The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-02-23
CURTIS TELLS WHY.
Explains Motives For Being Candi-
date For Congress.

Congressman Curtis told in Washing
ton recently why he is a candidate for
congress. He said:
There are numerous reasons why I
am a candidate for reelection at the
hands of the Republicans of the First
Kansas district. I have represented
the First Kansas district only one term
and that district has had at my hands
all of my time and the benefit of my
experience gained in previous con-
crosses. 1t is difficult and intOlerant to
praise ones self, yet the record have
made and the results have accom-
plished for the district and the state
speak for themselves. 1t seems to me
that what the people of any congress
sional district desire and what they
should have is a representative who can
achieve results. These results in the
national legislature are possible only
to those who have served therein for
some time
The position held for years in con-
gress by the Maine delegation, and the
position now held by the Iowa delega-
ton, are instances of what 1 mean. In
my work in congress 1 md that the
longer am mere the greater the IN
fuence 1 can command and the greater
the results I can accomplish. Now,
do not mean to say that these same re-
some other man. That is not my idea,
but 1 do want to say that the man who
is serving his first term is not SO val
liable to his district as the man who is
serving his SGCOHQ lSIID, anu 81 OL Let
it be known, too, that a district is in
Variably a one or tWO-term district and
the representative from that district is
soon aware of obstacles in his work
which he can not overcome.
4 am not ashamed of my record or
of the results which I have attained for
the people which 1 represent. If deVO-
ton, industry, zeal and patience count
for anything, l believe my claim for
denomination will be recognized. To
this, however, it should be added that
L have made sacrifices of personal in
terestS and the consideration of this
fact has Influenced me to an extent
in seeking denomination. 1 have, while
in congress, devoted myself entirely to
the interests of my constituents and of
my party My private business has been
ruined, or so much demOralized that it
would require time to build it up.
have given my best efforts to the well
fare of the district in congress. I have
worked myself up from the lowest
round in the congressional ladder until
now I can truthfully say that 1 am of
some use to those who have sent me
here and whose interest it has been,
and still is my earnest desire to serve.
Perhaps, after all, when it is ana
lyzed, the motive which prompts every
man to seek election or reelection to
Office was founded in selfishness. Yet it
seems to me that an intelligent people,
in making choice of a representative,
will choose him whose record proves his
efficiency and his value to them. I trust
I am not earning criticism as an egotist
or as lacking in dehcacy when place
myself in the hands of the Republi-
cans Of the First Kansas district on
these grounds.
Had my public duties permitted I
should have been glad to have returned
home for the primaries, but several
matters were pending before the COM
mittee Of which I am a member, which
are important and which required my
presence here. There is. also, now
pending before the house one of the
most important measures which is like
" to come up at this session. During
should be on hand so that there shall
be no mistake. as the result of the bill
will determine to a large extent the
policy of the party in the coming cam
paign."