress he
was nothing more than yea and nay mem
Der. If The people will take pains to inform
themselves on this subject. they will find that
he was one Of The most efficient representatives
that has ever been sen, from this district. He
was active and Jealous in his efforts to promote
the interests which he represented, andsi, can
not be denied that he maintained an influential
position in Congress. Soon after he entered
upon his Office it became his duty to advocate
the protective policy, in which his native State
and particularly the people OF his own district,
were deeply interested In the course Of his
efforts in that behalf, lie delivered speech, of
which his friends had good reason to be proud
-one which evinced all intimate acquaintance
with The subject. and the ability 10 express his
views clearly and forcibly There are no bril-.
liant flashes OF oraIory III i.-no grand flourish
es of rhetoric but !. sets forlh in plain unaf-
fecled style, the clear and accurate views of
lnre' tigallns in.eigen.ly and infinitely the great
qneslloh uader consideration, aud of compre-
heEdng all lis bearings. 1t is ust such a
speech as every laborer and mechanic ought TO
read, who desires clear understanding of the
subject, as il bears upon The domestic interests
of the country. He did not endeayor in that
speech 10 show the benefits of the TaIif policy
as they might be felt by the rich man and tho
capitalist, but the burden of his argument was
intended 10 prove that it would benefit The poor
er classes. give them employment and furnish
them the means OF obtaining Livelihood, where
as the contrary effect would follow the INTRO
duction of the free trade system. 1t Is we'll
known that he was one OF the most active and
efficient supporters of he Tariff Of 1912, aud
10 his exerions as much as TO those Of any 9th
er were we indebted for the passage OF lha,
bill which restored the credit OF the country
and revived and invigoraed all branches of in
duslry "a measure which will be more fully
appreciated when the legitimate effects OF It's
successor, The Tariff Of 1916 shall have been
fully tested.
Gen Irvir,'s speech on The Tariff bill proves
his inima'e acquaintance wish the public affairs
of this S,ale-ihai he knows her resources and
The means by which they may be made avalla-
ole and managed to puhllc advantage Thus
we see how unjust al! these charges are which
have been made against him. and what rIdlcu-
lous attempts are being made 10 hide from pub