Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1884-03-02

ed to prosper. AS early rs 1866 he was
rated as man of large wealth. with .
reputation for business sagacity well
established.
In Legislature and Congress.
Durirg the war Mr.. Davis was
Union man and Lincoln man. Toe
Confederates once destroyed $6O,OOO
worth of his property. At the close OF
the war he went into politics. His
sympathies were with the Republicans,
and he might have acted In full accord
with the party had it not been that
some Republican opponents defeated
him for the Legislature by getting his
name stricken from the registry lists,
for an unregistered voter could not hold
office. The incident determined his
career as Democrat. In 1865 he was
elected Ms q Union. Conservative candi-
date to tie lower branch Of the West
Virginia Legislature. He took
l,aGipg part in the deliberations OF
that body. Two years later he
was elected to the State Senate;
and he had so far affiliated with the
Democratic members Of that body when
the State was carried by the Democracy
in 1870, that he WAS able 10 secure
in the Legislature of that year, joined 10
the Republican votes OF 'he TWO
Louses, To secure his election
70 the United States Senate to
succeed Waitman Il. Wiley. Six
wears later he was reelected by slml-
lar combination, and it has been re,
marked Of him that be has never held
q pubic office except by the votes OF
opposing political parties, and that this
rule has been held good throughout his
political life.
The salient points OF
mr. Hnyis's Political Career,
down to the time of his retirement from
the United States Senate in 1883,
has been his advocacy of a assump-
ton by West Virginia Of the fair pro-
portion OF the debt of Virginia exist
ing at the time the new State was carv-
ed from the old one, whenever such
promotion could be equitsbly ascertain
ed; bis leadership as chairman OF the
Senate Committee Of Appropriations
during two of his twelve years service
on the United State Senate, and his
practical work as member OF the Spe.
ciai committee of the Senate on trans
portation routes to the seaboard. He Is
a protectionst, and he favored the re-
sumption of specie payments. Neither
Mr.. Davis's early training nor his edu-
cational advantages have fitted him for
the role OF speaker; but he has a ma
tural gift OF being able to make clear
practical statement OF bis views. bis
best and by far the most Of his work IN
the Senate was done during the sessions
OF his committees, where his thorough
investigations, sound judgment, discre-
ton and force were readily recognized.
Recent Great Enterprises.
The confidence in Mr.. Dayis's bust
ness sagacity entertained by his politi-
cal associates can hardly be better ex-
emplihed that by the fact that in many
Ofbis business ventures his former asso-
ciates in Congress have invested heav-
ily. In the Vest Virginia Central, bet
ter known as the Davis Road" which
.raverses Elk Grden coal fields between
Piedmont and the Fairfax Stone, that
mark The intersection OF the two NIr-
ginias with Maryland, $6,OOJ,OOO OF
capital is represented, and among the
largest stock holders are numbered men
like Blaine, Bayard, German, Window,
BaInum, Camden and Others of both
political parties who served with him
in the Senate. The completion of this
railroad will probably occupy Mr..
Davis's attention for some time to
come. 1t is proposed to extend 1t
through the Cumberland Noun
tains to the Chesapeake and OHIO
Road at some point hear White
sulphur Springs, and the sec
ton to be opened up by 1t is believed
to be the richest in timber and mineral
lands combined to be found on the
continent.
Rutcs Of Life.
IfMr. Davis were a Republican. his
life would almost the ideal American
career. lie began in poverty. He was
trained III hard work and economy. He
gained a start with the help OF friend,
and be relied wholly upon himself from
that time forward. He has attained
fine success, and he has Kept the regard
Of all who know him. He avoids dis.
play, and yet is a man OF literally. His
success has been due to rigid adher-
erce t0 the following rules:
!. The etrictest integrity In every
thing. Ills word is his bond. The ma.
Ter 10 sentiment with Mr.. Davis, ana
he is as stubborn in requiring 1t in 9TH
ers as he is careful to practice the quail
ity himself.
3. Industry; willingness to work,
whether Others work or not.
3. Attention to detail; a passion
with Mr.. Davis, which il rs character
istic of him to-day rs it was when he was
q young man.
/. Economy and keeping out of debt
always paying cash.
3. Being thoroughly alive to oppor-
tunities within his observation.
6. Strict abstinence from intoxicating
LIQUORS in any form. Mr.. Davis's natur-
ri fund of ply steal vigor has never been
nyrairtd by eXcesses Of any kind.
Al in all, the life Of Mr.. Davis Is q
striking example Of the possibilities
all who deserve the prizes Of
rir. by following the rules that secure