Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-08-26

whose interests mad suffered through
filibustering delays in Congress. His
counting Of a quorum OF representa-
tives present and refusing to answer to
their names was a signal achievement
for the Maine compeller. He had the
satisfaction later on Of seeing some of
his ideas about speakership preroga-
tivcs practically adopted by his party
opponents.
PHILADELPHIA LEDGER.
The American Congress thus loses
it's most interesting and attractive
personality, the foremost American
statesman now in congressional ser
vice His public career has been un-
sullied, and his leadership in Congress
from first To last has been of the able
viriie. courageous, undaunted, resource
full and brilliant quality which marks
American statecraft in its best estate,
and gives worth and the highest SER
vice in American political life. He was
easily our first parliamentarian. Mr..
Reed has the gift Of incisive, epigram-
matte telling oratory, which challenges
the attention and sways the judgment.
He was wisely conservative in the use
Of his weapons, and was heard only
there was something weighty left I'M
said by his compcers. When the crisis
demanded demolishing blow he did
not hesitate to deliver it, Few Of our
contemporary statesmen have 50 thor
oughly enlisted the attention of their
countrymcn when the hour demanded
that the fitting and impressive word
should be spoken. Mr.. Reed has been
a partisan. but his craftsmanship always
yielded to the superior claims Of pa
triotism. lie leaves the scene Of his
great triumphs as dcbater, counselor
and leader followed by the respect, af |
lection and admiration Of political |
friends and foes. 1t is unfortunate that |
he has taken this step on the eve of |
the settlement Of some Of the most inn
Uortant public questions Of this genera
ton His services and guidance in his
party councils in Congress at this
juncture would be priceless.
BOSTON HERALD.
1t IL certainly to be hoped that MI.
Reed will supplement his very brief
letter resigning his seat in Congress
with a public statement giving his rea-
sons for his retirement from public
sons are essentially OF private char
acter. and that he is not bound to set
them forth. Nevertheless. the public
would very much like TO hear further
from him on the subject. His career
in public life has been long and dis
and he owes it to his many
admirers to give them a more graceful
parting word than is contained in his
threeline letter of resignation. 1t is
only reasonable to look for some sup
Elementary remarks in one form or an
other from Mr.. Reed.
'l. PITTSBCRG DISPATCH.
Thomas y. Reed is one of the strong
4st figures in recent American political
history. As speaker he made lasting
impress upon parliamentary usage. As
a member on the floor in the coming
Congress he could have been a power.
His opposition to expansion, as well as
to certain politico- financial jobs. pend
ing before Congress is well known to
the country. No doubt the divergence
u his opinions from the apparent poll
cies of the administration for which
his party is responsible led to
his retirement from public life, though
|
on that account. 1t is even more GER
tain, however, that his retirement will
be Of great advantage to him person
ally. for while the practice of the law
may be less congenial than the con
gressional field, TO a man of Mr.. Reeds
talents and character it will be far
more profitable.
NEW YORK MAIL AND EXPRESS.
With the voluntary retirement of
Thomas Il. Reed from the seat in Con
gresS which he has ocr upied for %
years as the representative of the
First District of Maine there ends q
legislative career which has been CON
spicuously active, honorable and use
full. Mr.. Reeds name and influence
are inseparably associated with all the
great questions which have come for
ward for congressional discussion dur
ing that long and evcntful period the
imprint of his virile personality is in
delibly stamped upon the history of
The important controversies in which
he engaged and he withdraws from
The scene of those fierce activities with
a record for honesty. courage and
craftsmanship which
commands the admiration and graft
tude of his countrymen. Mr.. Reed is
to locate in this city for the practice of
aw. and both he and New York are to
be congratulated. He will find here
the most inviting field for his profess
Sional talents and his social qualities
In this instance Names loss is New
orks gain. |
BROOKLYN STANDARD-TNION.
Mr.. Reed will leave his native State
10 become a citizen of New York
What is the Pine Tree States loss is
the Empire states gain. and the ex-
speaker Will receive cordial welcome |
hat Will make him feel he has always
lived here. In leaving the Congress
Mr.. Reed also leaves politics Here
litter he will devote his undoubted tai
Hnts strictly to business and the re-
pairing of his fortunes, which have
suffered through his long and faith
ul devotion to the public service Mr..
Reed Is today poor man. though an
able one. He has been many years in |
public life, but not a shadow of scan
ial attaches to his name His public
'areer, has been like his private life
and acknowledgements 7,