Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-12-22

The KIND ut Seuafor THAT shSrin br Eivrica.
Upon The Republican members Of the
neyt General Assembly, who will com
prise q majority OH ioint ballot Of the
two houses, will devolve the duty Of
electine . successor to United States
Senator. George Gray, whose term ex-
pires on the fourth day Of March, 1892
Senator Gray Is one Of the leading
figures in the Senate. Fog years he
has been conspicuous for his ability,
his statesmanship, and his comprehend
siyc grasp of the many grave questions
that constantly eoua before Congress.
intellectually, aud In every other
respect, no has proved Sthe peer OF the
very pick Of his follows, and thus
has ever ably maintained the bril-
liant reputation of his native State Of
always having at least ono Senator who
was the equal OF the biggest and
brainiest member of the body.
On this account, the duty Of select
ing Senator Gray's successor becomes
one of great delicacy, as we'll as of ex-
ceeding Importance. OF course, the
new Senator must he Republican, for
the people have voted that way; but it
should be the aim of those upon whom
the responsibility of the succession
rests, to select the man who will come
nearest to measuring up to therequire-
ments Of the high station, MS so con-
spicuously defined by Senator Gray.
Starting from this point of view,
many names that have thus far been
suggested for the office must be dis
missed without an instant's considera-
ton. 1t is no injustice, and in no
sense disparaging, to say that the Re-
publican party of Delaware cannot pro
duce man who is Senator Grays
equal in all the attri butes that have
made. him so conspicuous as great
national figure. Tho only thing TO 90,
therefore, is to come as noar as possible
to matching him. And in dpipg this,
the choice will necessarily DO restricted
to an unusual degree. The Delaware
Republicans who can be considered as
even approaching Senator Gray in in
tellectual caiibre and craftsmanship can
be readily pointed off on the fingers of a
single hand.
With the great object in view OF
, preserving the reputation and choicest
traditions Of the State, the Republican
members of the next General Assembly
should approach the duty Of electing
Senator Gray's successor. They should
resolutely put aside all feelings of fac
tional advancement or personal profit.
They should meet in conference for
the sole purpose of choosing Senator
who will reflect honor upon the State.
Naturally, this win relegate to the rear
some Of those most conspicuous in the
disgraceful scramble now in progress
for the high office, and trample upon
the presumptuous aspirations Of those
who regard this choicest gift within
the bestowal of the people of Delaware
as mere reward for party services, OF
prize in the pool Of q political lottery.
But the State will be the better off,
and the people the better served, il
this end shall be attained.
Will the Republican members Of the
next General Assembly approach the
grave duty now confronting them in
this spirit, and with the sole intent
of honoring the State and its people ir
the selection for Senator that they may
makef II not, it will be better fol
them to follow the precedent set b.
their fellows four years ago, and let thu
session come to an end without an,
Senator at all. Rather a vacancy II
the Senate than an ignoble selection