The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-11-27
Pencil Sketches of Senators,

AS1A ohObNAOS "a O0uaLOTS.
IL. Y. Boynton, in a letter from Wash
lngton to the Commercial Gazette. refers to
prominent Senators as follows
1t is not only interesting for Republi-
cans to find that they.are to have the SEN
ate throughontsthea Cleveland administra-
ton. but eqnal interest will attend an
inspection of the fighting force on the
Republican side. and its comparison with
the Democratic leaders of the Senate. 1t
has often happened that when the Repub-
means have been in the minority in one or
the other branch OF Congress they have
been able to constantly battle the majority
by their superior skill in parliamentary
management and their effective superior
ity IN debate. But as the Senate will now
De constituted, the Republicans will not
only have a solidisworking majority. but
their preponderance, both in talent and in
power OF debate. will be unquestioned. A
rapid enumeration of the chief men on the
opposing sides will show how strong these
advantages are.
by long experience, and by right of rank
fairly won in many campaigns. Edmunds
and Sherman stand at the head of the SEN
ate. No other member of the body is so
alert as Edmunds when the Democrats
are at work, either openly on the floor, or
IN convert measures presented at the desk.
When seemingly most distracted, and
least observant Of what is going on, little
escapes him that is worthy of notice, and
this instant detection Of weak or obiec-
tlonable points in new measures pre-
sented, is often the blow that fixes their
character before the Senate, and insures
their final defeat. He seldom speaks at
length, but his influence over questions of
law, OF general political policy. or Of legis-
lation which smacks of the rings, is always
felt. Of the strength of his prepared
effort every readeris we'll aware.
Senator Sherman is a more practical pol
itlcian than Edmunds, and deals with the
questions which he discusses in more
popular manner. He always commands
attention in debates Of any moment, even
on the ordinary questions Of legislative bus
mess but on questions of tariff, of rev.
enue, of currency, Of Treasury manage
ment in all its countless ramifications, he
is an authority and a leader. In the dis.
cussion of purely Republican positions, as
involved in our war legislation, he becomes
an eloquent and very forcible speaker. He
is recognized by all observers of the SEN
ate as one of the BEST equipped men in
public life.
For powerful and impassioned political
attack along those lines of Republican
policy which relate to the rights of men
and the results of war. Frye, of Maine, is
a conspicuous orator. There are few more
vigorous or fluent speakers. There is
power in his language, in his logic and in
his action. A political speech from him
is live work. From its opening to it's
close the other side is under fire. His
colleague, Hale, is clear and pointed
speaker, and from long experience on
leading committees and acknowledged
skill adds strength to the
side.
For developing the enemy and harrassing
him there are not in Congress the equals
of Hoar, Conger and ingalls,. The whole
Democratic side in both houses taken to-
gether cannot muster the tenth Of the
for sarcasm and biting in
vective which these three men have
always at command. There is no comfort
on the Democratic side in political debate
when these sharp-tong ued gentlemen are
around.
When Mr.. Hoar begins to tumble in his
pocket for his bunch of keys, the active
twirling of which seems necessary to his
best performances, and begins to tune up
his voice for action, the opposition at
once appreciate the fact that somebody is to
be hit. Conger's saving voice is enough
without the sorer inniction of his words.
He is both exasperating and exasperat-
ingly strong OF the three, ingalls, is
the expert master of small word Eng
fish. His cuts are swift. slSillful and keen.
The Democrats are excusable for not re-
gard ding them as amusement.
Harrison is strong debater on ques-
tions of law or politics. Upon these
points he has high rank and is always heard
with attention. In the battle days to
come he will be effective in the Senate, as
he has always was in the field, and will be
a credit both to the lighting force of the
body. and to the State which sends him.
Iowa has two Senators who rank among
the best. Allison and Wilson. Both have
had long experience on the most impor-
tant committees of each house. Both are
attractive speakers, both vigorous and
effective in debate. Allison is the most
cultured in his manner. Few are more
dignifed or forcible than Wilson. To-
gether they are men of whom their State
may well be proud, and in whom the Sen.
ate can rejoice in as valuable and sturdy
upholders Of Republican policy.
The sharp. decided common-sense
methods of General Hawley are every
where known. He is power that has his
own side appreciates, and which the oppo-
sition do not underrate.
Cullom, of Illinois. and Allrich, of Rhode
Island, rank high among the most vigor-
Gus young element Of the Senate. They
had long and valuable training in the
lower House. with Frye, Hale, Hawley,
Wilson and Allison. With these they now
give the strength of vigorous manhood to
4 body which of late years has renewed its
life by such infusion of more youthful
material
Dawes and Morrill, are men whose long
experience places them among the valua-
BILE members Of the body. Cameron 5 eau
Gus strength is understood. and his re-
sources for inside political play and fence
are in some respects without match on
4 ha oil her sid.