Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1867-01-31
Keystone .uediocrify.

IL Is useless TO disguise the TACT that
Pennsylvania, vast as are her resources
and materially rich and prosperous MS
she is, does not possess the political
influence that is welded by portions
of the country comparatively insig-
nifcant in wealth. She is said indeed,
to decide the contest for the Presi-
dcncy, but after a President is elected,
the "Keystone" and herpooplcbccome
shadows dimly seen in the atmosphere
of the capital and the mist is not dis
PEELED until the banners of party con-
flict are again in the field.
1t needs no ghost from the grave to
toll us the why and wherefore Of the
contempt into which Pennsylvania has
fallen at Washington. While other
States cherish their foremost men and
secure u vigorous and devoted repre-
scntation in Congress, we are driving
into obscurity our highest and strong
est intellects and elevating to posi-
tions of gravest responsibility men
who are as feeble as Curtin, as litter
ate and corrupt as Cameron, Or as self
willed, evil-hearted and overbcaring
as Stevens.
If, in short, Pennsylvania is remark
able, politically, for any one thing, it
is her persevering attention to her
mediocrity. All superiority is ignored
with iron-heaCed indifference While
she has at her bar and in the walks of
literature some of the finest intcllects
of the country-jurists and scholars,
and writers, and statesmen like Jere-
miab S. Black, Judges Woodward and
Sharswood, VIM. NJ Meredith, VIM. b.
Reed, and others-she persists in send
ing to Washington delegation emf
nent only for want of ability and which
allows the great interests of the State
TO go a-begging for a little charitable
consideration from the national gov
ernment. If, by the application OF
unseen spurs, a member OF this delect-
able band is compelled to get upon
his feet, ten to one be rises TO propose
scheme to advance the interests of
some other State or Of a city rivaling
the metropolis Of his own. While
Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may de-
mand in vain such legislation by Con
gress as they have a right to ask in
behalf Of their people, we find men,
supposed 10 have been elected TO rep
resent our welfare, acting as agents,
as far as in them lies, for New York
spectators or New England capital
lists and manufacturers, ,topush through
projects for robbing the Federal treas
ury or expressing the people of all the
country besides, and thus displaying
themselves TO the eyes Of the nation
either as egregious blockheads or min
ions of the lobby. If as now, a Sena-
tor is to be chosen, instead of sending
TO the Capital first-rate statesman,
qualified TO cope in debate with the
best talent in the upper branch of
Congress, the chances are in favor of
the election OF some dirty politician of
little brains, less knowledge, and no
virtue Of the kind required in the
Federal Senate. There have been
honorable exceptions to this rule, in
both Houses, but the rule is as we
have stated.
The rural districts are not altogeth.
er to blame in this matter. Our cities
cannot boast of the brilliancy of their
delegations in Congress. They have
not made use of their available mate.
rial. We point TO that Of Philadelphia
at this time for illustration. Mr. Ran
dali is an active, Woodworking, faith
ful Representative of his District but
Kelley, O'Neill and Myers are only
small party puppets, afflicted with
negropholism, and represent New Eng
land oupidity and arrogance, much
more than the true sentiment and sub
stantial interests of Philadelphia and
Pennsylvania.
This, however, is the result of the
general policy of parties in the State,
which, by excluding our ablest and
purest men from the higher positions
OF Governors and Senators, and pre-
fcrring tho most common place speci-
mems of mediocrity, has caused genu-
inc merit TO turn away from political
life with sncer Of contempt. When
Pennsylvania, like some other States,
elevates her intellect and learning,
and proudly points TO her brilliant
sons as her cherished jewels, and when
citizens, with the brains and culture
of statesmen, see the road to useful
ness clear and open before them, and
not till then, Pennsylvania may hope
TO exercise her legitimate influence
and secure attention 10 her interests
in Washington.-Sunddy Mercury.
The Rump House has passed the