The Portland daily press., 1870-04-28
The Mex. Congregational Election.

MR.. EDIToR:-I have read your articles on
this subject with interest. 1 think every one
must be satisfied that no locality has any claim
to the nomination. 1t is for the people of
the whole district to take the man they want,
wherever he may reside
The fact that Mr.. Lynch has been in Con-
gress three terms, is, of ITSELF good reason
for his denomination, instead of being an OBJ
lection 10 it. While frequent elections are
expedient, in order to give the people chance
to displace man who has proved incompe-
tent, or dishonest,-ire changes, unless
for such reasons, are not expedient. The ex-
perience which member has is of great val
ue to his constituents. He becomes familiar
with their varied interests, and the legislation
necessary for their protection and he learns
how to secure the enactment of the laws
which they ask for. In such a body as
the House of Represent atives, a new member
can do but little. Aud it is great mistake
if member has proved himself honest, capa-
BILE, and attentive to the wants of the people
whom he represents, for them to put another
man in his pace just as he has acquired the
knowledge, and had the experience necessary
to give him influence, and to enable him 10
do their work. Every one who is familiar with
the proceedings of Congress can see that the
men who have the greatest influence, who
give shape and form to our most important
legislation, and who do the most Tor their own
constituents, are the men who have been in
Congress many years. The experience of Mr.
Lynch during the past five years has given
him power 10 do more and better for us than
any other man could do for three years to
come.
notice that some of his opponents say
there are other men in the district of equal or
greater ability. Neither he or his friends de-
ny or doubt This. But practically the choice
is not to be between him and the best or
abest man besides him. There are many
good and able men who do not aspire to the
place, and are not spoken of in connection
with it, There are only three others whose
names are mentioned as candidates. IfMr.
Lynch is not renominated, one of these three
wiN be. The choice is between them. Com
pared with either OF the three, in point of abil-
ity, experience, integrity, and general knowl-
edge of the wants, business, and interests o.
the people of this district, is not Mr.. Lynch
very much to be preferred?
The part which Mr.. Lynch has taken In the
general legislation OF the country, has been
prominent, and influential. Especially has he
had watchful eye for the interests of this
State. He initiated the Act which saves to
the owners of vessels in Maine doing business
in West India ports more than 100000
year. His recent efforts to revive the ship
building business are we'll known to all. 1t
was mainly due to his influence that, for
year after our great fire, all materials for build
ing IN this city were exempted from duties.
The largest appropriations for our public
works, including the new Custom House and
Post Office, have not been made without con-
slant effort on his part. The improvements
in our harbor,-the light at Halfway Rock
end the works on Richmond's Island have re-
seived his constant attention. Nor has York
County been forgotten, as the breakwater at Sa-
co River, and the purchase of Seavey's Island
Tor the Navy Yard at Kittery bear witness. And
IN addition to all these public affairs, any one
Of ms co lstituents, however humble, who has
nao business in Washington, has always found
MIN ready to assist. MANY such cases have
coras within my own personal knowleux,.
NON 1t is for the people of this district to
decide whether they will reject such man.
whose integrity has never been questioned.
and whose faithfulness and ability every one
admits, and put IN his place one who certainly
has had no experience, and whose qualifica-
tons in other respects may be matter of
doubt. know not how others may feel in
reg.rd to it; but for one am in favor of one
who has served us so long and so well.
CITIZEN.