The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1876-10-04
The G Congressional Contest.
ZUNBRoTA, Sept. Goth '76

ZUNBRoTA, Sept. Goth '76
Dear Sir:-I am glad to see that you
are running the Grange Advance strict
ly in accordance with the pledge you have
frequently given. You long ago declar-
ed your opposition to the democratic
party, and gave good reasons for the
sentiments you advanced. Previous to
the meeting of the congressional con-
vention of this district, although you
advocated the nomination of the Hon.
J.. A. Thatcher, you refrained from
publishing the uncalled-for and lima
tured filings at Major Strait, which were
current in the papers Of the district.
And, in my opinion, you did far more
to promote the chances of Mr.. Thach-
er's nomination, than did those profess
ed friends of his who abused Mayor
Strait. I am almost inclined to think
that if MIR. Thacher's friends generally
had had the good sense to follow the
course you pursued: that his nomination
might have been secured; but the
opposite course made the friends Of
Major Strait angry and unyielding.
I am sorry to know that number of
Mr.. Thacher's protested friends are
now refusing to support Major Strait
and laboring for the election of Judge
Wilder. They say that in the nomina-
alton of Mr.. Strait, the republican
party Of this district imposed upon and
offered an indisnity to Col 'hue county.
l am anxious to learn how this was
done. Did not this county have all the
delegates in the convention that it
claims to be entitled to? Did any
other county in the district have more
delegates there than it was entitled to
Was there any contest for seats in the
convention between competing delega-
ton? Was there word of proof offer
ed in the convention or elsewhere, to
show that any delegates in that conven-
ton had no right to be there? All
these questions can only be answered
negatively. In what way, then, was
this county imposed upon? What
grounds are there for any such COM
plants? am sure that there are
none. The majority in the district
ruled in that convention, as it had the
right to do, but unfortunately Goodhue
county's choice was not the choice of
the majority.
Having gone into the convention, the
republicans of this county are in honor
bound to abide by its results, unless it
can be shown that such results were
brought about by unfair means, or that
the nominee is utterly unworthy. If
unfair means had been used, we should
have been long ago definitely informed
as to what they were. As no such de-
finite statements have been made, we
must take if for granted that no unfair
means were used.
Now, is the nominee unworthy? If
80, give US the proofs. What has he
done that render him thus: So far, l
have never heard Il single charge against
him. He has served two terms in con.
gress, and, 80 far as l can learn, he has
not neglected to do his duty fully and
faithfully. Have any of his constituents
ever asked him to do aught, that was
right and proper for him to do, that he
has refused or neglected to do? If 50
let them speak out. Are any of the
appointees for Office of his recommen.
ding, such as ought not to have been
recommended I have not heard of it..
if such is the fact.
Major Strait is denied competency,
but those who make this accusation fail
signally to point ont instances where
incompetency is demonstrated; and
those who have opportunity to know
and are worthy of belief tell US that he
Is one of the most Industrious and eff
cient laborers in congress. 1 am sure,
that his efforts to procure legislation
looking to the destruction Of the grass
hoppers, and relieving this State of that
pest, were we'll timed and earnest, and
as successful as those of any other man
would probably have been> His actions
in relation to settlers on the public
lands have been effective for their re-
lief, so far rs it was possible for the gov
eminent to afford them relief. He has