The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1910-05-18
"Lest We Forget"


Now that the Filings have been made
by the several candidates for Congress in
the 2S Congressional district of Pennsyl-
yanis, and the name of Joseph C. Sibley
appears with others in the list, some facts
in relation to the Sibley candidacy seem
pertinent at this time.
In his letter announcing that he would
be candidate for Congress Mr.. Sibley
says:
IL have waited many weeks since re-
ceiving your petitions, hoping that some-
one fully equipped for Congressional Ser
vice would enter the field, but none has
volunteered, and so many urging 1t upon
me as duty prompts me to say that l
hereby accept your invitation"
lfMr. Sibley, in the light of events,
were to write over again his letter of ac-
ceptance in response to these numerous
petitions of which he speaks 1t is our
Judgment that he would have remem-
ber ed utterances both public and private
of the most laudatory character which he
paid TO our Congressman, Hon. Nelson
Z. Wheeler. Joseph Sibley's memory
Las grown exceedingly sterile, otherwise
he would have said nothing about the
availability of a candidate not volunteer.
ing for the Congressional nomination.
At the time Mr.. Sibley wrote his letter
announcing that he would be a candidate,
Mr.. Wheeler's announcement had gone
forward. 1t was printed in the newspa-
pers OF the District and it was known
throughout the district long before the
"Sage of Franklin" intended to be cam
didate at the behest of his masters, that
Mr., Wheeler would be candidate for re-
election; and LEST we forget" 1t seems
fitting at this time to recall some things
said to MI. Wheeler by his opponent in
this present contest for the Congressional
nomination.
In 1908, in letter TO the Editor OF the
Franklin Evening News, Joseph c. Sib-
lev, announcing his retirement from the
public service said;
81 believe Representative Wheeler is
entitled TO the respect and confidence of
his constituents, and that he will always
be found on the right side of every great
moral issue, and on public questions will
stand with his party aud is entitled to the
denomination which hope will come TO
him unopposed by any OF my friends"
And speaking editorially on the action
of Mr.. Sibley, the Franklin Evening
News, in commencing upon the above
letter said:
"While many Franklin people, through
municipal pride, will regret that our TEL
low townsman, Hon. Joseph c. Sibley,
will not be a candidate for Congress at
this time they will be only too glad to
support again the Hon. Nelson P.Wheeler
for the place. During the short time he
has been in office Mr.. Wheeler has shown
that he is capable, kind and efficient
representative and as Mr.. Sibley points
out, is entitled to another term"
But, Lest we forget" the attitude
which Mr.. Sibley showed to his success
or, it seems especially timely to recall
what the "Ssge of Franklin" said of Mr..
Wheeler in letter 10 Major Mcdowell
Mr.. Sibley said of Mr.. Wheeler then:
"Mr. Wheeler is man ofcbsrscter and
one who commands my respect and con.
tidence. think he will co operate with
you and all my old friends and Is one
who will be on the right side of all great
questions. | shall he very much pleased
il my friends give him the nomination
without contest"
Joseph c. Sibley is either forgetful of
these tributes of respect ana confidence to
man who has deserved them. or else he
has decided upon bold and daring effort
to rehsbilitste himself in power because
of the interests behind him, In either
case the "Ssge of Franklin" has failed to
appreciate the temper of our people. The
electors of the 2Sth Congressional district
are the peers of those ofany congressional
district in the United States; they believe
in square deal; they believe in honesty
and integrity in public and in priyste
life; and in the case of Mr.. Wheeler. we
believe they will show by their ballots on
the 4th of June that lone good term de-
serves another"