The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1905-12-22
A TRIBUTE TO sPARkMAN.

Wants Him Returned to Congress
Very Popular in Tampa.
From an article of some length in
the Tribune on the subject a day or
two ago may be drawn a very correct
idea as regards the congressional sit
uation in the first Florida district
That papers suggestion that Con-
gresham Sparkman is entitled to
unanimous democratic denomination
doubtless voices public opinion with
accuracy. Coming from such a source,
from a paper which preferred another
candidate in the last campaign, the
statement has peculiar force.
1t is understood that Congressman
Sparkman is a candidate for renom-
ination, and it is absolutely undoubt-
ed that he will be triumphantIy sue
cessful. The only possible remaining
question is whether the campaign will
be marred by the quasi candidacy of
some other aspirant or whether it
shall take the shape of a proper trib-
ute to the character and services of
a man who has deserved everything
of his constituents.
In reviewing the services of the
congressman for the several terms he
has been in the house it is impossible
to detect an instance or occasion in
xyt,i he hoc no
terests of his constituents-singly or
collectiyely-or one in which he has
not safeguarded or promoted those in
terests as the circumstances demand
ed. 1t is not too much to say that,
broadly considered, Congressman
Sparkman has not made a mistake,
nor ever been found lacking in ag-
gressive and effective push when it
was needed. In view of these circum-
stances it needs no volume Of words
to set out the proposition that he
should be accorded denomination
without the slightest opposition. His
value to his constituents and his abil-
ity to promote their interests grow
with his length of service. This is a
fact attested by universal experience,
was laid by his supporters in the on
ly campaign in which he has encount-
cred opposition that was intended to
be serious.
The people of Tampa, his home city,
are especially indebted to Congress
man Sparkman for his able work in
their behalf. of which it is not now
necessary to enter into particulars.
He was fully redeemed and performed
every promise he has made them, even
in the face of what seemed tremend-
Gus obstacles. There is every reason
to believe he will continue able and
willing to extend the same good work
And this not only for Tampa, but for
every corner of his district. His men,
bership of the rivers and harbors COM
mittee will doubtless be cOterminous
with his membership Of the house, and
it so happens that right in this line
lie the greatest and most imperative
needs of his district and 1t follows as
matter of course, that his willingness
and ability to serve his people will
| not be abridged.
The Times has no doubt that the
suggestion of an un-questiOned renom-
| ination of Congressman Sparkman will
meet the universal approval through
out the district, and it congratulates
both the congressman and people that
such is the case. 1t brings the rela-
| tions between representative and con-
stituents to that basis which is one
| of perfect mutual understanding, con-
| fidence and trust, situation in which
| no man is an outsider or to be dis
regarded, no point or port but its
claims are Of as much weight as any
| others. In short. affairs in the first
| district have reached a stage Of pro-
gresisve equilibrium where every in
| terest can be and is being taken care
! of in harmony with a similar care for
every other interest. 1t would be the
widest folly to attempt to shatter or
disarrange such a condition.-Tampa