The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-03-20
Henry M. Rtce..His Retiracy from
the Senate and from Public Life.

the Senate and from Public Life.
On the 10th of February, Hon. JOHN E.
WARREN, of this city, at the instance of o
number of gentlemen of standing, and of
differing political views, addressed let
ter to Senator RICE, asking permission to
use his name in connection with the CUB
ernatorial canvass OF next Fall. In reply
to this request, Mr.. RICE returned the fol-
lowing answer, which has been furnished
US for publication:
WASHINGTON, D. c..
February 2Sth, 1862.
Ny DEAR SIR In answer to yours Of the
10th instant, have to say that I am not, and
do not wish to be, a candidate for any office;
and my friends will confer favor upon me, by
not using my name in canvassing for a candi-
date for our next Governor.
Truly your friend,
HENRY NJ. RICE.
Hon. JOHN E. WARREN, St. Paul.
Mr.. RICE's senatorial term expired with
the late Congress and the letter above
given, shows that, SO far as his wishes are
concerned, his retiracy from the Senate
marks the close of his public life. How
far his wishes will be, or should be, respec-
ted by the people of Minnesota, it is not
our province to decide, nor do we desire
now to consider; we intend, simply, fol-
lowing the natural suggestions of the event,
to make such review of his official course
as our limits will permit, and to pay him
such tribute of praise as his public services
merit. This duty might have fallen to
better hands; for, it has so happened, that,
during his whole term of public life, and
upon the most stirring questions which
have agitated the public mind, we have as
often been opposed to him, as with him.
1t is to the credit, however, of the general
uprightness of his course, of the extent
and value of his labors, and of the genial
qualities of the man, that, in overlooking
the past, we cherish no disposition to re-
cur to occasions of difference; but, I'M
consciously, find ourself predisposed to
panegyric, rather than to the use, even, of
the sober words ofjudicious praise.
HENRY NJ. RICE has served Minnesota
, constituency, as Delegate and Senator,
continuously for ten years. During this
period of public service, by comprehensive
craftsmanship, by his integrity and saga
city, by his earnest, well-directed, and I'M
renting labors, he has identified himself
with the history of the State, and made his
name household word " in every vii
lage, town and hamlet of Minnesota. Mr..
RICE was first elected to Congress in 1853,
over Captain, now Colonel, WmK1N, who
ran as Wing. He was returned again in
1856, VIM. r. MARSHALL, and the late
DAVID OLNsTED, contesting the election
with him. In 1857, he was elected by the
Legislature of Minnesota as the first Sena-
tor from the new State.
As delegate from the Territory he dis
charged the difficult and laborious duties
pertaining to the Office, with credit to him.
self, and to the satisfaction Of his constiu-
ency. On the floor Of the House, and at
the several Executive Departments of the
Government, he neglected no public or
private interest which properly demanded
his attention. The public records, during
these years, make but little mention ofhis
services; for, as Delegate, he was without
vote; yet his labors, though unostenta-
tious, were of that useful and important
character, which gave him the strongest
and most enduring hold upon the affections
of our people. No matter what demand was
made upon him, SO that it comprehended a
service he could justly render, he devoted
his time, energies, influence, and abilities,
to every man who approached him as Min
nesotian, and required his assistance. In
the establishment of post offices and post
roads: of land offices and land districts );
in obtaining appropriations for military
roads, and the magnificent grant of lands
which is the basis Of our State system OF
railroads; in his ready and willing response
to all the varied calls made upon him by
the busy population which crowded into
the new fields of Minnesota, nearly all of
whom had some demand upon one Depart
ment or another at Washington; Mr.. RICE
evinced qualifications for the post he filled
which have never been surpassed, and are
rarely equalled. In every neishborhood
of Minnesota, there are honorable and
ready witnesses to all this; the rich ant
the poor, the political friend and opponent
alike pay cheerful tribute to his earnest
honest, and successful efforts AS Territorial
Delegate.
In the Senate, upon broader field, Mr.
RICE has had ample opportunities for
display of those qualities which distinguish
him as legislator of clear and compre