St. Paul daily globe., 1888-05-05
RICE'S RETIREMENT.
His DecIinatiOn Of a RenOmi-
nation Sets Politicians
on Edge.
The Democracy Is Not Forget
full Of His Eminent
Services.
Prominent Democrats Discuss
the Question Of Sue
ceSSiOn.
Now Do Congressional Bees
Buzz in Many a Bon
net.

Representative Edmund Rice's declin-
alton of a denomination for congress is
the one theme of conversation among
politicians of both parties. The ex-
elusive publication in the GLOBE yes
terday of his letter to Hon. P. L. Kav-
anagh, chairman of the Fourth district
Democratic congressional committee,
set politicians on edge. 1t also set to
buZZing enough congressional bees to
establish political apiary of large pro-
in this large and growing community
are not going begging by any means.
Those who would decline nomination
were it rendered them, and it may be
stated that they are few, have
friends who they think could hold
down a chair in the national
house of representative acceptably to
the people Of this district, and discus
sion of the question Of succession is al
ready in full blast. Among the Repub-
licans there is one who can invariably
be depended upon to bob up as candi-
date tor almost anything that is going.
The individual referred to is Loren
Fletcher, of Minneapolis. A congress
SlOnal bee as large as wild turkey has
been buZZing
IN LoREN's BONNET
for several scores of moons. His name
has come before every Republican con-
vention held in this district since terri
tOrial days, and when Mr.. Fletcher
read ip the GLOBE yesterday that
Representative Rice had decided to
put away the congressional crown, he
took the first train from Minneapolis
for st. Paul, and on arrival here sought
out that astute Republican wire-puller,
Sam Nichols. The two went into ex-
ecutive session i'll a corner of the ro-
tunda of the Merchants, discussed
Loren'S availability as a congressional
candidate, concluded it was too early to
do much more than lay few pipes, and
then adjourned subject to the call of
Loren, who was chairman of the meet
ing.
AS to how Congressman Rice's pro-
posed retirement from political life is
regarded by prominent Democrats, the
following expressions of opinion on that
and also the subject of succession are
quoted. They show that the Democ-
racy of the Fourth district is not for
getful of the eminent services of Mr..
Rice in congress, as we'll as the fact
that the burden of such an important
office is heavier than he can be expected
to carry much longer. Ali the honors
there are in election to congress Mr..
Rice has had already: a reelection,
which he could have without asking,
would add nothing to them in the least.
Now that he has declined. it is probable
that a younger man will be chosen. AS
to who is considered by some to be
available, the following will show:
HON. P. H. KELLY.
'The positive language of Congress
man Rice in his letter to Chairman
Kayanagh cannot be miSconStrued,"
Hon. p. III. Kelly said, land the Democ-
racy must look for another standard
bearer in the congressional campaign
which is at hand. Congressman Rice's
services to the Fourth district cannot be
overestimated. He has labored for the
Interests of his constituents with great
faithfulness and accomplished more
than new members usually do. Having
been honored with place on the appro-
priations committee, he has had ey-
ceptional advantages, and even his
political opponents must acknowledge
that he has made the most of the oppor-
tunitieS afforded him to do good for his
district. But, as stated in his letter of
decllnatiOn, he is advanced in years,
and might not survive another term if
reelected. / saw him during my recent
visit to the national capital, and real
lied then that the burden of his office
was far greater than be could be ex-
pected to bear much longer. His work,
especially in the matter of the public
buildings in Minneapolis and st. Paul,
speaks for itself. and there is little
doubt that he will succeed in accom-
vi ic mr. N1rhn ln or nr1f 10 Il IN {l,o&
direction. That, of itself, is honor
enough for one man, and Congressman
Rice can well afford to retire on his
laurels.
''HiS successor should be man young
and vigorous enough to stand the wear
and tear of hard work and plenty of it.
just where to find such a man is a
problem which the Democracy will find
difficult of solution. However, Demo
Gratis are generally equal to the occa-
sion, and backed by the prestige of Mr..
Rice and his accomplishments in con-
greSs, their choice will come very near
filling the bill, and there is no reason to
fear that the succession will go beyond
the party"
CHAIRMAN KAvANAGH.
'No one regrets the withdrawal of
Rice more deeply than 10
Alderman-elect P. T. Kavanagh, chair
man of the congressional committee.
said. Ibis letter of declination has
been in my hands several days. | shall
call meeting of the congressional com
mittee and prominent Democrats. Law
the matter before them, and then it will
be decided what it is best to do under
the circumstances. l have not yet fixed
upon the date of the meeting, but it will
be held within a few days.
''AS to the matter of succession. it is
rather early in the season to discuss
that, or even to express an opin- |
ion. However, l have no hesita-
ton in expressing my own pref |
knowing as l do that |
Rice's letter must be
taken as final and that under no circum- |
stances will he consent to again be a
l think several cOmbina-
tions could be made, either of which |
would ensure victory to the Democracy.
n ticket with AmeS for governor and |
Albert Scheffer for congress would dis |
tance any that the Republicans could |
put i'll the field. Scheffer for governor
and Ames for congress would do as
well and be as certain of victory. Put |
ting those names aside, the Democrats |
could elect Eugene M. Wilson with a |
Whoop. Should he not be considered. |
there is p. IL. Kelly, who is popular i'm |
the East. Stronger timber it would he |
difficult to ind. Either of those mem |
toned would make good congressman. |
and If nominated could go into the cam |
paign with reasonable certainty of !
election. However, the convention will |
have all to say about naming a Demo- |
nQ1lIdafn re oh