Richland beacon., 1880-05-08
What Gen. King has Done.

- Nclc dS'OHisbtu dl lLC ucCtbtd-
ton of the Monroe Bulletin las. week,
that Gen. King bad done little or
nothing in Congress, and It's demand
that bis supporters nention some Of
the work that he had performed; for
It has been a matter of surprise to Us
that he could Keep in mind so many
matters of interest to his constituents
and work 50 constantly and faithfully
tor their aceemplishment-espccia
such as appear Of small Importance to
the masses, but of great moment to
those who are directly affected by
them.
We had thought Of making n d,-
tailed statement Of the work performed
by orr Representative, for the special
benefit Of the Eulstn, but have since
concluded that it would he 4 useless
trouble, the editor Of the Bulletin
ought to have kept himself better
posted !; and the voters % the district
have a pretty good idea Of what be
has BEEN doing.
We will, however, mention a few of
his most important labors. He has
worked persislenily and faithfully for
the accomplishment Of an object of
the greatest importance to the entire
Mississippi Valley, towit: the i'm
Provemcnt Of the navigation of the
Mississippi river and its tributaries
and the protection Of our lands from
overflow. He succeeded IN having a
commission appointed for that pur-
pose, in getting its report before the
House through the proper committee,
And Immediately introduced a bill
Sppropria!iDg the funds recommended
by the commission for the accomplish
mcnt Of this object. To say that any
one else could have accomplished more
in. this direction than be has, is
mere supposiiion, entertained by those
who have no idea Of the opposition
With which lie has had to contend at
every stcp, or who have very exager-
a'cd conception of human effort and
ability. We DO not believe any one
else would have laborcd more faith
fully or accomplished more than be
has done Ia this matter.
lie went to great deal of trouble
and spent good deal Of his own pri-
xate funds last year in an effort TO
have the mouth Of Red river cleaned
out, at q time when the members of
Congress were of duty and taking
their rest, and when be had a right to
do the same.
We doubt if the Bulletin can point
to single measure that has been
before the House, since Gen King has
been a member, in which it cannot he
found that be took such part as met
with the appreciation of his cons,,u-
ency. while We know of but one single
instance when he was absent from his
post while Congress was in session.
OF course be has not been alone in
his efforts to have the Government
take hold Of the improvement, of the
Mississippi, for no man could have
accomplished anything single handed,
hut he has done more than on. other
III ar for its accomplishment.
We would ask the Bulletin, if, as it
says. be has been nothing more than
u knot on log" how it is that he
comes to be on such important COM
"'ittees and how it happens that be
has attracted SO much more general
than many mrn who have
been ia Congress for number of
years. We have seen him mentioned
by the Northern press as one Of the
most prominent men in the House.
" ho WAS destined to stand in the front
rank Ut our statesmen. This does
not appear very much like knot on q
los.
We do no, support Gen. King from
a sense Of gratitude, but, as we think,
in the interest Of the country. Sim
pie duty does no, necessarily entitle !
one to gratitude. but we claim that be
has discharged his duty faithfully and !
hat it is the interest of the district to
Keen him on dutv