Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-08-06

Mr.. Editor: The Senate of the United
States is the highest Legislative body in
the world, and the most honorable public
position man can occupy under ON
Government. This being n conceded
fact, it is not at all strange. that men oil
public aspirations, have ambitious views
in that direction. And there Is nothing
disreputable in all this. even il the place
is desired by our most eminent and dis
tinguished statesmen.
While it is right and proper, for men OF
rank and ability to use honorable means
to reach this highly respectable and
lucrative position; it becomes n matter
of far more Importance to the people who,
and what kind of a man shall represent
them there. Aman elected TO the United
States Senate for six years, in com
parative sense is beyond the reach of his
constituents. IL is true the Legislature
of the State may instruct" him, how his
people desire him 10 act upon specific
questions coming before him, but history
tells Us, that in large majority OF cases
such instructions are disregardcd.
The truth is, the honor, honesty, moral
and political integrity of Senator in
Congress is the only guarantee, that his
constituents can have, that he will cor
rectlv represent them, and prove true TO
the high, and important trust committed
u him.
As the Legislature is the legally con-
s,ituted agent of the people for the
election of t. $. Senators, The proper,
and in fact the only place to canvass the
question. is in the election of members To
this body.
Candidates for the State Senate and
House Of Representatives who desire the
support OF the people, il they have opin-
ions upon grea, and important questions
Ia come before them like that of the
election of United States Senator should
define thci~ position. and let their friends
know where they stand; if they have no
opinions that they are willing Ia express,
they should at once retire from the field.
knew it i said, that members of the
Legislature should never pledge them
selves in advance. that their constituents
ought to be willing To trust them. AS a
general proposition upon all ordinary
questions of legislation this assumption
NAV be correct. The /. :. Senator
question. very clearly should be an
exception to the rule. II the people
desire the election or defeat of any
particular man, j, is their right TO know
i'm advance how their senator or Repre-
sentative stands upon the matter; and II
he OF they refuse L. define their position
il i the best criicncc ia The Wor'I that
hey mean 10 cheat, especially if they shall
fancy it i for their personal interest do
it. Its said men who pledge themselves
sometimes violate THEN plcdscs-admit-
ted bat that only shows hat the people
should ncrsr, under no circumstances
trust man. who will not keep his word
of honor inyiola,c.
\ tbs election of a L. :. Senator does
not come oil until 1871 it may be asked
why agita:e this subject now? answer. q
State senator according Ia party usage,
unless he declines the trust. i virtually
elected tor two wears. And such i the
custom in a portion At least, of the Rep
re>euta,ye Districts; hence members OF
the Legislature of 1870, who according
To- the party usage, expect reelection
and who arc To- be nominated and chosen
this wear. are virtually chosen for the
legislature Of 1871. It IS said Hon.
Samuel TYLER nf Brownicld, declines 4
l,-rl,cijQu 10 the State Senate, from this
County !, 50. then We shall hc virtually
nominating State Senator for 1871, AT
our NEXT County Convention.
From prc>cntappearInces the Senatorial
contest of 1871 will be m exciting one.
,Forewarned. iorcarmed," should I've the
uotto Of the Republicans Of old Oxford.
II i'm that canvass, the Delegates from this
County shall be invited 10 endorse senli-
meu,> and opinions the great republican
PARTY ha> most emphaiically repudiated
and condemned, we want men who will
stand tire
1.-THE republican party Of Maine have
been betrayed in the past, Heaven forbid
That such iniidrliiy to party and Country
should ever receive the Endorsement oil
DID Oxford. j. j. L.