The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-11-03
AS VIEWED IN WASHINGTON.
An Estimate Of the Services Of Con-
gressman Connel1.


The following personal letter. received
BY the editor Of this paper from a
well-known correspondent at the ma
tional capital not being intended for
publication, sheds all the more light
upon the subject Of which It treats.
Washington, D. c., Oct 2s.--To people in
Washington who know Representative Connell,
his defeat In the pending election. happily not
regarded possible, would seem little short Of
political madness. From every standpoint he ID
entitled to the earnest support Of every Re.
publican voter and every other voter inde.
pendcnty Of party affiliaton, in the Eleventh
district.
As man, citizen, representative, he Ia entitled
to their confidence and respect. Ills private and
public life in Washington has been above rs.
proach. Charitable and Just as a man, public
spirited a. citizen, conscientious, faithful, 10y.
al as a representative, he has been diiigent, un.
firing, prompt In the discharge Of his ofhcial
duties. The most exacting committee work al.
ways found him, whether sick or we'll, at his
post.
He was indeiatigable In this sphere Of useful.
ness. lie was always at work, and people ought
to understand that committee work, when con.
scientionsly performed, Is the most arduous and
vexatious Of all congressional work. It Is an
obligation that very few representatives in con.
the people. The average member Of congress
wants to make speech and he wants to make
several speeches. He seeks fame through the
broad columns Of C Congressional Record. He
may spend his days and nights in riotous living
He may be an examplar in everything that dis
credits private or public life, but a speech in
the Record covers a multitude Of fragrant trans
gressions.
Mr.. Conncll was not Of this sort. His days and
nights were spent in studying public questions
and in unremitting toll for advancement Of his
constituency. People, hero who knew him inti-
matcly say that he never knew an idle moment.
No man in congress has been more punctual In
the performance Of his public duties. What.
ever the weather. whatever the occasion. what
ever the condition Of his health, he was in his
seat in the house or employed In important and
vexatous committee work.
Fidelity to duty was the first consideration
with him. For that reason he found no idle
moments. That he has discharged conscientious
ly. intelligently and with exceptional alacrity
every obligation as a representative cannot be
disputed.
So well is it known in Washington that his de.
feat would be accepted as a public calamity.
His high character, his modesty, his culture, his
broad mindedness, his catholic spirit, his unset
fshness, his excellent judgment attracted the
personal friendship Of President Mckinley. He
trusted him with his confidence, sought his opin.
ion, relied upon his judgment and he was an
oft invited and always welcome guest at the
white house.
Mr.. Connell's real usefulness in public life
has Just begun. The Eleventh district ought to
send him back to congress without opposition.
The interests of the people, 1t seems to one who
knows Mr. Connelrs usefulness and value as a
representative, demand his reelection. "Well
done, thou good and faithful servant" should
be platform enough for every voter in his