Wilmington journal., 1876-02-18
CORRESPONDENTS:

while here to select such matters
among the thousands of interesting
features which daily present them
selves, as will prove most interesting
to readers. or to speak of them with
the consideration they merit. 1 find,
by an association with Senators and
Representatives, and from close per
sonal observation, that
OUR DELEGATION IN CONGRESS
stand deservedly high, and their real
worth and rank are not fully appreci-
ated at home. This is SO in keeping
with the traditional modesty of our
State, and it is so characteristic of
North Carolinians to look beyond the
limits of their own State for great
men, that it is not to be wondered at.
If I should say that we are sadly wart-
ing in State pride, I might justly
offend the patriotic sensibilities of our
readers, but that we are rriminally de-
ficient in its proper expression is most
true. It is too frequently the case
that inferior men from other States arc
pushed forward to prominent posi-
tions before the public by friends and
by the press in their State, aud Norsh
Carolina joins freely in the chorus.
while her own public mon are ne
elected. 1t has gotten too much the
fashion for us to look elsewhere to iiu'l
our heroes. When our Representative,
men are brought in contact with those
from other States, find that we have
nothing to fear from the result, but
much to be proud Of
1t is indeed gratifying to find in what
very high estimation our represent
atives in Congress are held. In both
Houses the
NORTH CAROLINIANS
occupy conspicuous positions, aud there
is not a more influential or moro able
delegation in the Capitol. The jour
NAL has SO frequently given its esti-
mate of these gentlemen that there is
really little left to be said in their be-
half. Indeed very recently the press
elsewhere have walked mp to the merits
of some of them ard are rendering a
tardy justice.
No one can visit the Senate chamber
without favorable impression of our
Senators. The senior Senator,
GENERAL RANSOM,
has taken rank with the foremost men
of that body, while his bearing, ur-
banity and individual magnetism have
attached men to him of every shade of
opinion and from all sections of the
country, and I donbt If any other
Senator has the same personal infiu-
ence. In conversation with men of the
most antagonistic views and the most
widely differing prejudices, I find all
have kindly and a complimentary
word for Senator RANSOM. "North
Carolina should be proud OF him, said
distinguished New England Senator
to me day or two since "and the
whole country regards him with af-
fection."
He is constant in his attention to his
duties, and every interest of his State
is watched with jealous eye and at
tended to with an unit, ing industry.
Our State could possibly have no bet
ter representative in the highest par
liamentary body of the country. While
he is acknowledged to be one of the
best orators of the body, he does not
often claim the attention of the Senate.
He prefers to exercise his influence
otherwise. and the very great success
which has attended his efforts proves
that he has not, at least, sacrificed any
interest of the State, however much
he may have left undone to add to his
individual reputation. He is sure to
be heard from whenever he believes
his words will benefit his people aud
his country.
SENATOR MERRIMoN
is recognized as one of the eblest law
yers, and most attentive and industri-
Gus members of the Senate. Always
present, frequently engaging in the
discussions, he is doing good service
for North Carolina. He commands
the respect of of his fellow-Senators,
and he is always listened to with maik-
ed attention.
During the recent discussion upon
the admission of Pinchback, he put a
few questions to Morton, that neu-
tralized the poison which that vindict-
i've fiend was attempting to instil into
the hearts of Republicans of the Sen
ate. This has brought upon Senator
Merrimon the bitter attacks of the
organ here, which will
be accepted by North Carolinians as
conclusive evidence that he is doing
,ood and valuable service. His posi-
ion in the Senate or at home cannot
,e compromised by attacks from such
quarter.
] shall speak of our
REPRESENTATIVE
aore at length hereafter. It will suf-
ce to say now that all occupy such
ositions as tolrender them true repre-
sntatives of their State. Generals
Gales and Vance are especially busy
18th their committee work, being each !
i charge of important committees.
nd indeed this this is srne of all. While
guest in the same house wftt~Go1o~
el Waddell and Major Robbins find4>
,at they are compelled to hurry from
reakfast to attend to committee meet
lgs, and frequently, after session of
le House from II to 5 o'clock, they
70 compelled to attend a meeting of
heir committees again at night. The
cal work of Congress is done in the
ommittee rooms. Much that we hear
nd read is merely the ornamental part
I legislation.
The recent speeches of
MRssRs. wAQDELL AND ROBBINS