The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1900-03-16

nounced that he would not be a candi-
date before Representative McCleary
voted on the Puerto Rican bill in direct
opposition to the wishes of his constitu-
ents. 1t indirectly urges the senator to
reconsider, and assures him solid dele
cations from Brown, Redwood and
Nicollet counties. Great as is popular
condemnation of representatives who
voted for the obnoxious Puerto Rican
tariff bill, their co nstituents should
think twice before deciding to reject
them for that single act. Of course, If
Minnesotas representatives in congress
were to continue to misrepresent the
state on great issues they would de-
serve summary punishment, but an
able representative is not to be found
every day. In looking over the ledger
some attention should be paid to the
long line of credits as against the debit
which is now attracting so much at
tion."
This is good logic. A man should
not necessarily be discarded because he
has made one or two mistakes. If that
was the custom, but few men would be
retained for any length of time in any
position, public or private. Mr.. Nc
Cleary and the entire delegation from
this state have proved themselves far
too valuable in congress to be discarded
for one mistake, even though as in this
case their constituents may deem it a
most serious one. Their mistakes have
been the rare exceptions.
The idea set forth by the Journal
political writer calls to mind story
told of Henry Clay during his early
days in congress. He had supported
some measure before congress that
called down upon his head the unan-
imous disapprobation of his constitu-
ents. He returned home and proceed
ed to look after his political fences. He
travelled over his district on horseback,
everywhere he went and found the peo-
pie against him and not disposed to &C
cept his explanation. AS he was rid
ing along on his way home one day
entirely discouraged over the outlook,
and with mind made up to withdraw
from public life, he met farmer, an
old friend of his, who had always been
one of his faithful supporters. The
farmer had been out hunting and had
his gun with him, an old-fashioned flint
lock. Clay dismounted, and entered
into conversation with him, and gradu-
ally worked it around to his re- election
for congress. But the farmer frankly
told him that he could not support him
again, that he was greatly disappointed
in his cause, and had decided to sup
port some one else. All the argument
ment and eloquence of Clay could not
move him in his determination. Totally
discouraged at the refusal of his old
friend, Clay turned to the gun with the
remark, chat is fine gun of yours.
''Yes, SIR" replied the farmer, sit is
one of the best in the state cit shoots
all right every time, said Clay. Eyes"
replied the farmer. "But, don't it eyer
go back on you, and so disappoint you,
asked Clay. sob, yes, once in while"
said the farmer. ''And what do you
do in that case,'' asked Clay. "Why,
prime it up and try it again, said the
farmer. why don't you do that with
me" asked Clay. The old farmer was
silent moment, and seeing the point"
said: I'VE will, Mr.. Clay, we will.
The story went all over the district and
Clay was sent back to congress and his
constituents made no mistake in the re-
consideration of their minds.