But I had an infinite
longing for my home and my profession and my library. I never
found public employment pleasant or congenial. But the fates
sent me to the Senate and have kept me there until I am now
the man longest in continuous legislative service in this
country, and have served in the United States Senate longer
than any other man who ever represented Massachusetts.
The last three times I have been elected to the Senate I
have had, I believe, every Republican vote of the Legislature,
and I was assured--of course I cannot speak with much confidence
of such a matter--that I could have all the Democratic votes,
if necessary. I state these things with a feeling of natural
pride. But I do not attribute it to any special merit of
mine. It has been the custom of Massachusetts to continue
her Senators in public life so long as they were willing,
and were in general accord with the political opinion of the
majority of the people.
I have, however, owed very much indeed to the moderation
and kindness of the eminent gentlemen who might have been
most formidable competitors, if they had thought fit.
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