New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-03-31
DlYJD 4 UELLS FOR CONGRESS.


BY the nomination of the Hon. David A.
Wells for Congress the Democrats of the Hid
District of Connecticut have offered to the III
dependent voters of that district an OppOrtu-
nifty such as Vas afforded in Massachusetts, at
the last Congressional election by the nominal
ton of Prof. Scclye of Amherst. to send to
Congress an able, upright, and Independent
representative, who if elected will be the rep
rcsentative of the people, and not merely of a
party. 1t does not matter what were the mo-
tives of the party that nominated him; 1t may
as well be admitted that if there had been
reasonable prospect of success with partisan
candidate, Mr.. Wells would not have been
nominated but some third-rate politician or
party worker would have been the candidate.
(, IS enough that Mr.. Wells is in nomination /;
that he is a candidate without having sought
the position, or even consented to the u6e of
his name; and that if elected he will be I'M
der no obligation to either party or TO any
body but the whole people. That he is pccu-
liarly fitted by bis special studies of social and
political questions for the duties OF the office
will not be denied even by his opponents;
that he will, if elected. bring to the position
of legislator not only high personal char
acter, but rare abilities, and an intelligent APP
probation of the condition ana wants of the
country. which has been gained by thorough
investigation and careful study, is equally
true. As writer upon subjects related to the
science of government, and especially as an
authority upon questions Of finance, tho in
telligent discussion of which is of such
pressing present Importance to the peO-
pie of this country, Mr.. Wells has few
equals. His position in this regard is well
established, and recognized in European coun
tries as well as at home. 1t would be difficult
to name anywhere in the country a gentleman
so well qualified and in oil respects so well
equipped for the practical work of u legislator.
The people Of his district will be doing
themselves great honor and setting whole
some example to other constituencies by elect
ing him. The election of his opponent the
Hon. John +. Wait, whose ability ami integrity
it is not necessary to question, would be but
party triumph, Simplifying nothing above or
beyond that The success of Mr.. Wells could
not be construed as in any sense q party
victory, for not only is he known to be indie
pendent of both parties, but the Democrats in
nominating him gave up the fight as "a
party contest and virtually abandoned the
field. There is nothing in the record
of Mr.. Wells, and certainly nothing in
his present attitude, which should hinder
any Republican from voting for him. There
is every reason-in the condition of the cOun
try, the popular demand for administrative re-
form, the intense longing for higher standards
in Official life for less partisanship, and for
more honesty and independence in public ser
wants, and in the general dissatisfaction with
both parties-every reason for electing such
men as Mr.. WeHs. The Connecticut Republi-
cans have been very wise in their nominations
for State officers of men who represent the
idea of reform and the aspiration for purer
politics. They invite support for their ticket
because of its high character in this regard
Can they do better than show their sincerity
in this matter to the Independent voters whose
support they invite by uniting to elect Mr..
( Wells The party val not suffer. but the dis