The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-01-31
'CO.lE1[it!|:JE1M'|45Il3,1l.1AEli, JE1'|45 |, i 8. G.
Sunday Morning. January 81. 1876.

the strifes between rival politicians
for ascendanoy and power. the ameni-
ties Of intercourse. the basis upon
which all stand as men and brothers,
ere too often forgotten. The touch of
nature (which makes, all mankind
kin" becomes lost in the collisions OF
interest and the struggles of ambition.
Politicians of opposing parties are sell
dom warm personal friends. It is too
much the habit for them to consider
each others political destruction as
indispensable to their own SUCCESS.
1t IL the more pleasant from it's rare.
mesa to find poIit,cian ready to do
Justice to competitor, to ooncsde his
merits frankly, to be wiling that he
ahaii take the place wh,ch hs has him
sell ooonpied, or even to shine in the
same sphere. This conquest of self,
this subduing of all unworthy feelings
10 candidates. has recently been hap.
PLY illustrated in correspondence
between Messrs. Phelps aud Cutler,
the former tG6 defeated aud the latter
the snccessfui candidate for Congress
in the Fifth District of New Jersey.
Mr.. Phelps will be favorabIy remem-
bered by our readers as o member of
the subcommittee which visited New
Oslenns aud made report upon affairs
there which the President did not
-consult in his message. He is Re-
publican, INT ono Vho has arrayed
himself against the abuses OF his party.
His successor is, We believe, Demo
orat. Both are evidently accomplished,
high-minded and generous men. We
think the space taken in presenting to
our readers correspondence which
equals anything OF Chesterfield in
courtesy. and sprpaases it in sincerity
and good feeling, veil occupied. 1t is
practical and instructive lesson to the
public men of the day. an example
upon which Soung aspirants for dis.
tinetion, especially. may appropriately
form themselves. When the result Of
the election was definitely known. Mr..
Phelps wrote to his successful COM
petitor to tender his hearty congratu-
lations, asking q pardon for delay
which HaOne0essary, but seemed un-
graoions!3n
N;aTs da pleasant he says, s'ior me to
.fhhAenk fyou for the uniform courtesy
81 the eapYsse. and to ask you if you
cannot Say to our macy common
fftend9 that neither publicly nor pri-
{ yately- did yeur Republican competitor
Mud any fanlt in you; except in your
>Detnocracy.,
II priced che honor of representing
this constituency, and regret the loss
/ pf 1t; but am not without consolation
IN the thought. that my loss has been
yours and the pablio's gain. You and
them do congratulate-you, that you
have gained this large opportunity of
serving The people. and them, that the
soics o! shs district shs!i be az before,
only more eloquently aud more efi-
cientiy. against those enemies of the
republic who would perpetuate an ir-
Redeemable currency, increase the cen.
eral power. and plunder the National
Treasury. am, with respect and
good wishes for your success, one OF
your constituents.
Mr. Cutler replies to express his de-
light with the courteous manner and
graceful language with which bis pre.
decesoor and rival has greeted him.
He employs suoh expressions of lofty
. appreciation OF Mr.. Phelps as reflect
honor upon himself and raise high
hopes, thas his Congressional career
may be equally useful and distin.
guished.
II need not say" he concludes.
"tkat success was the furthest from
my dreams. nor did I anticipate that
any tidal wave could reach you: but
now that l am elected. am painfully
conscious OF the fact that I immedi.
diately suooead one who Inns secured
.-in singie Congressional term q nn.
tional reputation, made his district
! celebrated. compelled all parties to do
homage to his talent, admire his clio.
4aenoe and aoknow wledge bis power.
1t is seid that 'comparisons ore odi.
ous. and l fear that shall often real.
ice its truth when comparisons must
necessarily be made diaad va aps,roonai,