Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1882-09-15
OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON TER.
FRIDAY EVE'G, SEPT. Is, 1882
Why Brents.

Why Brents.
The friends of Mr.. Brents seem
to think that his nomination by the
Republican convention is a foresone
conclusion, yet it is not an uncom-
mon occurrence in politics that what
seems to be tidal wave of popular
sentiment may break before it reach
es its height, and be overwhelmed by
another of greater power. The
American people of late years, have
become noted for the possession OF a
volatile nature, in direct contrast
with the stolid habits of our ances-
tors. Passion and prejudice seems
to rule mole than cool, deliberate
Judgment. A man who may be de-
void of all the essentials of greatness,
may be the favorite for the hour, to
be displaced by the next political ad-
venturer whose sails happen to be
trimmed SO as to catch the popular
breeze. Why Mr.. Brents should
ever have been selected for posi-
ton which is only important to the
people inasmuch as it is filled by q
man of ability, is one Of the myster-
les which cannot be explained on
any reasonable hypothesis. Prob
ably location somewhat influenced
the choice, and a prejudice against
his competitors for the nomination
may have made it effective, but that
the people, or even his party, could
have been induced to place him in
the lead for any public SERVICE he
has ever rendered, is simply pre-
posterous. The only political record
made by him previous to his advent
as candidate for Delegate in this Ter
ritory, was of that Infamous charac-
ter which should have condemned him
in the estimation of all honest peo-
ple. He was once a resident OF Ore
pon, and here is what the Portland
Standard says of his integrity as q
politician:
So far as Oregon is concernd ThOs. III
Brents can expect no tavors. When
county clerk of Grant county, he certified
himself and two others into the legisla
ture with $50 majority against them, and
SO barefaced was the fraud, that his Owl
party kicked him and his colleague out OF
the body as soon as they got through with
him and had his illegal vote for U. ). Sen
ator and on the l4th amendment to the
constitution. He has never made his home
among the people he so UNANIMOUSLY de-
frauded The late Judge Wilson, i'll de
Gliding the case in which Brents had issued
the false certificates OF election to the de
feated candidates, declared that man
guilty of such All outrage was disgrace
and unworthy to occupy public position
oftrust and honor.
This act, of itself, is sufficient to
indicate the calibre of the man, and
leaves no cause for surprise that such
papers as the Union, although in po-
itical and sectional accord with Mr..
Brents, should declare that he has
been weighed and found wanting.
Although our Portland contempt
rary has decided political preferen'
ces, it cannot be said that local pref.
udice has warped its judgment.
nor can anybody controvert q single
statement of the following extract.
where Mr.. Brents is known. Ia fact
it is generally admitted even by
those who profess to be his friends:
That Mr.. Brents in his past two terms
has shown any particular ability or accom-
plished any direct good for his constitu
ents, cannot be claimed by his most ardent
admirers, neither does he possess the re
quired ability To do any good. What has
gained tor INN the distinguished honor vi
or third term candidate IS a hiaitcl
which we cannot understand. lie Is
small cunning, and tricky politician. lie
probably has improved his opportunities
In placing III the Federal offices those
whom he could rely upon 10 work uP CON
yentlon> and thus continue himself is wei
as his friends III office. lie las no othtl
merit, and so long a. Washington Terri
tory Is represented hy uIan OF his catlbie
so long She will nSure To Il ulSadNant -
inthe nails of Congress IL Is a hard recon-
incubation for Washington Territory thai
She has no one more worthy or better quail
fled for the position than fourth-rate pot
house politician. At least thus seems DE INC
case in attempting to return Brents. W ASH
ington is the leading Territory in the Tn
ion at present. Her future is bright anc
her prospects most tiatterinS. Sne VII
ere long be able to stani at the doors o
Congress and demand, and solicit, admlS
sion, as her population ana wealth. WI
that She should be represented by a mai