The state journal. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1883-1885, 1884-02-23
The Fourteenth Congressional
District.

D1SDflcU.
We think it not i6opportuno to
call the attention Of the voters in
this district to few facts and sug
gestions pertaing them to from 1872
to 1878, this district was ably and
favorably represented BY ore Of the
district sons, John p. Packer, man
ever awake TO the interest and gen
eral upbuiIding Of bis constituency.
Never were a people more sorely re-
gretful than when this gentleman de-
clined to run for reelection, Chat lie
might better promote his growing
private interests, with bis retirement
the district lost friend whose place
has never been eqnivilently filed.
At that time Notwithstanding the
opposing elements We had repre-
sentation in the United States gov
eminent and in the state He was O
man on whom we could implicitly
rely-eyer vigilant and upulously
guarded as to our proper representa-
ton We regret his retirement. lie
was succeeded b. Hon. John xii
linger, who also is q son of this dis
trlct, and had previously represented
US in congress, generally reasoning
we conclude that Mr.. Kilinger was
favorable representative, but unlike
his able predecessor, did little or
nothing for his colored constituency.
Four years since he was succeeded
by Hen. S. K. Bair, whom we be-
lieve halls from Allegheny county,
we believe Mr.. Barr is Republican
his vote on measures of national
character fully demonstrate this fact,
but if his efforts for the promotion
and advancement Of individual fol-
lowers is thoroughly scrutinized it
will be found that very few colored
constituents have been regarded the
assistance accorded are too meager to
mention, Why this apathy should
exist we are at loss to know, for
surely the colored voter almost to a
man has always been found in the
front ranks during battle shoulder to
shoulder with bare arms, as it were,
showing to the world the sipews Of
war and determination to have the
Republican cause triumph, that we
have not worked and voted in vain
for Republican success, is attested by
our continuous party representatives
in congress for IA or l6 years We
are most on the eve Of a bitter strug-
gle for supremacy and as we look
about us, noting persons and Incl
dents we are favorably reminded Of
the individual and general worth snd
vast popularity Of some Of our native
citizens A young man for whom
we predict grand and brilliant
career, one thoroughly identiieg with
the people and their every interest,
thoroughly posted in state and ma
tional affairs, competent in point Of
ability and surroundings for any trust
the people may confde. We refer
to Mr.. Lyman Gilbert who is q de-
scendant Of one Of the Oldest and
best families of the state, in him we
see the embodiment Of all that is re-
quisite 10 congressman and the
people Of this district might 90 fur
ther and fare worse in 8 selection, be
would more nearly approximate
Hon. J. B. Packer than any one Of
whom we have knowledge. He has
always been a CONSTANT and tireless
advocate Of tbs things that SO nearly
concern us, and his nomination and
election most ultimately redown to
the benefit Of his whole party and
not part as has been too often
the case with some Of our other
elections. With such a man to serve
US we must soon regain our lost
prestige and have accorded to US the
highest encomium for SO able o con
gresham. Thus it is plain that if
the selection is to be made from this
Danphin) county our preference is
Mr.. Gilbert but if from Northumber.
land county, give, Oh! give us back
again our true and tried friend Hon.
]. b Packer, and the guarantee that
this grand old district will give a
tremendous Republican majority is
as plain as the hand writing on the
xua1l