Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-03-14
Mr.. SUMMERS SUCCESSOR

The question of successor to Mr.. sum-
usr. in the United States Senate, demands
the early attention of Massachusetts. With
the feeling OF sadness for the distinguished
dead is mingled the thought of duty to the
State. A seat filled for the past twenty
two years by one whose career has shed
honor even upon a State SO honorable as
Massachusetts, now that it has become va
cant, will exact more than ordinary care
in the selection OF an occupant. The
legislature being in session at the present
time it will devolve upon that body to fill
the vacancy. the election to be held on the
second Tuesday after the Legislature shall
have notice OF the vacancy. This Will
make quick disposal Of the matter. As
the term will expire in 1875. the period to
be filed out is short, and the succeeding
legislature will have the privilege and au-
~ OF confirming the choice of this legisla-
tire BY continuing the incumbent selected
another term, or choosing another one IN
his stead. In all probability the person
elected 10 the vacant seat by this legisla-
ture viii be continued by the next, SO that
the question virtually is not one year but
seven years in the Senate.
OF men who would fill the position with
honor and ability Massachusetts, has no
lack Scarcely county is without its
men of prominence and merit, while in
some they cluster thickly. But We imag-
inc the western part Ct the State will pre-
sent the strongest claim for consideration.
and in that case there can be no doubt of
the election of Henry l.. Dawes of Pitts
field to fill the seat made vacant by the
death of Mr.. Sumner. And we doubt If
the legislature in looking over all its distn-
guished public men will be able to do bet
ter thing for the Old Commonwealth than
to send Mr.. Dawes to the Senate. Few of
them have more ability, none of them has
so much practical experience in the halls
of legislation, and no new man could COM
mand that influence in affairs at Washing
ton or inspire so large degree of public
confidence as one who has been active in
the national councils and has been proven
by his acts Mr.. Dawes is now in the fifty
eighth year of his age. and in his ninth
term as member of the House Sixteen
years continuous service in the lower
branch is a valuable testimonial to the fl
deity with which he has discharged his
duties in that position. also TO the re-
spect in which he is held by his con-
stituents. That service likewise affords
the best training in our country for states
men. The transition from that to the 9TH
err branch is natural and easy. As chair
man of the Ways and Means Committee,
place which he is now holding second
term, he fills the most responsible and
honorable place on the floor of the House.
where his faithful admonitions have been
heard calling republicans to honesty and
economy in the management of the gov
eminent 1t would be a fitting tribute to
the long and honorable service which Mr..
Dawes has performed for Massachusetts.
the country and the republican party, to
elect him to fill the seat of Charles Sum
ner at the same time it would secure to
his State representative in the Senate am
ply competent to promote the large inter-
ests of Massachusetts as affected in that
body.