The Portland daily press., 1899-04-21


gress was a universal topic of CONVEX.
sation III Portland yesterday. The
rumors which had been heard from New
York the first OF the week haa made little
impression in this city, because snch re-
ports have frequently been put out in
times past, and have not been justified by
the event. But the news In yesterday
mornings PRESS, confirmed by personal
dispatches received the evening before,
left no room for doubt, and the announce.
ment was reluctantly accepted as true.
Everywhere there were expressions Of sor-
row and regret that the First District
was to lose it's representative. ReIubli-
cans and Democrats alike have been
proud of the distinction that MIR. Reed
has conferred upon the district and the
state, and many words of regret were
heard that Names famous delegation
had been so sadly broken into, first by
the death of Mr.. Dingley and now the re-
tirement Of Mr.. Reed. But 1t was with
out exception the opinion that Mr.. Reed s
Judgment in the course he had taken was
not to be questioned. His long and
arduous labors In the p ublic service en-
title him In the opinion OF all, to devote
his energies to his own private interests
and the interests of his family. 1t Is evil
dent that he has not used the oppor-
tunities afforded by bis high position to
make money, and this fact alone causes
much sympathetic approval of his course
from those whose regrets at his retirement
are keenest.
1t is understood that Mr.. Reeds imme-
diate family have long wished for him to
leave public life. They have been better
able to understand the arduous nature of
his public service. than have the public,
who have been deceived by the unfailing
good humor of the great Speaker into be-
lieving that the position, SO trying for
others, was to him bed of roses The
position is one of exceeding great diff
culties and responsibilities, and MIR. Reed
has held it for three full terms, which
equals the longest service of any OF the
Speakers, If exception be- made of one OF
two OF the very early inoumbents, in the
days when the responsibilities OF the Office
were much lighter. He has held 1t
through very trying and important
when history has been made, and there
lore times exceedingly difficult for the
presiding officer. Although his ability
and integrity are now recognized and ap-
plaudsd everywhere, there have been
seasons when he has been the target of "a
virulent abuse as ever fell to this lot of q
public man. These facts have led the
immediate mem befs of his family to fe el
that he had earned the right to retire from
public life, and devote himself to his per-
sonal affairs.
There seems to be reason for believing
that MIR. Reed has for long time sym
pathized with this view, and that from
time to time he has considered seriously
propositions to return to the practice OF
law. But hitherto the occasion has not
come when it seemed TO him that he
could retire without leaving his work I'M
done and his associates in difficult es.
After the Fifty first Congress he could
Republicans who needed his leadership,
and who, under its direction, became in
1895 again triumphant In the House.
But at the present time his party Is In
full control in all branches of the govern
ment. The House of Representatives is
Republican, and it would gladly have re-
elected him by reclamation next Deem
Der. With the skies as clear for his party
as they ever are for any party, with no
personal humiliations to tinge his reflec-
tions with bitterness, MIR. Reed has
chosen for his retirement time at once
happy for himself and for his fame. There
is reason to believe that MIR. Reed had
practically determined upon this step be.
fore the adjournment of Congress. Many
who heard and admired his brief but ad-
mirable farewell address when the House
adjourned, will see in its words more than
temporary farewell:
"In laying down for the third time the
insignia OF my office which has but one
superiorland no peer. might perhaps
lairly congratulate myself upon having u
great opportunity to administer an office
in the fashion of the noble woids KIN own
to our law. without fear. favor or hope
of reward. Where have succeeded am
sure to have your final approval; where
have failed am sure you have given me
credit for honorable intentions.
Notwithstanding the differences of
opinion or Of party you have given your
confidence In all which pertained to my
duties here in manner 30 full and ample
that my memory of 1t will never pass
away. When 1 compare the opportunity
YOU have given,me with what has been
possible To do l now ses how much l need
YOUR kind Endorsement of today for which
| rstur, you my thanks and gratitude
with pleasant memories of your past
whica | shall always cherish, and best
wishes for your future, which | shall al
WHY'S entertain. now declare this House
adjourned without day