Mr. Dawes
was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives
in 1847. Every year since, with one exception, he has held
some honorable public station from the gift of his native
State. Everywhere, at the Bar, in the State Legislature,
in the Representative Chamber, in the Senate Chamber, he has
been a leader. Some great department of public service has
depended upon him for a successful administration. He has
always been appointed to some special service or duty or difficulty
which he has discharged to the entire satisfaction of his
constituents and his political associates. His work has been
as remarkable for its variety as for its dignity and importance,
or the length of time for which it has continued. He has
proved himself fit for every conspicuous position in our
Republican army except that of trumpeter. When the duty
was done, he has not sought for personal credit or popular
applause. His qualities have not been those for which the
people manifested their regard by shouting or clapping of
hands, or stamping of feet in public meetings; he has had
no following of ambitious politicians whom he has sought to
repay for their political services at the public expense.
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