Smyrna times., 1898-09-28
OUR TOWNSMAN COMMENDED.
Views of a Lifelong Democrat on the Re-
publican Nominee for Con-
QreSg.


publican Nominee for Con-
gress.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Sept. 81, 1893.
MEssRs. EDITORS: 1t is seen that Mr..
John H. Hoffecker, a citizen of
Smyrna, and lifelong Delawarean,
has been nominated as candidate for
Congress, suppose l need not say
that I am earnestly hoping for his
election. Two years ago, the writer
took occasion to speak of him as No.
1 man for the Office of Governor, and
to-day it is not only consistent in him,
but quite pleasurable for him to rec
ommend Mr.. Hoffecker to friends as a
candidate for Representative in Con-
gress.
The present Speaker of the House in
speech recently made at Portland,
Maine, said:
"We are passing through transi-
tory period; many questions are to be
met and decided within the next few
years, and some of us do not know how
they will be decided. Perhaps the
only way will be to apply to their
solution sound common sense, and
compare notes with each other. After
all, the solution of all the questions
must be left to the plain common sense
| of the people,"
So, in these times particularly, we
| ought to be careful to select as national
legislation the best men available.
There is no occasion for ''windy" set
speeches, or demogogical declamatiOns
| in Congress. They ''make us tired"
and, besides, consume valuable time,
| accomplish no good, and do positive
| do Ton
| gress who are continually "bobbing
up" and ''bobbing down." like light
corks in deep water. The time and
occasion demand calm, clear minded,
dispassionate, paInstaking, progress
sive, common sense Representatives
who will in discharge of their duties,
conscientiously regard the wishes of
the masses and the best interest of
their country, irrespective of mere
party. Mr.. Hoffecker, notwithstand-
ing his attachments to the policies of
his (the Republican, party would
doubtless be one of these. He is faith
full to trusts, he is honest, he is in
telligent, he is patriotic, and would
ever have in mind the well-being of
his country, State and people, and this
suggestion is well founded, based as it
is upon an acquaintance with him OF
more than forty years.
When the good old man-of Apo
quinimink, maybe-saw his young and
beautiful daughter spend the whole
morning parading up and down the
beach in her bathing suit, he was, to
be sure, grievously hurt. He felt as
sore as our Delaware friends must
feel when they realize how then
present Representative gentle
man from Berlin-paraded last win
ter up and down the aisles of the
"House" at Washington-for show
for talk-opposition for the SAKE
of opposition - 'wild" - prancine
along after the fashion of an untameC
steed-following in the wake of hi
pessimistic leader from Texas, who
generally appeared as the commander
| of ship at sea, without "'rudder, com
: pass, chart or guide" Mr.. Hoffecker
we may rest assured, will not parad,
on the beach. nor will he TINS attemp
address" parades in the halls of Con
gress. In that body, as the Represen
tative of the good old State of Della
ware his course would doubtless b.
: wise, unaffected by either vanity O,
bitterness-in accord with his whole lif
V and character-just such as would com
mand the hearty approval of his fellow
e citizens. He has no weak, ugly, bar
spots; he is clean, keeps his premise
u in order, has no fences beyond repair
0 and need never "trim" or "dress up
:. in fear of exposure. He goes righ
g along, day after day, year after year
attentive to his business and duties
2 and critical scrutiny of his walk
e and works need never disturb him
He is Just the man for the occasion
and if the people generally, being tru
to themselves, would throw little {
political predjudice away-as th
writer in his old days is trying to do
!, and elect a whole ''pile" of John L
l. Hoffeckers to Congress, at this tim'
it would be well, indeed, for the cOul
s. try. We would have nothing fC
l. "Buncombe," but there would be Iii
eral, progressive, beneficial Legislation
e, a canal connecting the Atlantic an
Dl Pacific would in a short time be undt
construction; the Territory of Por
a. Rico would soon be organized; stab
democratic government in Cuba wOul
N early be established; the interest
America in the Philippines would
e amply protected, and the various 9th
D. questions resulting from the Spanis
American war would be speedily al
ID happily adjusted, on broad, compr
D. hensive, and equitable basis. To-da
D. the citizens of this country are posse
sed of fresh dignity, with the imp
u sition of new duties. We are begi
ming a new era in our national life
'h our interests in the world are enhanc,
lg great colonial commercial interests
ls and common necessities require trust
experienced, practical and good M
eh in councils of the Government, wi
ls' may have a potent influence in t
framing and enactment of liberi
healthy laws. There is scarcely roc
for others.
Apologizing for the length of IL
letter, and expressing the hope til
we may be able to greet Mr.. Hoffeck,
ion in Washington, as the Representa-
from Delaware in the next Congress
the Nation, remain, with best wish,
your old Democratic friend and fC
m mer fellow tOwnsman,
en- N. WATKINS.