The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-04-25
CURRENT COMMENT.
MIR. REEDS RETIREMENT.
Washington Post.)

If it he true, as stated, that Hon.
Thomas Is. Reed has resolved TO leave
Congress and to take up his residence in
New York City, we feel bound to say that
the metropolis has gained in the arrange.
ment all that Congress and the country
have lost. There cannot re the slightest
doubt that MIR. Reed will become IL
bright ii not the brightest, ornament Of
ths New York bar. lie is "a man of great
learning, If overshadowing intellect, and
of IA comp ling force that we have seldom
been equaled or even approached in the
from Congress will be IA serious injury to
national legislation and operate painful
break In the machinery of the Republican
Party.
We hear it suggested that his return to
private life will strengthen the admins
trstion by divesting it of IA discordnnt
quantity. Nothing could be more absurd.
There has been vast deal of outside com
ment and speculation To the effect that
MIR. Reed was not in harmony with the
President, and that his potent influence
served as an obstacle IN the latter's rath.
We cannot take this view of the matter.
Mr.. Reed has always been stalwart and
loyal man. We fail to recall an in
stance in which he acted to the party $
confusion ana distress. But we know,
on the other hand, that he is a pillar OF
strength and an example OF dignity and
force Ii he goes to New York ne will
take with him a brilliancy and power
that VIII win speedy recognition and
bring him both fame and fortune. We
feigned regret, and wish that it might
be otherwise.
(New York Commercial
The probability that Speaker Thomas b.
Reed will leave political life is of much
concern To every one who is interested in
public affairs, and his retirement will be
generally regretted. To no class of people
is the personality and character of che
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Of greater practical interest than TO husI-
ness men. No one, excepting the Presi-
dent himself, has such great influence in
the conduct of national affairs as the
speaker, and if the latter is man of
great force and ability, and more, is noted
for exceptional observation-disclosures and abso
lutte integrity, he Is a tremendous power
IN the interest of good government. Every
candid observer, with ut regard 10 polit'-
cal party, will agree that Mr.. Reed pos
sesses all these qualities The people
have become accustomed to rely upon him
as one who will ALWAYS, and under all ri =
cumstances, exert himself to do all that one
man can accomplish in preserving a safe
balance in times of great public excite
ment.
The commercial and linda strial interests
of the country have great faith in Mr..
Reed. and while the latter's course has
not always commanded unqualified APP
prevail, no one will say that his confidence
has ever been abused. Few public men
enjoy, in equal degree, the reputation for
far sighted common-sense which Mr..
Reed commands. HE has never been
known TO get ratified, no matter what
the emergency, nor has he ever been
charged with getting contrary to his con.
vietions of what was best for the common
interests by any consideration of personal
or political profit. The country is in
debted to Mr.. Reed for many years of
singularly faithful and Intelligent public
service, and 1t is TO be regretted If, as
| now seemsiprobable, that service is to be
terminated.