New-York tribune., 1875-01-22
SENATOR DdWES.

The Legislature of Massachusetts, in joint
convention made choice Of the Hon. Henry L..
Dawes as United States Senator from that
State, by vote of 140 to 129 for all others,
being five more than were necessary for an
election. And so Mr.. Dawes will, after the 4th
of next March, go from tho House of Repre-
sentatives, in which be has so long served,
over into the other end of the Capitol to the
seat now occupied by Mr. Washburn and only
little while ago filed by Charles Sumner
Mr. Washburn has been only a temporary
incumbent a voice and vote ad Interim while
Massachusetts delberated over her choice OF
Summers successor. Mr.. Dawes enters upon a
full term undertakes to represent the Com
monwealth of Massachusetts in the Senate OF
the United States. He steps into line OF
great men; of honOred statesmen; into
place whose gOries are traditional. from
that seat heretofore have emanated influences
most potent In the history Of the Republic.
1t is large place to fill, a conspicuous posi-
ton, too conspicuous for man who Is not
great.
Mr. Dawes brings to it large experience, WIDE
observation, intimate acquaintance with public
affairs, and abilities such as have given him
nation. In the field to which his talents have
been hitherto limited he has had large Oppor-
tunties for usefulness. Though ho has i'm
proved many of them, and upon many occa-
sOns rendered the highest service to the
country, he has in the calm and deliberate
Judgment of some of the most thoughtful ana
intelligent of his own constituents, In many
emergencies failed lamentably. Exhibiting at
times the qualities of craftsmanship III so
high degree az to excite the warmest enthu-
sasm of his friends, he has at Others fallen
without warning and almost without excuse
to the low level of the politician. Rising
sometimes to n clear view and cOmpre-
hensive grasp of the greatest questions, at
others he has sunk to the littlenes5 of petty
politics and the narrow bigOtry of partisan
ship. Thus far in the political career OF Mr.
Dawes he has only given the promise of the
statesman, and the performance of the poll
tcian. He has been very leniently judged.
His constituents have exercised toward him
the largest charity; have considered his linz
itatlOns, made unusual allowance for what
ever seemed inconsistent or contradictory IN
his action and conduct, and always given him
credit for integrity of purpose and sincerity
of feeling. We have no disposition to recount
the errors of judgment which have within the
past two years been so largely commented
upon by tho press, and which were so weighty
as to postpone and almost defeat his election
to the Senate. The people of Massachusetts,
through their Legislature, have passed them
over and in this vote expressed their conf
| dence in him, and we can only hope that he
may prove worthy so high trust
In the judgment of many intelligent and
patriotic citizens Of his own party the cleo
ton of Mr.. Dawes is a triumph OF a bad
element in the party; recognition of caucus
rule, and the success of narrow and intolerant
partisanship. Doubtless Mr.. Dawes under
stands this, and fully appreciates the gravity
of the objections which have been urged
against him. He has sense, discretion, sagac-
ity. He is now in position where he can
act with more independence than ever before.
lie has the best opportunity of his life to
show what stuff he is made of. He may leave
the politician behind, and undertake higher
role if he will And if he does he will have
the best wishes of even those who hitherto
have doubted him.