Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-06-30
Hon. Edward S. Minor.


Eighth district will be called upon to
answer this question. Mr.. Minor is
busily engaged in the performance of
his duties in Washington; and 50 far
as the REPORTER is advised, he has
not expressed wish upon the subject
Of his successor. Certain democratic
newspapers, within and without the
district, have announced that he must
'gO". Whatever this may mean,
republicans will determine whether
Mr.. Minor shall be retained in con-
greSs, if such shall be his desire, or
whether he shall retire at the end of
his present term; and such determin-
alton will be very likely to ''go" upon
considerations relating mainly to the
public welfare. Mr.. Minor has not
been able to satisfy everybody in the
distribution Of the few offices which
have been filed upon his recommend
alton. 1t was simply impossible that
he could gratify all. 1t is quite posi-
bic that in some instances he has
made mistakes. That he acted up
rightly in every case, no fair-minded
man will long diSbelieye. 1t has been
his experience, and we believe that it
has been that of every republican
member of the present House, that in
recommending appointments to the
wit in &c n ictr riat
ter how carefully and considerably
done, he has performed the most
thankless and unpleasant duties de-
volying upon him. A single appoint
ment may please the appointee and
his supporters, while it often OffendS
many others equally deserving, whose
ambitions are disappointed or whose
preferences did not prevail. And
these results are frequently unayOid-
able, whatever selections may be made
Mr.. Minors fate in this regard has so
far been that of almost every other
man now or formerly in like position,
and charged with like responsibilities.
Those who know him best we'll under
stand that in every case he has acted
in the best light Obtainable. with a
firm purpose to secure efficient public
service, and to deal justly with the
people locally interested. Having so
acted, he may well conclude that his
party will be likely to judge him by
4 +l,D Of Ii S,;o I l.
before displaGing him at the instance
of those who sought office, for them
selves or friends, and found it motif
any there are who would, for such rea-
sons retire him to private life.
While the REPORTER believes that
Mr.. Minors recommendations to Office
have been as nearly satisfactory as
any man in his place could have made,
it also believes that such cOnsidera-
tiOnS will and ought, at this time, to
have little influence in determining
whether or not he shall be made his
OWN successor. He is credited by his
colleagues, and others at Washington
having opportunity to know, with be-
ing one of the hard workers of the
HouSe-uniting ability and industry
| with firmness and integrity, in the
discharge of his duties. His useful
ness is increasing, and hisinfiuence as
representative is widening, because
industry and experience are constant
and valuable aids, to one in his posi-
tiOn, who is otherwise equipped and
| disposed to make legitimate use OF
| them. Mr.. Minor has not been a
noisy member of the House: has sell
dom occupied the floor in extended
debate. On occasions, however, he
has addressed the House at length and
with marked credit TO himself. His
work in committee has been untiring
his constant attendance upon the
| daily sessions of the House, his watch.
full attention to the public business
| have made him most useful and val
liable member, and have secured tC
| him respect and credit as such among
those with whom his official labors
and responsibilities are shared. These
| facts are creditable to his constituents
as well as to Mr., Minor. They prove
that the people made no mistake ir
his election, in the first instance
show that he is worthy of the great
confidence which their action towards
him has bestowed. They demonstrate
that his continuance in congress fol
an additional term or terms, if agree
able to him, cannot but be in the
interest of the people. Many excel
lent men there are in the Eighth con
greSSiOnal district. some one of whom
will represent us faithfully when Mr.
Minor shall retire; but it goes without
Il saying that no wholly inexperienced
and untried man can, as we'll as he
aid in solving the difficult problems O
Craftsmanship which a pending for
eign war, the resulting questions o
territorial acquisition and our rela
tiOns with other nations-tO say moth
ing of the attendant questions o
currency and national taXatiOn-Wi
thrust upon the consideration of con
gress and the country during the mex
two years.
The REPORTER therefore move
that Mr.. Minor be chosen to succeed
himself in The next House of Renre