The Portland daily press., 1880-12-29
s. E. SPRING.
JOSIAH III. DRUMMoNp.
Lewiston, Dec. q, 1880.

GENTLEMEN: He His sF.--
Your letter of the goth inst is re-
ceiyed, and you will allow me to say that it oc-
casiops me no surprise, for that portion of the
press, unfavorable to my candidacy, has been
prolific with items to the effect that I am a
candidate for the Speakership of the House,
that take no interest in the Senatorship,
that have retired from the contest &c sc,
ana nave received many letters of similar
purport to yours. Now there is no place of
greater dignity more worthy of arousing the
ambition OF any man, than seat in the Sem
ate of the United States, and it is especially
enticing to member of the House, opening to
him, as 1t does, almost the only door to legiti-
mate promotion. am not ashamed to confess
that 1 greatly desire this distinguished posi-
ton, and am willing to do anything honor
ably can to attain it, To the first branch of
your inquiry, reply, am a candidate for the
senatorial nomination and am not making
"an active canvass for the Speakcrship."
But your letter seems TO assume that success
largely depends upon my presence at Augusta,
my active. personal participation in the con-
test, and this seems to be the generally ex-
pressed opinion of my friends.
What would this involve? The House
meets the same day our Legislature does. The
election of Senator will be gheld the 18th of
January, so that it would probably necessitate
my absence from Washington for at least two
weeks after the recess. We are in the last
session of the 10th Congress, not more than
a.
ton left, twenty of which, if not more will be
consumed by the Committee on Appropria-
tions, leaving only twenty in which legislation
OF vital Importance must be considered, if at
all In this Congress. Let me call your atten-
tlon to some OF these pending measures
First. "The Funding Bill" 1 need not re-
mind gentlemen of your business experience,
OF the necessity of enacting into law some
authority for refunding the six and five per
cent bonds, shortly redeemable into bonds
no 0rIT II, Nf
bill was reported from the Committee of
Ways and Means of which 1 am member L
have taken great interest in it, have been en-
trusted with important, and as the Secretary
Of the Treasury thinks, vital amendments to
1t, and Its consideration will be resumed i'm
mediately.
Second. Following this closely on the Cal
andar is "The Revised Tariff BILL" liable to
be brought forward any day. This also comes
from the same committee, reported to it by a
subcommittee, OF which l was member,
therefore am familiar with all its provisions.
In my opinion, this bill enacted into law
would strike serious blow at many of the
manufacturing industries of my State and of
New England. If the attempt is made to
pass it and have reason to believe it
fully expect to participate.
Third. Another important measure is ''The
Sugar Bill, affecting forty millions of rev.
enue, extensive and important industries. and
every person in the United States. This also
was reported from the Committee of Ways
and Means. Touching its provisions have
very decided views. In fact, the substitute
for the committees bill, which will be offered.
is mine.
1 will call your attention to no other mat
ters. These will sufficiently illustrate my po-
sition. hsA+s4l 4allH
Now, gentlemen, I cannot possibly Justify
myself to myself, and such justification is moro
necessary than any other, for deserting at so
important time the post to which have been
assigned by my constituents for no better rea-
son than my wish to be promoted to the Senate.
In my opinion, if I did, the Legislature of
Maine might well reject me for cause.
1t has been argued that I can pair. To be
sure, my vote, nothing more. After ten years
service in the House ought not to be worth
more than my vote? If am not, then,
surely, l should not be prou oted unless the
theory Of my opponents that must not be
Senator because my services in the House are
valuable, is sound. I am aware of the general
impression among my friends that my absence
from Augusta will be detrimental to my inter-
ests. Well, it may lose me the Senatorship,
but even if it does, shall still have the salts
faction of knowing that have not neglected
pressing public duties merely to advance my
personal interests and ambitions shall not.
then, gentlemen, be at Augusta, at any time
during the contest for the Senatorship, not be-
cause l am indifferent to success" but for
the reasons stated, and shall in all confidence
leave my case in the care Of friends like you,
the revelation of SO many of whom is worth
more to me than victory.
Trusting that this explanation of my position
may commend itself to your good Judgment
and thanking yo1 for your interest in me and
for your complimentary words, am
Very respectfully yours, etc.,
WIN. p. FRYE.