Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1883-02-14
What Our Window Exchanges Have to 81

Mr.. Window, of Minnesota, who has
been in public life in one capacity or an
other for something over thirty years,
during which he used the spoils system
for all it was worth, finds in his old Off
cial days that it is delusion and snare.
He has been in one or the other house of
Congress and in the Cabinet since 1860.
During this time he has been assiduous
in what is called looking after his friends.
He has put friends into place and ene-
mics out, regardless of the small size of
the former or the greatness or merit of
the latter. He has filled Post Offices
with his adherents and made the rounds
of the bureaus and departments to secure
clerkships, with which to pay off his po-
litical obligations.
With all of these drawbacks and limi-
tations he has proven himself man of
more than average ability and has fairly
preserved his character for honesty. He
was an active Representative, an intelli-
gent Senator and q respectable Secretary
President at Chicago in 1880, and in ev-
cry respect was entitled to consider him.
self one of the coming men in politics.
In 1881, when he resigned his position as
Senator, he was strong enough to secure
the appointment of his succt or. When
he thought it desirable to return to the
Senate to fill out his own term he secured
the appointment of his figure head sue
cessor to an insignificant Office in some of
the territories, so that like Simon Cameron
in this state, he practically dictated who
should take his place. Such was Mr..
Window in 1881. In 1883, when his ex-
pcrience and ability are greatest and his
intellectual powers at their best, he finds
himself cast off and rewarded with Bit
ter and humiliating defeat.
The moral is brief and pointed He
trusted to offices and rewards, to bench
men and place seekers, aud he raised up
enemies who used his own weapons more
deftly than he himself, and the result is
his utter undeing. He will now become
will seek for the crumbs as he has doled
them out to Others for years. If his ca.
reer shall teach any one man that he
must rely on ability and character for an
honorable position in public life or has
ten the downfall of vicious system it
will not be without purpose, though the
same lesson might have been taught with
4 less valuable man.-Philade1phia Times.
With the stirring events of the past
week fresh in our minds we have but two
regrets to express. First that Window
was not reelected, and second that he
should have been so lost to all that goes
to make up proper degree of gratitude
for past and present favors, as to go off
in huff without a word of thanks or an
expression of appreciation to the stead
fast ones who, like Bonaparte's old
guard, were staunch to the last, and, as
Senator Truax said. died with their
boots on" for their choice. For twenty
four years, Mr.. Window has been hon
ored by the people of Minnesota, and
now, when a majority, transfer his well
worn mantel to the shoulders Of another,
he turns his back upon every friend to
which he owes prosperity, honor and
riches. It shows weak spot in his
makeup which should have been cover
ed by the friendly mantle Of discretion At
least. 1t shows that VIM. Window loved
1t was the basest case of ingratitude we
have witnessed for years, and will rankle
i the minds of true men long after he
ceases to represent us at Washington.
Not word of thanks to those who have
spent time and money for him; not q
word to that solid phalanx of Spartan
like heroes who chose to 60 down with
him rather than surrender; not q word to
the people of the state who have done
their whole duty toward him. 1t is hui
initiating to be compelled to write this.
after the many earnest pleas we have
made in his behalf, but The Post in its in
dignation over such fragrant ingratitude,
turns its back upon Window as he turns
his back upon as true set of men as ev-
er cast ballot or rallied to the support
of afriend.-Blue Earth City Post.
If he lives to serve out his term we
predict that Mr. Sabin will be the most
popular Senator that ever represented
Minnesota in the upper house of Con-
gress. 1t Is perhaps fortunate that he
has not got his wealth to get, in public
life. like some of his predecessors. -
Minneapolis Journal.