Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-09-20
Letter From Washington.
THIRD DISTRICT MATTERS AND COY. uENDEE.

THIRD DISTRICT MATTERS AND COY. uENDEE
WAsnINGToN. d. c., Sept. l., 1873.
| To the Editor Of the Free Press and Times.
The astounding news from Maine shows
tina. in your State, as elsewhere, elements
had been operating to disturb Republican
asccndancy. But of one thing am con-
vinccd, namely, that the denomination, last
July, of Hon. George W. IIendcc would
have prevented any detection in your State,
and very probably served to secure the old
fashioned majorities which for so many years
have been successfully rolled up
The name and fame of Gov. Hendec are
deservedly dear to US. lie is emphatically
oar Representative in body OF nearly three
hundred, who treat habitually the people of
the District of Columbia like neglected
siepchild, because, according to the axiom,
what is cverybody's business is nobody's
business, especially when 50 many have axes
to grind for home use, Hence our regret at
his deciinatiOn 10 accept, or failure to secure,
denomination. At this distance, you
know, it is difficult to ascertain the causes
which operated to determine the action of
the Convention that met at Hydep,rk and
selected as its standard-bearer Gen. Grout
but it teaches lesson worth remembering.
and that is, when a people are fortunate
enough to possess a trusted, tried and true
representative, they should be yerv slow to
part with his services, except when he ex-
presses determined wish to surrender his
trust.
The secret of the success Of public men
IRON the South, in Gnfc beiium days, was,
you will remember, that when they sent
man to Congress, in all things equal to the
position, they kept him there for life The
most cursory observation will show the
wisdom of this policy. In the first place, it
takes an average mortal an entire session to
learn the ropes; or, rather, to acquire
adequate knowledge of the ways of legisla-
tion. Then, as he makes his influence felt,
he is put on committees-at first the most
ordinary, until at length his sagaeity and
experience cntitle him to be placed upon. if
not at the head of, the most important, ana
thus virtually shape legislation for the
whole country. The prominence in cur
federal councils which Gov Iendee has at
tained induces close observers of our na-
tlonal councils. therefore, to regret that he
was not with one voice renominated by the
Republicans Of the Third District. Can the
Republicans of the Di>tric. do better than to
unite cn him now, ard return him 10 Con
gress at the election which is to be held on
the 9Th of November?
Let it not he surmised that this Door tri-
butte to his sterling merit is prompted by any
but the most disinterestsd motives, for am
under no obligation whatever to him. direct
ly or indirectly. His Courteous Bearing and
patient consideration, however. Of the thou
sand and one persons here. who have had oc- |
casion to approach him during the five years
that he has been prominent, hard-worklnc.
useful ard conscientious member of the |
Committee on the District of Columbia. |
long since won my respectful admiration
and as praise OF him is due and entirely |
consonant with my inclinatiOng, feel il a
duty incumbent on me, as one who enjoys
the honor OF his acquaintance, to convey to
his constituents, through the columns of
your paper, my voluntary opinion-largcly
shared by many be- idcs-of Governor Hen
ice worth as representative man.
hope this reference TO your affairs by an
outsider will not be deemed impcrtnent
have long regarded with delight your
State, and hold in grateful
Tic courtesy and hospitality of
your people. Many years ago travelled
by easy stages from Brattleburo along the
7alley of the beautiful Connecticut, extend
ng my rleasure-seeking "trip beyond St.
Johnsbury. More than once haye ascend
ID grand old Ascutney, and even crossed 4he
mountain to attend one of Jour first State
airs at hutland, where, among other inter
sting objects, heheld the finest display of
iorses, Blackhawk and Morgan, that ever
'xpcct To see, the original Blackhawk with
lis numerous progeny leading the almost in
ermlnable procession. All this was so long
go, however, that | hesitate to state the
xact time, lest some Of your readers might
'rroncously conclude that am an old man +!
shall be deemed less intrusive, perhaps,
hen | add that my only brother ''roughed
at the front for four years in the famous,
'attle-scarred Vermont Brigade. lie be-
Onsed to Company { of the Sixth Regiment;
nd, though in every engagement of the
5rlsade, escaped nearly unharmed. He was
ever sick. and, believe, never absent
ay from duty; and when mustered out
ould boast of being the only remaining
iember that was borne on the original roll
the company, though many, doubtless.
'ere IN some other capacity than that which
e occupied. G, a private soldier. Yes
lowever incredible. it may now seem. when
My officers OF the late war are noticeable.
Is capable of demonstration that one man
t least, entered the service private, and,
iier iour years, came out private
Yours truly. I'D. M.