The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-10
POLITICAL GOSSIP.

The fall campaign is already showing
signs of vigorous life. In a few weeks the
watch fires will shine from every hill in the
state and both parties will be in the throes
of another political battle. When the leg
islature adjourned last February common
c'aration among politicians was that they
would retire from the arena forever. The
long and tiresome fight had exhausted en-
ergies and ambitions. The grateful rest
following returned new vigor to their
frames and now they are again found at the
front ready to begin the fray anew. The
consensus of opinion is that the campaign
will be a very warm one. On the democrat
ic side there is much activity. The "big
four" will present a united front. All are
enthusiastic to send democratic congress-
man to Washington and no efforts will be
spared to win a decisive victory. This feel
ing is particularly strong on the west side.
The democracy and large independent
element feel that Montana's representation
at Washington should be changed. There
is no way to remove the pretenders in the
United States senate before their terms are
finished but democratic congressman can
and must be elected.
A word about Mr.. Carter. The general
feeling over the state that he is congress
sonal failure is easily explained. To be-
gin with, what has he done3 Absolutely
nothing beyond securing the passage of two
bills, one of which provided two new land
offices and the other securing to the state
certain furniture, etc., belonging to the
United States under territorial govern
ment Out of the avalanche of bills which
he had on hand at the opening of the ses-
sion these two have gone through. His Ell
forts to secure public building for Hell
ena have thus far proved fruitless. Men
familiar with national legislation say that
this building could have been secured il
our congressman had possessed either in
fluence or a fair knowledge of Legislative
methods. In the meantime many
cities of 5000 and 10000 inhabitants IN thu
east have secured public buildings with lit
tie difficulty. Here is Helena, the capita
of Montana, the greatest and most I'm
portant center in stretch of 1000 miles o
country to be deprived of public building
because our representative did not know
how to Get it. 1t should be remembered II
this connection that Mr.. Carter had unusu
al opportunities for new congressman
He grew chummy with Mr.. Reed when tn
speaker was stumping Montana. IL
entered the house as single congressman
from a new and great state and by virtu
of his position alone was situated to max
himself an influential factor in legislation
Unlike territorial delegate his field 70
usefulness was not confined by usages G
the house. He was particularly favored b
the anti-silver speaker, receiving one of til
best chairmanships to be had in return To
, which he sacrificed silver by assisting Ree
: to the speakership. The favor of tn
? speaker is great piece of fortune for
i new congressman, but in this instance
: has resulted in no benefit to Montana.
+ congressman reaches distinction throuQ
n unusual gifts for debate or orat6ry, or
a his success in getting bills through IN Il
{, interest of his constituents. Mr.. Cart
'. has made no reputation in either of the
it ways. OF course he has been in congre
g. only year, and it would be unfair to con
y pare his term with that of past delegate
,e but it is fair to compare the first year
a. each term. During the first year OF
as long and honorable career IN congress Nj
IS. Maginnis secured the passage of numero
y, bills Of great import to Montana. In add
al ton he made a national reputation as
be orator and debateE. Gov. Toole was hard
v in his seat before measures for Montana
On benefit went through congress and ii
ON never ceased until his term was finished.
to single speech ON the admission Of Monta
II TO statehood made for him a national rel
-, ,lv..,x fae q
II qualities that 60 10 mako reputation, a
b If hs has done anything even in the or
~ laasy liuss ipg Montana ~ result Of