Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-09-24

posing the Morrison and Mills tariff bills
and was also a leading spirit in the prep
aration of the Mckinley tariff bill III
1880.
the great part borne by NJ Dingley II
the resolute fight that was &agcd in tn,
Send Congress against the free coinage OF
silver.
lection Of Mr.. Dingley as chairman Of the
ways and means committee of this Con-
gress, was a glowing tribute to the lat
ter's eminent fitness and rare qialific ,
tions for this important position. The
speaker was impressed with the fact that
this was the fitting thing to do. and that
the appointment would meet with almost
universal approval
The story of the framing of the Ding
ley tariff bill Of 1897 and the tremendous
work performed by Mr.. Dingley, is ex-
ceedingly interesting and valuable. Tp'
triumph of Mr.. Dineicy In securing the
enactment of the bill into "A law, is told
by the author. He writes:
a. Mr.. DingleyS great work was done.
The tariff bill which was destined to be
his great monument, was completed.
Day and night, month after month, with
patience skill and perseverance, he pfc-
pared and put through the great bill
which made his country prosperous and
his name famous forever. He was not
borne out on the shoulders of few
demonstrative politicians as was Mr.;
Wilson in 1891 but a loyal and grateful
people paid homage to his attachments
and the breadth and virility of his
craftsmanship OF the nations illustrious
sons, none ever more truly won his way
by genuine merit than this industrious,
courageous, unpretendinS man.
THE country was not forSetful OF It's
great debt to MIR. Dingley. A man OF
capacity, of thoroughness, of conscien-
tiousness. and large experience, he
brought to the task which Speaker Reed
assigned him as fine a character ana as
have desired. The nation applauded Mi
Reeds selection. and Mr.. Dinsley Justl-
fled that selection. The tariff bill of 1897
bore on every page the imprint of his
knowledge and sound judgment
The story of how and why Mr.. DlnGiey
declined the office of secretary of the
treasury. rendered by President Mckin-
ley. is told with interesting details. Mr.
Dinsley unselfishly gave his services 10
his country when he thought they were
most needed
The incidents surrounding the breaking
out on the war with Spain and the impor-
tant part taken by Mr. Dingey comprise
the whole chapter. and make very inter-
ssting reading. The story is historically
accurate. Then came the framing of the
war revenue bill. and the skill displayed
by Mr.. Dingley in securing its passage
through two houses
Mr.. Dingleys connection with the
Anglo-American commission forms an m
teresting and closing chapter Herein
much light is thrown upon the attitude Of
Mr.. Dingley towards reciprocity.
The story of the death of Mr.. Dingley
and the Widespread mourning, fills the
closing page of this interesting volume.
Altogether the book is an interesting
and valuable story of the life of a man
who gave his genius and his talents for
the benefit of his country. 1t is a valu-
able addition to the list of biographies OF
public men in recent times.
This volume will soon be followed by a
second volume or Appendix" contain
ing selected addresses and speeches by
Mr.. Dingley.