Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1898-04-13
SENATOR RILEY ANNOUNCES FOR CON-
GREss

OhESS. I
To the Republicans OF the 18th Con-
gressional District: If an apology from
citizen for announcing his candidacy
for a seat in the United States House
of Representatives were necessary, it
would seem that l could make very
satisfactory one, as have just received
communication from number Of
prominent citizens of Washington
county, asking me to consent to the
use of my name in that connection, and
like suggestions come from others in
several counties in the District ac-
cepted the letter and suggestion as q
very great compliment, and promptly
responded, yielding obedience to the
wish so kindly expressed.
do this realizing that my duties as
State Senator will detain me in Colum-
bus most Of the time from the present
until the early date fixed for holding
the Congressional Convention, and you
are assured that will not neglect the
duties heretofore imposed by my fell
low citizens in order to seek further
promotion.
Therefore, while l will not be dis
interested idle witness of the con test
for the nomination, whatever its ma
ture may be, yet l can take but little
part in it personally, but will cheer
fully abide by your decision and heart
lily support your candidate if another
is chosen.
The present incum bent, Mr.. Van
Voorhis, has entered upon his sixth
year, or third term. If his services
have been of such a character as to
make them indispensa BILE in the future,
you have the undoubted right to COM
mand them during the remainder OF
his life; ami all other candidates will
retire apologizihg, perhaps, for having
failed to SO appreciate them. In this
free country of ours we exercise the
right to serutinize carefully the acts OF
our public servants, and freely criti-
else them, but do not tolerate life ten
ure in Office in many cases except where
extraordinary ability is developed.
Obnoxious as is the third term idea,
our representative, two years ago,
asked for and secured third term in
order that he might show what he
could do under a Republican admins
tration, and we have some of the re.
suits.
Our district is interested in two mag
nificen rivers which should be speed
lily improved in the best, most thorough
and practicable manner SO that with 9
deep water canal they would make
links in chain connecting the lakes
with the gulf, which would be of great
Importance, not only to our people,
but to those of almost every section ot
this great country.
Several public buildings should be
erected by the United States in oui
District in order to facilitate the more
satisfactory and orderly transaction OF
the public business. We have many
other interests of great Importance
and l accept as great compliment
the suggestion of considera BILE mum
ber Of my fellow citizens that shou. c
become their candidate.
Therefore, declaring my abiding
faith in and loyalty to the principle.
of the Republican party, promise
that if nominated and elected / will
endeavor, to the best of my ability, tc
impartially represent the interests O.
all the people of the District, and the
claims of the old soldier, his widow
and orphan shall receive my unceasins
and best efforts.
beg also TO say that do not legart
the right of Congressman to recon
mend others to Office as perquisite t
be used by him for personal advantag.
in trading for votes or otherwise, bu
as duty devolved which should b,
discharged by consulting the wishes O.
the people to be served and the goot
of the public service.
If an appointment is secured, by
represer tative, to office. it should b,
done in the conscientious discharge o
sworn duty. and the person appoint
ed. being entitled to the Office. shoult
not feel under any personal obligation
to the representative for his appoint
ment.
/ am impatient with civil service
and would favor its repeal if it canno
be greatly modified.
Expressing my regret at not beinI
able TO visit every township in the Dis
trict before the convention, because O
my public duties. am
Yours respectfully,
II Riley