Wheeling Register

A SENATOR THURMAN.

The friends of Senator Thurman protest against putting him on the retired list at the expiration of his term in the Senate, and a movement seems already begun to retain his services in the National councils.

It seems to be generally conceded by the press that his chances for the Presidency were buried in the defeat of Ohio. That is the logical result of the political situation to-day, but we sometimes forget how fast this country travels. We don't know, nor can we scarcely guess what new phases national politics may take on before the assembling of the Democratic Convention. The stone which the builders now reject may become the head of the corner.

But aside from the Presidential race Senator Thurman's services in the Senate are just beginning to be appreciated now that his term is about to expire. It is already known that what is known as the Thurman Act relative to the Central Pacific Railroad, and which has been sustained by the Supreme Court, will be circumvented in the next Congress, and rendered virtually null and inoperative. It is acknowledged that Mr. Thurman's great ability and tact as a lawyer and a parliamentarian secured the passage of this act, and he is perhaps the only man in the Senate who is able to cope with the great combinations which will seek to destroy its force.

They have laid their plans with precision and foresight. They spent their money, it is claimed, to defeat Thurman in the last Ohio campaign, and with the expiration of his term they would move upon Congress with some assurance of either a repeal or modification of this law that forces them to a just compliance with their contract.

Says the New York Sun: Looking forward to this coming contest between the corporations and the people, the services of Mr. Thurman are needed in Congress, and a movement is on foot to send him to the House of Representatives from the Columbus district, where he resides. That district is now Democratic, and though the new Republican Legislature will doubtless gerrymander the State, it is questionable if they can change its political character. Mr. Thurman is said to be averse to this suggestion, but he should bear in mind that John Quincy Adams, after having been President, considered it an honor to represent his own people in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Thurman served in the House thirty-four years ago. A generation has passed away since then, but he is still strong, clear-headed, able to do good work, and well equipped for the great battle of popular rights against corporate arrogance. Such men cannot be spared from Congress at a time like the present.