Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-04
From the Albany Journal.
William A. Wheeler.

proposition relating to the financial ques-
ton was pending in the House of Repre-
sentatives. The friends of sound cur
rency were in some doubt as to their duty
and their true policy. A group of twelve
or fifteen gathered on the floor and earn
estly debated among themselves in much
perplexity whether they ought to vote yes
or no. Just then VIM. A. Wheeler passed
that way, and all appealed to him for his
Judgment. His answer was firm and I'M
hesitating: Gentlemen, ! shall vote no.
That instantly settled the question. SO
absolute was the confidence of his associ-
ciates in his unerring judgment and
soundness, that, without even asking his
reasons, the group Immediately separated
and every man went to his place to vote as
Mr. Wheeler indicated.
That incident illustrated the profound
trust reposed in Mr.. Wheeler's sagacity.
and his strong hold upon the esteem OF all
who know him. 1t is the common remark
of Congressman that his judgment carries
more personal weight than that of any
other man in the House. He seldom
speaks-though always impressively when
he does. He is not demonstrative. He
never obtrudes himself or seeks to attract
attention. He is modest, quiet and re-
served. But he is so clear III his percep-
tons. so strong in saving sense, so calm
in temperament, SO upright in all his pur-
poses, so true, pure, just and firm that he
wins the unmeasured respect OF all who
know his sound qualities fhead and heart.
A more manly man never entered public
life He is sincere, candid and straight
forward in all things. He is guided inva-
riably by his conscientious convictions of
duty. The unworthy arts of selfseeking
and all the resorts Of the trimmer and the
demagogue are utterly foreign to his ma
ture. He weighs every subject with So
briefly of judgment which never loses its
balance. and acts upon his conclusions
with the courage and tirmness of unway-
erng principle. A man of the people. he
is thoroughly in sympathy with the best
popular impulses. He always inspires
pure, wholesome and elevated tone about
him, and represents the best thought and
spirit of the times.
Mr.. Wheeler is not only Il model public
man in tho quality of his character and
work, but he is a ripe and experienced
statesman. We have had no better piece
of practical craftsmanship in our recent
history than his settlement of the vexed
Louisiana question. BY his mastery tact,
skill and firmness in that matter he COM
posed the most menacing difficulty before
the nation and gave tranquility to a long
distracted State. Everybody remembers
the vehement controversy and agitation
on that subject. 1t kept Congress in
ferment for several sessions 1t threat
ened to embroil Louisiana in bloody
conflict. 1t did actually bring the con-
tending factions to the point of collision.
But Mr.. Wheeler, by his wise and prudent
management, effected complete settle
ment of the difficulty, and on principles
so manifestly just as to compel the assent
of all sides. 1t was one of the best achiev-
ments of our day, and fairly places Mr..
Wheeler among our foremost statesmen.
Another excellent piece of work was the
army appropriation bill, and his speech
upon it, That illustrated the same clear
understanding of the real results to be
reached, and the same admirable capacity
for accomplishing them. In the State leg
slature, in the Constitutional convention,
in Congress. wherever placed, M. w. has
always shown himself equal to the highest
demands of his trust.
Such is the man who Is presented by the
republican party for the Office of Vice
President. We have learned by expert
ence that this position is not merely orna-
mental, but one of great Importance. Its
incumbent should be man fit in all re-
spects to be President. Mr.. W. entirely
fulfills the most exacting requirements.
He is equal to any emergency. A man of
spotless repute. trained and practised
statesman and true Christian gentleman,
no worther associate for Gov. Hayes could
have been found in all the broad land.