New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-25

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: The influence Of state in national
affairs is not determined by its size and
wealth or by its population. One Senator
or Representative, coming perhaps from a
small state may be more powerful in shap-
ing legislation than the combined force of
the largest delegation.
Everybody familiar with the proceedings
Of Congress knows this. Yet it is either
rot realized or else is indoently disregarded
by voters whose horizon does not extend
beyond small local politics.
Whether a state recognizes that its inter
ests are most involved in national legsla-
tion that affects finance, transportation,
manufacture, trade and commerce and the
general prosperity and wealth of the coun-
try, or whether it's ambition is confined
merely to getting its share of pork" its
ability to get what it wants depends more
upon the character of its representation in
Congress especially in the Senate-than
upon any other thing.
During more than thirty years | have
observed from the press galleries of the
Capitol the fluctuations of the influence of
certain states upon Congressional legsla-
ton-their rise and fall or perpetual stag
nation on the tide of political affairs. If
the voters could fully realize what this in
fuence means and the Importance of capable
and espect-commanding representation not
only would the states be better served, but
the nation would be more secure in the wis
dom and effectiveness of its laws. It is TAX
ing great liberties with the public welfare
when a community. in order TO compliment
a popular mediocre politician, sends an in
capable man to Congress. An aggregation
Of such incapables makes a Congress I'M
worthy of great nation and untitled TO deal
with questions affecting vital interests of
the. country. Before the eyes of Congress
SO constituted the pork barrel" looms large
in proportion TO all other things, while ma
tional industries langush in the agony of
unwise legislation.
No personal reflection upon the present
representatives of any state is necessarily
implied in recalling the greater influence
that state may have exerted when repre-
sented by some one or more men of pre-
eminence. But it is somewhat of q reproach
to a state great in population and wealth and
Astounding in men accustomed to dealing in
large affairs to be almost constantly over
shadowed by sister states of fewer resources
and OF less Importance.
There has never been deterioration in the
character of its representative men without
manifest loss Of prestige in Congress by the
state; and the influence of even one man of
commanding ability has often given a state
power entirely disproportionste to its popu-
lation and Importance.
For a while little Rhode Island exerted
greater influence upon national legislation
than did any other state. Maine. with Blaine,
Hale, Tom Reed and Dingley, was powerful,
and Platt, of Connecticut, gave to his state
ar influence hardly to be estimated.
With Carlisle, Beck and Blackburn, Ken
lucky was powerful in Congress. With Eppa
Hunton. Randolph Tucker and John S. Bar
bour, the influence Of Virginia was felt. Ran
dal. and Quay and number Of men in its
delegation who had acquired experience
through long terms of service preserved TO
Pennsylvania for many years an influence
proportionate to her size. Massachusetts, has
always maintained her proper position by a
high average in the character of her repre-
scntation and to-day Lodges attitude toward