The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1916-05-23
SENATOR POMERENE AND
CONGRESSMAN ASHBROOK

and national legislation. 1t is one
thing to be familiar with the Gins" and
"outs" of parliamentary requirements
and quite another to spend several
terms in acquiring such peculiar know
ledge as will be appreciated by his
constituents.
am reminded of the advantages of
certain Ohio congressional districts,
represented for many consecutive
terms by the same representatives
while others were constantly chang
ing at most for two terms.
In 1862, Gen. Garfield resigned his
commission in the army, and was elect
ed to congress, and reelected from
time to time until chosen president in
$780,
His efficiency and usefulness we're
marked by his ability and adaptation
to this particular arm of the public
service.
Thos. Corwin, with all his ability and
forensic, oratorical power served sew
eral terms in the national house of
representatives, before he was fully
prepared and appreciated as a useful
member of congress.
Joshua r. Gliding was kept in con-
gress from the Ashtabula District for
many consecutive terms and became
one of the foremost members of those
years of political activity.
History cannot help but repeat it
self, and when dissension arose, be-
tween the North and South upon the
respective rights of the different sec
tions, those senators and representa-
tives from the South who had been
kept In congress for substantially all
their lives we're invincible in the form
ing of legislative discussion
Upon the question of the right of a
state to withdraw from the federal
union there was bit 9r controversy.
The electio- of Abraham Lincoln
precipitated the issue, and when, at
the second session of congress in De.
cember, 1860, state after state through
their senators and representatives
withdrew from all participation in the
national congress, their bidding adieu
to associates, were models of forensic
power and eloquence.
| have not forgotten the influence
and ability of southern representa-
tives in those dark and tumultuous
times, on consequence of their unlim-
tied experience in senate and house.
1t is almost equally important that
this congressional district should be
represented in the next house of rep
resentatives by a member of such eX-
perience and ability as Hon. William
A. Ashbrook, whose past service af-
fords the best evidence, that of the
more than 400 members of the popu-
lar branch Of congress, his services
have been inferior to none.
William A. Ashbrook comes from the
common people of his district, and
understands most thoroughly their
views, desires and requirements of a
representative in congress.
Henry Clay and Daniel Webster
stand prominent In American history
as peerless statesmen for so years oi
services In senate and house, and rem
dered the states of Kentucky and Mas
sachusetts for all time immortal. NJ
wonder that their very names are
household words In their native homes
and mothers lisp their names In lula
by songs to quiet nervous infancy il
their cradles.
William A. Ashbrook obtained hi
first nomination in a Democratic Con
gressional convention for congress, af
ter three days struggle between riv
al candidates for the coveted honor, II
1906, and was elected by a maiorlt!
of 4S5 over Judge Smyser, who wa,
running for his second term. He wa
reelected in 1908 by 7l73 again II
1910 by 1884 ana in 1912 by nearl,
10000. In 1913, he was legislated int,
a new district and in 1914, was electe,
for a fifth term by majority of owe
5000, Ashland county recording il
endorsement of his srevlces by ma
jority of 1888,
For these several years, no membe
of congress has been more industriou
and faithful in the discharge of his Of
fetal duties, than William A. Ast
brook; and 1t would be a calamity t
substitute a novice of ordinary abilit
and destitute of all experience, for on
whose name is synonymous, with year
of approval Of the best experience.
Mr. Ashbrook has been one of tn
most industrious and prompt member
of congress in responding TO request
OF constituents. His acquaintanc
with his fellow members is little les
than phenomenal; and characterize
him as a worthy successor of Henr
Clay, who formed the acquaintanc
of and could name every member {
congress.