The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1903-12-31
Our Representative in Congress
Ellsworth Enterprisl

ellsworth Enterprise.
There is no good reason why the Re-
publican voter in the third congress.
sional district should not be governed in
the matter Of their representative at
Washington by the same practical coz
sideratiou that would appeal to sound
and sensible business man In the conduct
of his own private affairs.
Any business man who had in his en-
ploy an honest upright, industrious
man, thoroughly devoted 10 his interests,
familiar with all the tails of his aft ,irs,
with long and splendid record of
service in his behalf, and with recog-
niz d capacity for the faithful and effici-
ent performance of his duties, would
he exceedingly loath to part with him.
Such feeling would be natural and
reasonable. A new man could only at
tain the same measure of usefulness and
efficiency as a result of the same long
md careful training. Certainly any
business man, in his sound senses would
not think of parting with such an old
aud experienced worker, for the reason
that some new ard inexperienced man
came to him and told him he would like
he place.
The third congressional district of
Maine has been particularly fortunate
in its representative at Washington.
Governor Burleigh Is not only man of
sterling integrity, pleasing address and
untring industry, but he had long and
valuable preliminary training for the
position he now occupies. Few men
ever went 10 the national capital from
this State with more thorough knowl-
| edge of its sffirs or a wider acquaint-
anee with its citizens. His record
| ut Washington has been conspicuousy
strong and able one. He is man uni
versally liked by his fellow congress
men, and no man at Washington enjoys
wider or closer acquaintance with gov
eminent officials. He is recognized as
one of the strong organizers of the na-
tional house.
The State of Maine is indebted to him
for the fact that 1t has four representa-
tives In Congress instead of three, and
the great fight which he led and which
resulted in the passing of the Burleigh
spportionmeHt bill over the Hopkins bill
which was reported by majority Of the
census committee, WAS one of the most
notable parliamentary victories which
has been won at the national capital In
recent years. 1t attracted the general
attention of the country and gave the
representative from the third congress
sional distl let a conspicuous position in
the house. Ii also achieved results for
the State of Maine, which were of ines
Unable value in maintaining its prestige
in national councils.
At the beginning of his work In Wash
ington, Governo: Burleigh was obliged,
AS all new members are, TO take places
near the foot of the list in the matter
of committe appointments. He has,
however, been steadily advanced until
now he is In direct line of promotion 10
one or two OF the most important COM
mittee ch4rmanships of the house. In
view of this fact, it is not surprising,
perhaps, that the suggestion of a change
IN the matter of representative for the
district has fallen exceedingly fat, not
only in Hancock county, but throughout
the third district. The people are en-
tirely satisfied with MIR. Burleigh's work
and have a just pride in his record.
They appreciate the fact that his expe-
rience makes him vastly better able to
serve their int rests at Washington in
relligently and successfully than could
possibly be done by any new man.
They would have to have some more
cOgent reason for change than that
some other man, however good he may
be, would like the place before they
would seriously consider such a propC-
stion.
The one thing that has given the State
of Maine its great prestige in national
aft irs has been the fact that our people
have seen the value and wisdom of main
tanning efficient men in Congress for
long terms OF continuous service. This
has enabled our representatives to Sc
cure positions of prominence and influ-
ence In the aft lirs of national legislation,
and the result has been In every way
beneficial to our State.