The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1870-05-25
Congressional Matters in the lst Dis
trict.
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Congressional Matters in the lst Dis
trict.
To MA IEhAIlHg hteill0tHor; S 0.I.
The canvass for the Republican nomina'
ton for Congress in this district, seems to
be now exciting some interest. From
other parts Of the district there have been
frequent expressions on the subject
through the press and otherwise, while
but little consideration seems to have been
given 10 1t in the Panhandle. This should
not be SO, for this corner Of the State Inns
material interests which arc in m unusu"
al degree affected by Congressional lcgis-
latiOn. These interests, together with the
nearly equal strength Of the political par
tics in the district, ind the Increasing In.
dependence Of voters Of all parties, con-
strain The Republicans TO be careful in
their choice Of n candidate.
or course we all want Republican to
represent this distric; in Congress, and to
TINT end we want 10 nominate II man We
can certainly elect. Such n man must be
one whose past Ncts have not injured his
standing in his party or among tho pco.
pic; man Of sound practical sense, Of
sufficient resource and energy to use
every legitimate means 10 effect II thorough
canvass Of the district, and Of sufficient
ability on the stump 10 gain something for
himself and his party by such n canvass.
Among the persons who have been
mrmGd for the position, no one meets these
requisites US fully MS Gen. Nathan GOtf, Jr.,
of Clarksburg. A careful survey Of the
field will convince every unbiased observer
that to say the least tie certainty OF his
election, il nominated, Is much more de.
Cidcd than in the case Of any one else now
mentioned. In his favor are the facts that
his military record will compare flvOra-
bly, with that Of any one in the State
that hG can stump the district thoroughly
and effectively. hHs popularity, legislative
experience and ability; md that Nsa young
nun he is n fair representative Of the
young men of the district, IN element on
which the party relics for large amount
OF its support, md which Is entitled tOsOmo
consideration in the distribution the re.
suits Of SUCCESS. Yet It Is doubtful whether
the claims Of any class should enter into
the determination Of question Of this
character. II Ii n view akin 10 the idea
which is becoming too common, that rep.
rcsCntativc positions, Nndparticularly that
Of member Of Congress, are rewards or
pensions TO he bestowed upon those who
have, or think they have, some claims for
services rendered; and leaves the qucs-
ton Of fitness entirely out OF account,
Such an idea would convert the United
States House Of Representatives, which
ought to lU, and in some respects Is, the
granlest deliberativO assembly In the
world, into u hospital for Orokcn'down
public and party servants, or an inStitll'
tinn for tho relief Of persistent office beg
gars,
The only matters which deserve CON
sidention IN determining between the
candidates for nomination are tho fitness
and availability of the men.
4 member Of Congress Is q representa-
tive. lie goes there 10 represent Others,
not himself; to serve others, not himself;
for their benefit, not his Tho man to he
sent, therefore, is the one who can best
serve his immediate constituency and the
whole country; whose natural talent and
energy, ambition anil education, urge and
enable him TO quality himself for tho hon
orable and responsible duties Of q repre-
sentative Of tile people
Tho tests mentioned seem Just and
proper; and while the merits Of the other
gentlemen who are prominently named
for the position arc fully recognized, can
II be truthGully said that any Of these can
ausf ain tl1DSn fngfs n q ,volI a.. F,,.o1 N IFO