Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1900-04-12

Philadelphia, April 10.-There is
strong movement among the business
men and manufacturers of this city in
favor of the nomination of Philadel-
phian for one of the places of con-
gressmanat-large by the coming Re-
publican state convention. The need
of full representation of this city's in
terests in the lower house at this time
is due to the desire to push several
projects which are under way to ad-
vance the commercial and industrial
interests not only of Philadelphia, but
Of the entire state of Pennsylvania.
There are several matters which will
require the most persistent and ag-
gressive support il there shall be any
hope of ultimate success. The i'm
provements of the harbor of Philadel-
phia, the development of League ISL
and, the advancement of the ship
building interests and the construc-
ton of an immense government dry
dock, such as will make this port the
mecca for all first class ships in these
waters in need of repairs, are but
few of the things which Philadelphians
are advocating and which haveprompt-
ed the suggestion that Philadelphian
be placed upon the Republican ticket
for ono of the nominations for con-
gressman-at-large at the state conven-
ton which will meet at Harrisburg on
the 25th inst.
This is not, as has been represented.
political movement, designed to
bring about the retirement of Mr.. Grow
or any one else. 1t is not based upon
the candidacy Of any individual; for
no one has been agreed upon to re-
ceive the support of the delegation to
the state convention from this city for
the honor. 1t is the outcome Of an
agitation which has been going on for
some time with view to strengthen
ing the delegation from Pennsylvania
in the house Of representatives and for
the purpose of promoting the several
schemes which the leaders of the Com
mercial and Maritime Exchanges, the
Board Of Trade, the Trade League
and other organizations have proposed
for the benefit of the interests of the
city and the state.
TRADES LEAGUE ACTIVE.
Thomas Martindale, president of the
Trades League of Philadelphia, in COM
menting on this subject a few days
ago, said:
If there's one attribute above all
others that this great city possesses
to a greater degree than many cities,
it is in her innate modesty and in be-
ing content to passively submit to
existing conditions rather than to press
forward, and by urging her claims in
season and out of season, thus TO gain
such rights, conveniences and repre-
sentation that her Importance and dig
nifty entitle her to-
Until the election of the Hon. Boies
Penrose to the United States senate. l
believe that no man from Philadelphia
had represented this state in the upper
house of congress for over two gener-
ations. and my memory runs back to
the time when our city had a congress-
man-at-large. The present occupant
OF that position is very able and tall
ented man. He has been in congress
Tor half century and therefore it need
not be said that he must necessarily
be very old, and also it would not seem
to be great hardship if, like the Hon.
John Sherman, who entered congress
about the same time, he should take
a rest and allow some man possibly
more in touch with the changing con-
ditions OF the times, to represent the
interests of our great state and this
great city.
But more than this, the need of the
hour Is for the election of some aggres-
sive, fearless and Industrious business
man to fill this important position, and
he should by all means be selected from
Philadelphia. One who is thoroughly
cognizant of the needs for an almost
sleepless activity in looking out for
the city's interests and rights, as well
as the state; man wealthy enough to
give his whole time to legitimate legis-
lative work, and who would be so in
dependent as not to be compelled to
spend half his time In looking after his
political fences, he should, above all,
be familiar with the city's require
ments that may be necessary to extend