The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1882-10-05
HON. JOSEPH RANKIN.

There is something peculiarly appro-
PIRATE in the selection of Joseph Rankin
rs the democratic nominee for congress
from this district. For many years he has
given largely of his time and best efforts to
further the interest of the party of which
he has been the acknowledged leader In
the state. He has been the Thurman of
the Wisconsin legislature, always in the
minority, always bearing the brunt of the
fight on party issues, but never being de-
pressed by defeat or made hopeless by
the great strength of the opposition
His was not self constituted leadership.
1t came without rivalry, was spontaneous
and unsought. Ever vigilant in behalf
of the party, quick to take advantage and
to profit by the errors and discussions of
the republican party; always ardent in
his opposition and unyielding in his de-
termination to contest every point, he
has by his sincerity and manly methods
won the respect of the leading republi-
cans of the state. Mr.. Rankin has never
held public Office of profit. He has for
many years been member of the state
Legislature. The position to which he is
now nominated is the first one OF profit
to which he has aspired.
Mr.. Rankin's public life is well known,
as legislator and that mastery manage
uncut Of men which has enabled him to
secure the adoption of measures that but
few would attempt under like circu NJ
stances. But he is not SO we'll known as
a private individual. He is man of the
largest charity but shrinks from receiv-
ing acknowledgment of favors which he
may have rendered. When he has done
a kindness, any expressions of gratitude
in return, are so distasteful to him, that
he is almost curt in his manner of receiv-
ing them. No man stands more ready
to give assistance to friend, and no
man more completely discovers from his
friendly acts expectation of favors in re-
turn. He does not court popularity and
has none of those arts by which the peo-
pie are won. But time demonstrates his
worth and those who have had occasion
to rely on Rankin for assistance know
that under that cold exterior lies warm
heart which is always touched by distress
and which never yet refused to grant q
favor to a friend. There is no man in
the district capable of serving it better.
He wastes no time in attempts at oratory.
While those partial to speech making are
busy preparing an address, Rankin is pre-
pairing to act in far more effective man.
ner. He always has been, and always
will be, true to his constituents. Their
wants will be his first concern, their wish
es his first thought. He will become
master of means through which they may
best be served and experience greatest
delight in procuring for them what will
best promote their interests.
1t is the first time Manitowoc county
has had democratic candidate in the
field when election was not hopeless
Local pride and that candidates merit
should secure him majority which will
speak in no uncertain terms of Mani
towoc's capacity to honor one of her own
children. ASheboygan delegate remark
ed to the writer: ''Had Elwell been
nominated we would have given him al.
most unanimous vote in Sheboygar
county, to show that we appreciated the
honor of having the first congressman
of the Lake Shore District" Manitowoe
county can hardly do less when one Of
its sons is the first nominee of the Lake
Shore Fifth.