The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-10-26

Il WISH TO say few
AN/ words to those citizens
OF Republican leanings
who expect to vote for
the reelection of President Mckinley
but who might in some instances
be misled into falling out of line
for the Republican nominee for con-
gress in this district. The time has
never been when congressman with
postoffices to apportion was able to
please everybody; nor is condition
of unrest resulting from a great labor
strike, now happily ended in we'll
deserved victory for the toilers in ou,
mines, the best condition in which the
question of electng a representative in
congress may be, as it should be, ap-
preached calmly, intelligently, and in
freedom from prejudice>e or bias. Yet
we believe that there is sufficient COM
mon sense among the voters in our
county to enable the polling of ver-
dict. one week from Tuesday, which
shall represent their well considered
and thoughtful choice, expressed with
clear view toward their own and the
country's best interests.
The record of William Connell in
congress covers the most eventruI
period in American history since the
momentous days of the war for the
preservation of the Union. First elected
in 1896. he was among those who re-
sponded to the call for an extra sas-
sion of congress. and he was among
those who. in answering that CALL
helped to enact the present Protective
tariff measure, which has been the one
great instrument of restoring industrial
activity, commercial confidence and a
solvent condition of the national rere-
nues. In the deliberations of that extra
session Mr.. Conncl took punctual
and faithful part. He missed no i'm
portant days session. was absent at
no important roll-call: and by vote and
counsel did what he could Then fol-
lowed the dramatic episode of the de-
struction Of the Maine, which churned
into passion the popular feeling that
was already portendng Il recourse to
arms. Looking backward, who does not
see now how wise, prudent and states
manlike Was the attitude of William
Mckinley in resisting, as long as he
could. the clamor which sought to
plunge the nation into immediate hos
tility without preparation? This clamor
swept many congressman off their feet.
rhe warlike fever took hold of Repub-
leans. as well as Democrats, until at
times 1t seemed that open mutiny
would follow. There was one member
who kept his head. There was one
member who never wavered in his sup
port of the president. There was one
member who tlatly refused to take part
In a movement among the Pennsylva-
MIA delegation to break over the traces
and snub the chief executive by voting
TO reoognize the independence of nom
existent Cuban republic. When war
came that member did not finch: but
in the seething turmoil, just prior to
Its declaration, he stood like a rock by
the captain in command, That man of
loyalty was William Connell.
Great problems grew out Of the war
"hN ''hN 'Ni'iV NoH6lSSS 'OIlSlutt-
alton, There were times when the
party column weakened and wavered;
when again the standard of revolt was
lifted on tho Republican side. The rep
iresentative of the Eleventh district
was not among those who had to be
'coaXed or pushed to do his duty. He
was present at each emergency and his
vote came without solicitation. 1t is
not fiattery, but justice, to call the
public's attention to these facts of rec
ord. The president has need of such
support In congress. 1t Is body whose
membership invariably includes some
men easily ratified. scared or led
astray. With a margin of control so
small that the slightest detection might
at any time defeat the most carefully
formulated policies of the admlnistra-
tion and practically nullify the verdict
of the presidential election, It is vitality
important that Republicans who tam
be depended upon day by day and hour
by hour should be sent to congress to
uphold the president and the principles
he represents. 1t is not time for ex-
rAximent; 1t Is not a time for the salts