The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1884-04-22
HON. JOHN s, BARBOUR
As n Successful Hallway Manager
and Politician.


The leading and most influential member OF
the Virginia delegation in Congress is Hon.
John 8. Barbour, of Alexandria, who repre-
sents tho Eighth District. He was born In
Culpeper County, Va, In the year 1920 ana
was educated at the University Of Virginia,
graduating from tho law school Of that uni
yersity and began tho practice OF law In his
native county. His ability as q lawyer was
soon developed, and his standing at the bar as
prominent member Of tho profession became
an established fact. His legal attachments,
coupled with his personal popularity and
purity OF character, won for him the conn.
dence OF the people OF his county, and as
proper recognition OF his merit and worth,
they chose him as their Representative to the
State Legislature for four consecutive ses-
sions.
While member OF the Legislature he was
elected president OF the Orange Alexandria
Railroad, In which position he continuously
remained until twas merged into what Is now
known as the Virginia Midland Railway, ex-
tending from Alexandria to Danville, and OF
which new company he Is still PRESIDENT hav.
Ing given exclusive attention TO that line OF
railroad for the past thirty-two years-in
building and extending Its lines into different
sections OF the State, until the line at present
numbers four hundred miles of road In opera
ton, the most of which has been built under
MIR. Barbour's direction. Aftcr the war he de-
voted his time and energy to rebuilding tho
line from Alexandria TO Gordonsville and from
charlottesville to Lynchburg; from Lynch
burg to Danville was an entirely new road.
AS a successful builder and manager OF rail-
ways lie has no superior In tho South. long
and successful business career entities him to
the highest consideration as president ana
manager of railways. The splendid road.bed
and elegant equipment OF rolling stock OF the
Virginia Midland and It's branches, the main
line stretching from the Potomac to Dau
River across the breadth Of the Old Dominion,
Is n standing monument to his energy ana
buslno ss capacity. He is one OF the progressive
men of his State, looking to It's material inter.
nQf m nd gfnfN m Ia m nj nd
agricultural interest by inviting and welcom-
Ing capital and immigration within its bor-
ders. Entering political life was TO him like
taking new departure for u second growth
for usefulness. Never having been an ONCE
seeker, he was not acquainted with the ways
and training OF the average politician OF the
present day. His life has been spent In use
full business pursuits 10 himself aud to those
whose financial interest he has 80 long aud
we'll guarded,
In 1880 he received the nomination Of the
Democratic convention at Alexandria for Con
gress. He was elected, served through the
forty.seventh Congress, and was reelected
over Farr, Readjnster, and syphax
vos by si large re- osrs majority ~,
| Speaker, yet he received such recognition al
| the hands OF the Speaker as he deserves. His
| selection as chairman OF tho District Commit
| tee OF tho House was Just tribute TO his aoil
| ity and knowledge Of District matters. He has
never held any military or civil office Other
than those mentioned, having been a sue
| ceseful business man, as uemOnstatcu by MS
| railway management. He was ntly chosen by
| his party to lead tho campaign last year
\ against the Readjuster Coalition Republican
| party in his native State.
| How well no performed that duty tho history
| OF that excited campaign which united the
substantial business and farming interest o
| the State to break down the opposition which
was backed by the Federal Government, anC
redeemed the old Commonwealth from the
| rule OF that party, has been seen. The histor!
| Of that campaign stamps Mr.. Barbour as thu
best political leader in tho Democratic party
| He was rendered the craftsmanship OF thu
| Democratic Congressional Campaign Commit
tee, but declined the honor, believing that hi
could best serve the party and his State by re
naming at the head OF his own State commit
tee. He is member OF the National Demo
cratic Committee, and Will be selected as on
| OF the delegates 10 the National Convention O
Chicago. His chances for the governorship o
Virginia next year are bright. He Will, doubt
less, Gre long, receive that recognition In tn
councils OF that party his talents 30 justly de
L anINA