The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-07-10

David Harum in some men crops out
as it did in his version of the golden
rule, "Do unto others as you would
have them do to you, but do il first
Now, | am not writing this article
as an apologist for Mr.. Fordney, oul
present member in Congress. He
need none, but Is abundantly able to
give to every man that asks reason
for his acts and for the faith that is
in him. But it sometimes does man
good to let him know that his SER
vices are appreciated and that his
work for his country, and his state is
held to be of as much Importance as
is his duty to his immediate constit-
uency.
The high position which Mr.. Ford
ney by his ability in congress has
been able to attain on important
committees and the influence which
he unquestionably Yields in the
great council chamber of the. nation,
marks him as afman whose opinions
are sought and whose influence is
courted And he stands today in
point of ability, in unselhshness and
also in, legislative experience the peer
among Michigan's exceptionally bril-
liant representation in Congress. 1t
Is needless for me to go into the de-
tails as TO how Mr.. Fordney won his
high position in the opinion of his
conferees. But of the esteems in
which he is held by an appreciative
constituency and as to how he obtain
ed that, I will say few words
Close and unremitting application to
the business interests of everybody
in the eighth congressional district
was the basis Of his popularity, and
usefulness. This is broad assertion
but it is literally true. The great
interest of the capitalist and the
pension claims of the old soldier or
the soldiers widow received equal
attention and very many of the old
soldiers and their widows are today
in the quiet and comfortable enjoy
ment of homes which they would not
have but for the efforts of this man
whom they affectionately call 'Joe
Fordney."
But Joe" has offended somebody.
There hasn't been postoffices enough
to go around in some localities,
while in other places the require
ments of the civil service rules have
appointee has failed to answer the
required percentage of questions
and of course "Joe" is to blame for
his failure and he thinks a change is
needful.
While others-less honorable
than those just mentioned-are en-
vious and for envy would retire the
most thoroughly equipped man in
ability, in influence and legislative
experience in the eighth congression-
al district.
One other reason assigned for a
change is that Mr.. Fordney favored
Mr.. Cannon, of Illinois, for presi-
dent. Well, up to the time of an ac-
tual nomination, hadn't he as much
right to be in favor of Mr.. Cannon
for that high position as you or had
to favor Mr.. Taft?
And be it said to the everlasting
honor Of Joe FordneE that he, was
loyal to his convictionA and stood by
his friend to the last. And now that
the nomination is made and Mr.. Taft
is the nominee he will have no more
earnest or loyal supporters in his
fight for the presidency, than "Hon-
est Joe Fordney" of Michigan and
that grand old man from Illinois,
Speaker Cannon.
Mr.. Fordney seeks denomination
If faithfulness in the discharge of
duty counts for anything, he is en-
titled to it. If success in his under
takings is any measure of his fitness
he merits it. If high character and
moral worth are a requirement, he
has them. If all the above are, as
In this case, coupled with the neces-
sary Legislatures experience to fit a |
man to be something beside figure
head in the greatest deliberative
body in the world, then there is no
1oubt that on the first day of next |
September Joseph w. Fordney will |
De renominated to represent the
eighth congressional district of |
Michigan in the next national con-
sress. F. w. Redfern.