Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-05-23
Senator Crane to Retire.

The announcement from Washing
ton, Tuesday afternoon. that Senator
w. Murray Crane would retire at the
end of his present term in the United
States Senate, will be received with
intense regret by almost every menu
Der of the New England delegation in
Congress. II has long been under
stood that Senator Crane had ex-
pressed to intimate friends his desire
to retire from the activities OF public
service. but il was believed that he
could be oyerpersuaded, and that
Massachusetts would not suffer. at
this time. the loss Of this brilliant.
loyal and active statesman. on
Tuesday. however. Senator Crane
gave out statement that he would
not again be a candidate for re-
election. 1t was said by those CLOSE
10 Senator Crane that his purpose
had been long cherished and that he
had deferred announcement at the
urgent appeal of strong men in pub
lie life
Those who had chung to Senator
Crane regarded his work as of such
value that they hoped delay might
end in reconsideration. Senator
Cranes term ends March 4, 1913. He
has closed the door to further friend
ly appeal, whether in behalf of his
party or of the public service, and he
steps aside thus early so that the
field may be opened wide for those
who desire to succeed him in the Z.
S. Senate from Massachusetts.
The retirement of Senator Crane at
his time of life, while at the apex of
his activities and usefulness, is in
deed regrettable. BY reason of his
wide experience. large executive abil-
ity, rare diplomatic skill. and striking
capacity for handling men. in addi-
ton to sound business Judgment, un-s
swerving integrity, unfailing kindli-
ness and. withaI, his loyalty to the
best interests of the public, he was
eminently. at this day. the strongest
figure of the New England delegation
in Congress, if not of the entire coun-
try II is not only possible but quite
probable that Senator Crane has no
peer in United States Senate as an
organizer and as keen, careful
Waterman of the cause and effect of
legislation.
In the Senate Mr.. Crane has been
connected with prominent committees
such as that Of interstate commerce.
postoffice committee, and committee
on rules of which he was chairman
As chairman of this latter committee
he practically was the directing force
of the whole committee for this pur-
pose from both houses and as such
had charge of the Inauguration Of the
President and vice President. Thus
the last public service of Senator
Crane win be as chief person in
Washington, having direction of the
inauguration of the next President,
whoever that may be.
1t is expected that Senator Crane
win retire also from the National Re-
publican committee of which he il a
member. With the exception of the
year 1900 he has been member of
every national Republican convention
| since 1892. This year he was denied
a place by the voters of the state,
| through mismarked ballots. Senator
Crane has long had much to do with
politics, state and national. and he
has ever in a quiet way done effec-
tive work for his party and his state.
lie has had several offers to enter
| the cabinets Of Presidents but has
steadfastly refused. as he has re-
fused requests to take charge of ma
tional campaigns.
Senator Crane is still under the
three score mark and has the promise
lof many years to enjoy private life
land the honors which he has truly
land nndeniably earned. He was
In -,