Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1884-08-06

From the tenor Of Dakota advices
Il appears certain that Mr.. Ray
mond y 10 meet strenuous opposi-
ton, aud not impossible that he will
~ denied q second term as delegate.
The people Of that territory could
scarcely commit . greater folly than
- permit themselves ~ follow sec
tional or local feeling 10 such an ex-
tent as would rob them Of the servi-
ces oftheir present delegate. The
course OF Mr.. Raymond has COM
mended itself to all parties in the
territory. No criticism is offered
upon his official record. His prac-
teal achievements are something
really remarkable, and would do
honor to an old campaigner in
Washington instead ofn new man,
fresh from q territory which it has
been democratic policy to snub and
maltreat in every possible fashion.
In a session which gave the country
about a. little legislation as any that
ever lasted an equal length Of time,
and in a body which vas distinctly
hostile to his constituents, Mr.. Ray
mond secured the passage Of two
important acts; tho one doubling
the number of the territorial legis-
lature, and the other authorizing the
creation Of two new judicial districts.
It is something Of which m older
and more experienced ma might
well be proud; and. in the absence
Of anything that merits ceLsure,
would seem to have earned fairly
for Mr.. Raymond q return to the
field where he has served so wortli-
". Tint there should be any dous,t
OF this seems to be due, first to the
peculiar political condition which
prevsils in all new communities,
where o host Of active-minded and
ambitious men are eager to ride into
political prominence at any cost,
whenever they see an opportunity /;
and second to the bitter feeling that
exists between north and south
Dakota, and that nothing but the
Justly demanded division and adj
mission can ever fully cure and
Danish from politics as a baneful
and disturbing element. North
Dakota is numerically in the minor
ity, but has won several victories
through complete harmony and ex-
cellent generalship. Now the south
ern part Of the territory is united in
its turn, and unless it shall lend aid
to Mr.. Raymond, it is possible that
he may be defeated. There need
be no hesitation in saying that il
south Dakota employs it's new
unity to displace Mr.. Raymond, it
will commit not only an act Of per-
sonal injustice, but a grave political
mistake. There is absolutely nc
room for the sectional issue in this
case. Mr.. Raymond has represent,
ed, and satisfactorily represented
the whole Of the great territory
His labers have been devoted to its
interests as a whole, snd no south
Dakota man could be more impair
tial or more earnest in the pursuiI
Of the general good. 1t was the sec
tional issue and the bitter factiona
fight springing out of it that SO long
made the wishes Of Dakota utterly
inconsequential at Washington, and
practically nulliied all influence o
the territory with congress and til,
government. Probably that issue
Is better quieted and that contes
kept more completely in the back,
ground in national action with re.
gard to the territory by the courst
Of Mr.. Raymond than by anything
else. TO remov him now, and dc
it for sectional reasons, and by a
geographical division Of forces, is II
certify that Dakota shall be imln
tent in the future, and to furnish
the best Of pretexts for denying
what she may have to ask. From
every point Of view Mr.. Raymond
has earned a denomination and
reelection. The refusal Of thes'
would be a folly and injustic,
that could but act for evil upon al
portions Of the territory alike.