The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-07-02

Of the qualifications which should he pos
sessed by those who appear in the halls of
Congress. Once it was indeed an honor to
be selected by the.people as their replesen-
tative. because none but men Of talent were
chosen. Now, however, we are curious and
inouisitive to know what sort Of man
bears the honor; and the question is fire.
quently asked upon what ground was ne
sentl Availability, is the usual answer.
This is all wrong, and should be corrected.
II there is any one thing that gives charac-
ter and standingto people, it is the oharac-
ter and ability Of their representative. But
not only the fair name and fame of the Peo-
pie are inyolyed-their interests are at
stake in many respects, and the well
being OF their district. A man Of brains
and address viii have weight with the
members; and his influence, at the time
that appropriations are made, will secure
the means for carrying on and completing
local works Of public necessity. So too in
shaping the legislation of the country. A
man OF limited information aud bitteP-aai-.
mosities, one who is carried away by
passion, or thrown off his guard by vindic-
tive feelings, will never succeed as a legis-
lator. In the old school, the brightest in
telIects and most distinguished public men
did not feel that it was beneath their dig
nity and standing to cultivate the charms of
polite and well directed diplomacy in their
intercourse with the prominent officials and
representatives Of this and other countries.
To this end they sacrificed personal ease, in
many Instances, but not personal honor. They
knew something about STOPPING to con-
ouer; they knew how to approach men and
win them too. Yet they were noble, high
toned gentlemen, who were ever ready tc
defend their own honor and the reputation
of their constituents.
But we have men to-day who have the
talents and the qualifications which make
them influential and successful. Still W.
need not expect to find any one who will
not have some opposition. No man wh'
has decided convictions upon questions o
Importance is without opponents. Venus
Judge mans ability and qualifications b.
his success, if he has had an opportunity 70
fair competition. Sometimes there are cir
cumstances beyond his control which hav
DESTROYED his ability and crippled hi
energies. In such case the rule woul'
not be applicable. But when me-
have been placed in high position
and have exhibited their fitness, the
ought to have the benefit of their reput'
7 ton and be commended for what they ma
have accomplished. Therefore, in the s.
lection of some one to represent us IN tn
5 next Congress, we should look to all the'
7 things, and. measure his qualifications by
sound standard of justice and wisdom
Have we any amongst US who have show
their fitness and capacityQ Who, as Of
REPRESENTATIVES,, have been attentiye
\ the wants of their constituents, and ey
ready to work for their benefit; who ha'
: added to their capacity the power to ga
friends and supporters of their measure
n who have shown their earnest interests
/ the State by we'll directed efforts to CORE
e the wrongs and abuses under which we ha
I labored; who have, with the eye of
! statesman, looked to the protection of o
e frontier and the development of our ]
G sources If so, then it would be maj
$ festly unjust to refuse to give them t
: expression of our appreciation and rewa
i them for the faithful discharge of respo
sible trusts placed in their hands.
al 1t is time for our people to learn tn
r novelty is not strength; and an untried s.
4. want as good as one who, has earned t
sr character of faithful Let US honor the
Of who honor us; and work for those who 1
lie true and tried. The interests of this s.
ton are too important to place them in
E. hands of a novice. There are positions
= less responsibility in which men may
y schooled without placing in jeopardy
ut compromising them.
e. Let us have man whose influence, abil
OF and reputation win command the resp
= and attention of the members of Congre
III