The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-01-09
WEDNESDAY. JAN. 9. 1901.
SENATOR NELSON'S RE-ELECTIoN.

burlhS MS nIeume the late Senator
Davis enjoyed the unusual experience of
receiving at the hands of his party
political opponents the highest consider
alton that could be bestowed by them
on any man, no matter how respected,
who differed with them on the great
principles and policies in public life
which they advocated. For many years,
indeed, throughout the greater part of
his senatorial term, Senator Davis en-
joyed the warm admiration and regard
of his Democratic fellow citizens in this
state, and more especially in this city;
and he died as profoundly regretted
and as greatly reverenced by them as
by his warmest political friends and
admirers
It may not be that Senator Nelson
occupies at this moment the remarkable
distinction thus enjoyed by his former
colleague; but it is certainly beyond all
dispute that the entire people of Mime
sofa have confidence, esteem and faith
in an uncommon degree in the public
and private qualities of the gentleman
who was on Monday night decided upon
unanimously by the caucus of Republic
an members of the legislature as his
own successor. Senator Nelson is dis
tinguished above all things by his good
sense. That is the characteristic which
endears him to the people of Minnesota
who know him well, having observed
him closely in politics for good many
years. He is, moreover, less of a parti-
san than most men in mis- position would
feel called upon to be- That of itself
viii always win for him the respect of
those who differ with him in party opin-
ions.
American constituencies like to see their
representatives in public affairs remain
as near as possible to their own general
level. While they recognize and respect
the dignity inherent in the occupancy of
high public station, they do not incline to
reaching too far upwards to get in touch
with those whom they have chosen to
represent them. This necessity Senator
humblest OF his constituents. He is as ac-
cessible today as he has ever been. At
Washington as senator, or at St. Paul, as
governor and as private citizen at his
home in Alexandria, Knute Nelson has
always been the same-friendly, demo-
cratic and unpretentious.
Since the selection of a representative
Democrat to a seat in the United States
senate through the usual channels is not
within the bounds of possibility, the men,
bers OF the party will accept the election
OF knute Nelson as representing as good
choice as might be made under the
circumstances. Whatever action may be
taken by the legislature in choosing a
successor to the late Senator Davis, that
body must be declared to have done right
ly> in re-e!ecting Mr.. Nelson and in keep
ing his right to his seat free from the pos
sible complications attendant upon the
struggle fer the other senatorship.
The class of legislation with which
Senator Nelson has identified himself dur
ing his term in the senate will commend
him to all classes of our people. His sue
cess in securing the passage of a bankrupt
law and his disposition generally to de-
vote himself to such measures as are
promotive of the interests of the great
producing masses is recognized generally,
and win no doubt in the course of time
win for him the highest plane of distinc-
ton in the body of which he is men,
Der Force of character and intellect
such as he is the possessor of, combined
with the conservatism which has distin-
guished him cut of office as well as in,
give promise of high achievement by the
Alexandria statesman Iong before his new
term has expired.