The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1906-05-25
ATTENTION TO HIS DUTIES.
Congressman French's Indus
try is Extolled.
EXAMPLES TO Be AVOIDED.
Correspondent Tells Of Officials
Who Were Defeated.
From Northwest Press Association

From Northwest Press Association
"That man. French seems to be
working right along as If he had no
opposition, said prominent mem
Der of the House of Representatives
last weekin speaking Of the habit
that has grown up in recent years Of
a great many congressman and Sena-
tors leaving Washington and neglect
ing their public duties to make
ught for denomination. II admire
French's pluck. IT a man comes
here and works like he does and can't
he renomna without a fight, the
sooner he aads it out the better,"!
continued the worthy member.
At this time OF the year there are
from ten to fifty members Of Congress
absent every day from their duties In
Washington. They run out for
day or two IN stumping heir district
against an opponent. And the prac-
tice is not confined to the House. 1t
is often indulged In by prominent
members Of the Senate. Two we'll
known cases of this kind have occurred
during the present Congress. Sena-
tor Berry Of Arkansas, who has been.
in the Senate Is years was absent
from his duties for four months this
session, trying in vain TO keep his
seat. During all this time his duties
were neglected, and his constituents
aud the country suffered TO the ex-
tent that his services were OF value.
Senator Carmack of Tennessee, one
of the most prominent men in the
Senate, has been away from Wash
ington during this entire term, ex-
cept that he came short time ago
to make speech "for home consump-
ton" and left for Tennessee the fol-
lowing day. He spent the whole
session in an effort to retain his seat
against Bob Taylor of "fddle and
bow" fame. Carmack was defeated.
Doubtless the fact that he looked
upon his own success as of more i'm
portance than his public duties had
something to do with his defeat.
In Tennessee and Arkansas the pri-
mary system Of nominating United
States Senators is in force, and In
order to make an effective campaign
of the State 1T is necessary for
candidate to spend three or four
months in going "the rounds. This
is, of course, all very we'll for the
candidates, but the Government and
the people of the State, deprived OF
representation, suffer In consequence.
But to return to the point of the
story. Mr.. French is in constant at
tendance during the sessions of the
House, taking care of the interests
of the people he represents. AS the
ouly representative of a new State,
and one requiring much legislation,
he receives hundreds and thousands
of letters relating to various matters
all of which must be attended to-
Should he follow the example o.
many members of both the Senate
and the House and neglect his public
duties as a representative in order II
look after his personal affairs as
candidate, the interests, he is SEN
here to protect, would suffer in con
sequence. Mr.. French naturally de
Sires denomination by his party
For this, however, he eventually Ia
tends to trust to the people of hi
state, whose interests, he is electet
and commissioned to represent.
Legislation ia the Senate pertain
ing to Idaho is to great extent De
ing held up during the enforced ao
sence of Senator Hepburn from tn
| ocudUc W dCCOUuU VI IliuOsos AAo
still very sick and it may be a wee
or two before he Is able to attend t
his duties again. Senator Heybur
was very busy man and introduce
a great many bills on various subject
in which the people Of his state ar
interested
The day of free passes is over. A
least this is true II the action of tn
Senate on this matter is concurred i
hf the Hhase. The amendmer