Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1874-06-04
About Congressman Danford.
Correspondence Cadiz Republican.

The inquiry often comes to my
brother and myself. How is Danford
doing" This " eek it is put in another
form: Has DIulOr'i succeeded in max
Ing Eins ham of himself" As con-
trast * constantly drawn between Mr..
Bingham AMI Mr.. Dait.or.i, aud as the
latest querist has some Congressional
aspirations, would wish to give my
views upon the subjert through your
| columns:
Mr.. DanfOrd, AS successor of Mr..
Bingham, occupies, necessarily, a del
icate and trying position; for he can
not escape the fate of being measured
in all that he does, or does not do, by
his predecessor. Mr.. Bingham, owing
to his long experience and rare intel
lectual ability, ranked here ~ one of
the leaders of the House of Represen-
tatives, and had beside national rep
utation as al orator. During the last
eight years of his Congressional life he
took most active part in all matters
of national legislation, and was one of
the powers in shaping and controlling
them, for he had all the prestige and
influence which talent, oratory aud ex-
perience coul1 give him. Mr.. Dam
circumstances, and we can well imagine
his constituents as interested to know
what he is doing and he Nv he deports
himself in his responsible position. To
all interested can but say that, he is
pursuing quiet, sensible and most
connmendable course. No greater fall
lacy exists than that which insists
new member must be constantly max
| ing speeches, for, if he persists in such
course. he will soon lose all respect of
his colleagues; no one will listen to
him, and his influence amounts to
nothing. Mr.. Danfn-'. from the fact
of making but 81 SI'rl aud occasional
speech, invariably sue. -eeds in getting
the attention of Congress, thus render
ing his words and opinions of some
effect and weight. No one excels him
as hard working member; he is al
ways in his seat, and devoted to his
duties in his committees; never dOdges
a vote, no matter how much censure
may follow; he is quick and apt at re-
lj0inder in the occasional tilt into which
he may be drawn; and besides, there
is no interest of constituent or of his
District, but receives prompt and unre-
mitting attention at his hands. While
he fails to take that prominence Occu-
pied by Mr.. Bingham, ne in every
other respect, is most faithful, worthy
member, and one who suffers nothing,
when contrasted with our Ohio delega-
tion generally, or the great mass of
members. He is doing just what he
should in gaining the respect of the
House, and working effectively and
zealOusly for the best interests of his
District. While 1 have not that iDti-
macy with him which long personal
acquaintance gave me with Mr.. Bing-
ham, for l never knew him until he
came here as Congressman, yet his Of
fetal life is constantly open for inspec-
tion and criticism of all who are here.
de is not endeavoring to make him
self Bingham nor to pattern after
anybody. But he is evidently striving
hard to make himself, as our Repre-
sentative, the more efficient and capa-
BILE for discharge of all duties devolv-
ing upon him, and we doubt not
would, if given the experience of
many who are associated with him,
make his mark as legislator ami a
man of superior practical ability.