The Somerset reporter., 1899-01-19
The People Mourn.


Tie people of Maine, regardless OF
party or sect, were panied TO hear of the
death of Congressman Dingley, and this
sorrow WIS not confined to the State of
Maine. He had national reputation, n
nations respect and honor, and Il feeling
of sadness ut his untimely death WIS rs
broad as our great country.
Mr.. Dingley was party man but not
blind partisan. He realized the use
and the necessity of parties, and did his
best to shape the course of the party In
wisest ends. He believed in the econo-
mic principles of his party and worked
hard, long and persistently for their
success for the Benefit of his State and
the country.
As chairman of the leading committee
Of the House aud the floor leader of the
majority, he occupied commanding
position in the popular branch at Wash
ington aud did more than any other
member on the floor to bring about the
enactment of the tariff bill that bears
his name, and the financial legislation
necessary to sustain the administration
in peace and in war.
No man in the country was better
posted on economic and financial issues
than Congressman Dingley. His long
training as an active editor and his IA
miliarity with State and National affairs,
as such, placed him at vantage when he
entered congress, which he was not
slow to avail himself of.
Not only was he man Of commanding
ability, but he was a man of morality and
integrity in every way above reproach
or question. Speaker Reed with whom
he held the most confidential political
relations, of him said 1.-The governor
had steadily grown in the esteem, re-
spect and confidence of the House and
of the country, and when his career
closed he occupied position of most
commanding character"
In speaking of MIR. Dingley's death
Senator Hale said: I'm the present
ley's death Is very great national loss
In all questions relating TO finance, tC
the revenues of the country and to the
adjustment of great fiscal questions
Nj. Dingley was above all others il
authority. 1t is difficult to say who car
take his place. He had the contiden,
of his associates in the House, the con
fidence of the Senate, the confidence OF
the President and the confidence of the
entire country. Maine will especially
lament him. Early and late he had de.
voted himself to the interests of the
State and without distinction of party
and her people believed in his fidelity
patriotism and WISDOM
The expressions of coincidence to the
family of Congressman Dingley upon
! his death, were many and warm. There
was constant stream of letters, tele-
grams and cards pouring in at the Ham
iton hotel all day, Saturday. They
were from public men in all stations and
personal friends in all parts Of the coun-
try.
President Mckinley sent very feeling
letter in his own hand writing express
sing his grief and that of Mrs. Mckinley.
The letter was as follows:
Executive Mansion, Jan. IA.
'To Dear Mrs. Dingley:
81 have at this moment learned of the
death of your distinguished husband
and write to express the profound sor-
row which both Mrs. Mckinley and
myself feel for you in your great atilic-
ton.
I'VE mourn with you in this over
whelming loss which will be deeply felt
by the whole country. From my long
and intimate association with him, it
comes to me as a personal bereavement.
great consolation in this sad hour is a
recollection of Mr. Dingley's exalted
character; his domestic virtues; his
quiet, useful, distinguished life, and his
long, continued and faithful service in
behalf of his fellow citizens, who will
always cherish his memory as that of a
great statesman and true patriot.
With sympathy, believe me, always,
sincerely,
civilian Mckinley
Surely great man and good man,
one of Names greatest and best, has
passed from the scene of surprising
J activity and usefulness, and his depar-