Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-16

AiANiN 10 nv SOOu EcdSOI why tilt
Republican voters in the third con-
gressional district should not be gov
erned in the matter of their repre-
sentative at Washington by the same
practical considerations that would
appeal to a sound and sensible business
man III the conduct of his own private
affairs.
Any business man, who had in his
employ an honest, upright, indus
-rious man, thoroughly devoted to his
interests, familiar with all the details
of his affairs, with a long and splendid
! record of service in his behalf. and
with recognized capacity for the faith
full and efficient performance of his
, duties, would be exceedingly loath to
part with him.
Such a feeling would be natural and
reasonable. A new man could only
attain the same measure OF usefulness
and efficiency as a result of the same
long and careful training. Certainly
any business man, in his sound senses
would not think of parting with such
an old and experienced worker for the
reason that some new and inexperi-
. enced man came to him and told him
he would like the place. ~.
The third congressional district of
Maine has been particularly fortunate
in its representative at Washington.
Governor Burleigh is not only a man Of
sterling integrity, pleasing address and
untiring industry, but he had long
and valuable preliminary training for
the position he now occupies. Few
men ever went to the national capital
from this State with q more thorough
knowledge of it's affairs or a wider
acquaintance with it's citizens. His
record at Washington has been a con-
spicuousiy strong and able one. He is
a man universally liked by, his fellow
congressman, and no man at Washing
ton enjoys wider or closer acQuaint-
ance with government officials He is
recognized as one of the strong or
ganiZers of the national house.
The State of Maine is indebted to
him for the fact that it has four repre-
sentativeS in Congress instead of three.
and the great fight which, he led and
which. resulted in the Passing of the
Burleieh apportionment bill over the
Hopkins bill which WIS reported by Il
majority of the census cNnniIttte, was
>
victories which has been won at the
national capital in recentsyears. 1t at
trtcted the general attention of the
country and gave the representative
from the third congressional district
conspicuous position in yta1ess house. 1t
also achieved results for the State of
Maine which We're of inestimable value
in maintaining its prestige in national
councils.
At the beginning of his work in
Washington, Governor Burleigh was
obliged, as all new members are, to
take places near the foot of the list in
the matter of committee appointments.
He has, however, been steadily adj
vanced until now he is in direct line of
promotion to one or two of the most
important committee chairmanshipS of
the house. In view of this fact it is
not surprising, perhaps, that the sug-
gestion of a change in the matter of a
representative for the district has
fallen exceedingly fiat not only in Han
cock county, but throughout the third
district. The people are entirely salts
fed with Mr.. Bureigh's work and have
a just pride in his record. They APP
preciate the fact that his experience
makes him vastly better able to serve
their interests at Washington intelli-
gently and successfully than could pos
sibly be done by any new man. They
would have to have some more coScnt
reason for a change than that some
other man, however good he may be,
would like the place before they would
seriously consider such a proposition.
Tho one thing that has given the
| State Of Maine its great prestige in ma
tional affairs has been the fact that
our people have seen the value and
wisdom of maintaining efficient men in
Congress for long terms Of continuous
service. This has enabled our repre-
Scntatives to secure positions OF prom
inencc and influence in the affairs OF
national legislation and the result has
been in every way beneficial to our
State.