Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1866-12-13
UNITED STATES SENATOR.

UNITED STATES SENATOR.
There Is class OF newspapers through
out the State, that is noted for never hav-
ing any decided opinions upon sub iect.
They doubt, and hesitate, when any great
measure Of progress is proposed, and watch
the signs of popular opinion, to de termine
whether shall sustain or oppose. This class
of newspapers just now is deprecating
the discussion of the merits of the promi-
nent candidates for T. S. Senator. In our
judgment, much good is likely to come of
the full and free investigation of the posi-
tion and capacity of the men who are
brought forward in connection with that
high Office. If any of the candidates can
not stand the test demanded by public
opinion, their friends, in kindness to them,
should withdraw them from public notice.
No one doubts but that the people would
be satisfied with the election of Mr. FoR-
NEY, Mr.. GROW, Gen CAMERON, and many Of
the other gentlemen whose names are less
prominent, so far as their position upon
public questions is concerned. If there
are those who do not like Gov. CURTIS's
present position and past conduct, upon
these same questions, we see no harm to
result from a fair and free expression Of
their doubts 1t appears to US, that this is
fair and correct test and that those who
do not come up to the popular demands,
should not be pressed for the position.
Gov. CURTIN, during the past five years,
has occupied a position, in which he might
have welded powerful influence to for
ward the cause of Freedom. He has been
Governor of this Commonwealth, during
all the time, in which the great questions
of Emancipation and RecOnstr uction have
arisen, and have filled the popular heart
and mind. How much he might have done
to help along the good cause, when to be a
Radical required some courage, we will
leave others to say. During all this time,
he has persistently and avowedy abstain
ed from supporting and encouraging those
measures which the people now demand
shall receive practical shape by the legisa-
tion of Congress. Having refused to take
part in the discussion of these measures,
we submit that he has no right to ask to
be selected as L. S. Senator, to settle
them. If he performed his whole duty as
! Governor, mis- friends must recollect that he
confined his whole duty and action to the
mere matter of prosecuting the war to a
successful end, refusing pointedly to com
NIT himself to the support of political ques.
tions arising from the rebellion, and which
now remain to be decided. The people
have reelected him Governor, to testify
their appreciation of his loyalty and war
record. They now dem and that a man
shall be chosen Senator who has been iden-
titled with these great questions, and who
has no doubtful record
Gov. CURTIN in this respect, falls far
short of the popular requirements. His
ste ady neglect to speak out, so strangely
and remarkably in contrast with the course
of the Governors of all the loyal States,
has raised a doubt in the minds of many if
he has at heart the great princip les and
measures which have received the popular
approval 1t is not enough for candidate
for u S. Senator that he now acquiesces in
the popular requirements. He should have
been the early and constant and earnest
supporter of the great measures which are
now denominated Radical, the success of
which are necessary for the future peace
and prosperity of the country.