, 1864-12-26

Gfnnt, nn1 bis uualtGFaplc fT1@nQsntp lot MN
through evil as well as through good report,
we call to mind the fact that the act Of Con-
grcss, BY. means Of which Gen. Grant became
the commander Of thu armies, was not only
trnmed and introduced by Mr. Washburne,
but Was pushed through the House and Sen
ate by his indomitable energy, encountering,
as it did, serious opposition in both. We
consider this achievement, in the light Of sub
sequent events, as mark Of high sagacity
and patriotism on the part Of Mr.. Wash
burne, and It will rbe SO considered By pos
terity.
Nr. Washburne's friends in the Third Con-
gressfonal District intend to present his name
to the Legislature as q candidate for the Sem
ate Of the United States. We arc among
those who believe that sectional feeling ought
not to control in such q mailer, but there is
q fitness, when other things are equal, in dis
trlbutiug the honors conferred by the whole
people with some regard to geographical
lines. Northern Illinois, By her votes, has
poured these donors upon other parts Of the
State during the past eight gears in the pro
portion Of seven to one. The fact that Judge
Trumbull removed fron. -Atcu to Springfield,
and subsequently, from springfield 10 Chicago,
docs not initiate against the fact. He WAS
electedand reelected from the first mentioned
place, He was chosen for his eminent ability
and fitness, and not for his Typographical sur
roundings. This was proper. II the most
worthy mnn should be found to be Judge
Trumbull's ne1tdoor ueighbor, whether his
domicll should be in Alton, or Springfield, or
Chicago, or Galena, that man should be elec-
ted. Bnt where no such oyerpowering rea-
son exists, the claims Of portion Of the
State, which has never furnished Senator,
may properly be urged and considered. MI.
Waslburne, as representative Of Northern
Illinois, has conferred great and lasting bene-
fits upon his constituents. As a Senator he
would be, enabled to do vastly more for the
State at Washington, than any person lacking
his experience as legislator.
Among the names Of the candidates for the
scnatorslip In other parts Of the State we
recognize those who are Mr.. Washburnc's q
peers in purity and sobriety Of life, but it is
no injustice to any one to say that Mr.. Wash
burne has exhibited npon all occasions, both
public and private, model Of those qualities
which should distinguish the statesman Of a
christian people. No drop of Intoxicating
Of life in Washington have assailed him In
vain, and when we remember how many men
Of high ability and noble impulses hare there
1nade shipw,e ok Of the hopes built upon them,
and brought disgrace upon their constituents
and ruin upon themselves, We say that this is
no triAing consideration. Altogether, Wash
| -ington is the most unfavorab1e place We know
| Of either to form OF reform onc's character.
Mr.. Wakhburne has not only been true t. all
the instincts Of u gentleman, but he has bs IN
c1ninently true to the principles of human
liberty. There has been no shadow Of turn
ing in his footsteps from the day he first took
his seat in Congress to this hour. He has
been with the foremost in every good word
| and work Nobody enjoys the confidence oi
the President in higher degree than Mr.
Washbu,ne, and the choice Of the Legislature
could fall upon no man as the representative
| Of Mr. Llncoln's home in the senate Of tht
| United States whose election would be mort
gratifying to him.
We have said thus much in justice to al
eminent statesman and gentleman whose pub
| lie career has been continued benefit to hi.
State and country, and we have no apology
to Offer for it, Il those journals which have
charged us with unworthy and selfish mo
lives in this matter, insinuat;ng that we have
conspired to elevate certain officer of thu
State for the purpose Of e1esating another
officer, can find in this any answer to theil
accusations they arc welcome TO it.