Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1878-04-24

Congressmen-Sixtlh District


As the question of Congressman
from this district begins to take shape
it becomes more and more apparent
that the mass of the republican vo-
tiers do not desire any change. The
position of Congressman involves by
far too much responsibility. to be
kicked about the district like q foot
ball, to crafty the ambition of this or
that man, who thinks it ought to be
passed around the same as "grub" on
the table is passed to the hungry. No
state since the foundation of the gov
eminent has won influence or power
in the halls Of Congress which follow
ed the practice Iowa is now doing, of
renewing her Congressman rapidly
and nonsensically casting among the
rubbish the experience and foothold
. member gsins during the allotment
of two terms, which seems to be fixed
by waiting politicians, not the people,
as tho lifetime Of . Congressman. AL
lisou's strength and ability to cope
with the opposition, to be real pow
er in shaping laws, and serving the
people Of Iowa, was not with him
when he first went from Iowa to Con-
gross. II has been the growth of
years, developing ability, forothought
and tact which places him among the
leaders of the Senate. Judge Samp-
sons ability is rapidly finding its
place, and he has in his unobtrusive
way and close study, already won an
influence which places him among
the safest advisors and conscientious
members Of the house-ready in de-
bate, but having NO froth or foam to
spit out for the supposed advertisement
of gaping wonderers distant from
Washington City. Judge Simpsons
speeches have been remarkably log
icsl, and bis course throughout unex-
ceptionable.
As member of the committee on
the revision ofthe laws regulating the
counting the electoral vote for Pres
ident and vice. President, he has de-
voted long and patient study, both
during the sessions aud while at home
and 10 now the author of bill on the
subject. The nation cannot afford to
run the risk of anarchy by attempt
ing another Presidential election un-
der existing laws. Judge Sampson's
habit Of weighing well every ques-
ton, and Of avoiding hssty conclu-
sions, together with his distinguished
ability as Q jurist found . just recog-
milton when he was placed on that
committee. His bill may not be ex-
actly what is wanted, but his knowl-
edge of the subject is too great to be
thrown away, even though some bill
, may pass this session.
The case plainly stated is this: Re-
: publicans of tho 9Th district are asked
to follow the fatal rules of years ago,
whereby ability and experience in
, the north was thoughtlessly brushed
aside in order to accommodate new
men who claimed to DO in the line Of
promotion; the south meanwhile re
turned year after year its member
until they become Veterans. and wol
that domineering influence in tn
halls Of Congress which finally endet
in rebellion.
II Sampson had been an unfaithfn
servant, or an unable one, then {
change should be made. This no
being true, and no county In the dis
trict having more able or conscien
tious man to present, we do not care
to disturb Iowa's proud distinction
won on many issues, but especially OF
the silver bill.