Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1876-09-14
LETTER FROM HON. h. S. MACON,


OtuCo TUG hluOuIDmout Vi OUHHIc bb
leaving Washington, / arrived at
home, one week ago, since which
time my business affairs, suffering
from my long absence, have required
attention, | have neither fouEd lime
nor opportunity to travel the Dis
trict or examine thoroughly the pc
litical field
The delegates chosen TO the Miner
al Point Convention, so far as known
to me, arc my personal iriends;
and cannot believe they have given
pledges to oppose the fair usages OF
the party, or to make tho Conven-
tion other than a proper expression
of tho party's wishes. The ConVen-
ton ught to be dellborative Coun-
Gil, tillod with thoughtful men, incap-
able Of injustice TO any co-worker or
portion OF the district, and | trust it's
deliberations will 81 prove. 1t is
not tho fear of defeat in the Conven-
tion that prompts my decision; but
am apprisod that my nomination
cannot be secured without strug-
gle, and without personal importuni-
ty TO which | am unwilling
Since the beginning of my term,
have, to the exclusion of other busi-
ness, devoted myself unweariedly to
official duties, doing my best to de-
serve the confidence of good men.
rne interests of the District ! have
cared for, with whatever ability and
energy | could possibly command.
The business of no constituent prop
er for me to attend officially before
Departments at Washington, has
been neglected. No citizens letter
that has been received has remaiRed
unans wered, whether from Democrat
or Republican. Those two great
measures powerfully affecting this
district: first, the Wisconsin River
Improvement; second, the defeat of
the now tariff measure, whereby tho
tariff on lead, zinc, hax-soed and 9TH
or kindred productions was proposed
to be abolished, which measure if en-
acted would have struck O heavy
blow at our miners ane farmers, So
vcrely GRIPPING those industries in
our District; these two important
subjects have commanded my atten-
ton and utmost service. Notwith-
standing the House is overwhelming.
ly Democratic, yet ably assisted we
obtained, after long struggle, an
appropriation of 1870, 900 for the I'M
proyement, sum fully as great as
any reasonable mind could expect,
while the new tariff measure, OPP
posed 10 part by numerous remon-
strances from all parts of our Dis
trict, now sleeps deathly sleep in
Committee. Besides these, other mi
nor measures, more or less affecting
our District, have eugrossed busy at
teDtion.
Republicans !-Congrcss was de-
signed by the founders of tho Consti-
tuition to De pre-eminently a business
body,-a solemn Council where the
vast legislative interests OF this ma
ton should,be considered and crystal
lied into wise laws,-not an arena
where mere partnership should in.
dulge in combats for selfish aims.
You sent me to Congress to attend
faithfully to the necessary legislation
and business of our District, to act
under the strong obligations of man.
hood and oath as legislator and pa
triut, and not as mere partisan or
mere wrangler. Although il is true,
that MEMBER of Congress, who is of
the party in minority, has difficulties
to encounter by reason of that very
minority; and although it is true
that member of Congress can, as a
rule, undoubtedly achieve, during u
second term, from four 10 ten times
as much for his District and country
a. is possible during his first term.
vet. while | have made no political
speeches in Congress, and attended
the important things Of the House,
and, to tho extent of my ability have
worked for the welfare of my Dis
trict and country,-be the present
verdict what il may, still l have fol.
lowed duty steadily and future judg>
ment will pronounce me right.
l decline TO have MP name pre-
sented TO tho Convention. If pre-
sented, ask that it bs peremptoriIy
withdrawn. To the members OF that
Convention, individually and as
BODY. as far as have heard their
names announced, | cherish friend
ship and respect. / trust they will
look over the field we'll before max
ing the nomination, and select q can
didate under whom all may unite IN.
der the banner of Hayes, Wheeler
and Reform.
Republicans of the Third District
to you and my other friends who
have nobly supported me; to those
all over the District, who have sent
warmest assure noes; and to tho
whole people who have honored me
with the great trust now held, | re-
turn my profound thanks, and the
best service 10 my power throughout
my term.
henry s. MACON.
Darlington, Wis, Aug. %. 1876.