He became in succession Chairman of the two foremost Committees, that of Appropriations and that of Ways and Means.

He was a prominent candidate for the office of Speaker when Mr.Blaine was elected and was defeated, as I have said elsewhere, only by the adroit management of Butler.
Mr.Dawes represented the Berkshire District in the House for eighteen years when he declined further service there.
He was then elected to the Senate where he remained eighteen years longer, when he declined further service there.

During the last part of his last term he was troubled with a growing deafness which I suppose had much to do with his declining to enter upon the contest for another reelection.

He was regarded by the manufacturers of Massachusetts as their faithful and powerful representative.

He had several contests for his seat in the Senate when his opponents thought they were sure of success; but they found themselves left in the minority when the vote came to be taken.