Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1885-12-02
THE PRESS ON MIR. HENDRICKS.
How the News Of the Vice Presidents Death
Was Received.

.Neso Fork Heraid,-The distinguishing feature
of Vice President Hendricks political position
o. the time OF his death was his opposition to
the progress OF what IN called "civil,service re-
form, and the motive which led him to take this
position md make himself the ~rallying point Of
az tne democratic opposition to President
CieVeiands reform policy sprang from what he
understood to DO the average sense Of the peo-
pie. He did not believe that they wished for
anything Of the kind. He convinced himself
thnt they wished the "spoils system to be con-
ttnued, and therefore he was a hampion of its
continuance. II he had been convinced that the
popular sense Is The other way, SO would also
nave been his conduct. 1t remains to be proved
whether his understanding OF the peoples wish
IL accurate.
Chicago Inter ocean-No public man was
more completely identified in every hber OF his
nature with the party to which he belonged
than Thomas A. Hendricks. His private life
was honorable and conscientious. and it is only
iair To assume that this mergence of himself in
his party was due to the conviction that his
party was right In all Its fundamental purposes,
II not absolutely perfect in detail of action.
Neg YORK Woyid--The death OF vice-Presi-
uent hendricks falls upon the country so unex-
pectedly and with such awful s~nddenness that
II will be a shock as well as a cause Of deep grief
70 the people. IT leaves a blank IN the structure
OF the government, as well as in the social circle
and by the domestic hearth.
Louisville Courier Journal Mr.. Hendricks was
less conspicuous for brilliant talents than for a
leyei mead, cool Judgment and a kind heart. He
rarely lost his balance. He was a steady parti.
san, but neither implacable nor extreme, His
powers or persuasion We're very great. He inn
pressed nm audience with his sincerity and his
ahimbfiity. A more plausible, vote-catching
speaker has seldom appeared in our political
annals. In personal relations he was courteous
and tolerant to the last degree. 1t may he
for, despite his strong points Of intellect and
character, malice could not but pass him by.
chicago Times many years, more than a
prominent in the political eonstellations Of the
American sky. Few there have been of the
stellar host whose light has been more steaiy.
eluoilng, than that radiated from the heights
on which he stood, = He was an iniuen.
tial factor, than which there was none more
poteht, IN MS own state. At his death he had
no peer ainong ms " particular people, He
was apparently less great from a national stand
peiut. He possibly lacked somewhat OF the
nerve necessary TO manage a great army, while
~ g coIl,s commander he was nnequaled.
winning manners, Mr.. Hendricks was probably
the most popular man In his party, and came |
me nearest 70 representing its true views and
with the repeated defeat Of his efforts to secure |
q presidential nomination, us the time had not |
arrived when the Democratic leaders saw the
no aims other than those popular with |
the masses Of the party. !
Netc York Saa.-There was no eccsntrieity and 1
no compromise in his political ideas. The doc.
tr1nes OF Jefferson and jackson were his doe |
Crlnes, and he held fast to the traditional states. |
OF his party. He belonged TO the people.
ana knew nothing Of that phurisaic and FEEDER,
Ailst l'retension which holds them in distrust |
and contempt. His political speeches we're
oiled with this spirit, and, like his forensic
commanded respect by their
breadth. elc ation, vigor Of reasoning, and
comprehcnsiveness.
Netc York Tsnes.-Mr. Hendricks was q type of
ne sincere and earnest partisan Democrat, Of
apright personal character. and considerable
abilities, whoac sympathies we're too narrow.
Ind his views too restricted to permit him the
place In Political history TO which he aspired.
~ I'll who knew him personally as 4 mar 81
UPRIGHT character and o genial nature. being
possesstd q 81 many social graces 4 I ms, able
Or bis attractive qualities Of mh.4 aid 1.sart.
the mere force Of hia personal character
nd his success In making friends he had OBJ
a4ned . prominence in the politics Of his own