The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-05-28
Hon. E. G. Ross.

1t was pleasant news to the lOO,OOO
democrats of Kansas when the telegraph
announced the appointment OF Hon. L.
G.. Ross as Governor of New Mexico.
Even to the republicans the announce
ment was acceptable.
Senator Ross is well known to the
people of Kansas, among whom he has
resided for years and by whom he has
been highly honored and unjustly treat
ed. We clip from the State Journal
the following graphic historical reminlS-
cence:
"Many turns In the wheel of fortune has GOV
ernor Ross encountered since the memorable
hour when, in the prime Of his manhood, and at
the zenith OF his reputation, he stood up In the
United states States senate, 10 cast his vote
against the Impeachment OF President Andrew
johnson Placing himself thus In direct antag-
onism with theponcy OF republican party, and In
opposition TO the overwhelming public senti-
ment which demanded the Impeachment Of An
drew johnson, Senator Ross in that hour, fore
seeing the far-reaching consequences of his act,
and It's effect on his reputation, might have said
HAu is lost save honor!'
Before Senator Ross, in that hour, stretched
two paths The one beStTewed with flowers, was
to act as a partisan, and vote with his party. In
that case he would retain his reputation, his en-
viable position and eminence in the Republican
party The other, gloomy and full OF thorns,
was the path OF rectitudc and OF high statesman
conduct 1t led he foresaw, TO political disgrace;
to the extinction or every honorable aspiration.
Between ambition and the sense OF duty the
struggle must have been great for the young sen
ator But the latter triumphed. Hon. Edmund
q. Ross was one OF the historic seven Republican
senators who refused to vote for the 1mpeach-
ment OF Andrew johnson, preferring to brave ev-
cry species OF obloQuy, and accept, If need be-
party disgrace rather than to sacrifice their con-
v1ctlons OF duty.
AS the little band Of heroic Senators expected
the days Of martyrdom came. Not for Senator
Ross alone, fell the dense cloud Of party disgrace
but the naughty Fessenden, Of Maine, the patTic
Ian Of the Senate; as well as the eminent Jurist
and constitutional lawyer, Lyman TrlIInbull, o
Illinois, men who hitherto, had been the pride o
the United States Senate; fell from their high es
tate, to be enveloped In the same impenetrabl
IolQS OF party QlSSrdce IL WAS as IHOuSA III
portals OF the tomb had closed over them. The!
were political outcasts from the Republican par
ty. Not for one OF the seven, branded as trait
OTIS by Republican fat, has there ever been, b.
that party, any resurrection.
But time at last makes all things even" Up
held by Self-respect, and conscious that the wis
dom, as well as the rectitude ofhis action, Woul
some day be acknowledged, Senator Ross, durtn
these years Of political ostracism, has lived
blameless life, his life for well nigh score
years as journalist extorting, even, the admire
ton Of his political opponents. Mr.Ross, althoug
at present residing in New Mexico, is essential
Kansan, having only a little over scar ag
ceased to reside In this state. He is one OF q
representative citizens Of Kansas; and all VIII
know his worth and eminent fitness for the pos
ton will rejoice in this ray of sunshine whic
comes to gid his declining years.