The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1886-06-05


as chairmen Of both joint congress
ional campaign committees is a
rather remarkable coincidence.
Both gentlemen are young, ener-
getic and popular with their parties.
John Kenna, although the youngest
Senator. has an old political head
on his broad shoulders. He is ex-
perienced, shrewd, clear and agrees
i've, and is the Presidents close
personal friend. His political
career is an illustration of what can
be accomplished by straightforward
ness, diligent application and single
ness Of purpose. When very
young man Mr.. Kenna was a Con
federate soldier in the ranks. He
served mostly in Missouri. After
the war he studied law in Charles
ton, w. Va, his present home, under
very discouraging circumstances.
For time he seriously meditated
whether he was not better fitted for
newspaper work than the law.
John climbed pretty fast. He be-
came prosecuting attorney of his
county and from that went to Con-
gress. He was kept in the House
six years, and was an industrious
member. He, did a big thing for
his district by securing hundreds
of thousands in appropriations for
the great Kanawha improvement.
Then he rose higher. When the
rich Senator Davis tired of the hon
ors Of the Senate, Kenna got his
place, and there he is now. His
brilliant speech in the defense of
the President from the assault of the
Edmunds Republicans broke the
back bone of the attack and gave
him the standing among the public
men which he had not heretofore en-
joyed. Before his speech he was re-
garded in Congress as a first rate
fellow who was suspected of some
ability, if he only set about to show
it.
His Lieutenant in the campaign
will be Kentucky's popular Repre-
Tom Robertson, who is
secretary of the committee. Mr..
is great friend of Speak
sr Carlisle, and is pronounced re-
venue reformcr. On the other hand,
Chairman Kenna is not so pronoun-
ed reformer, having always aflilia-
ted with the protection wing of the
party in the House. The combina.
ton is undoubtedly strong one
and some good work for the contin-
nance of Democratic ascendancy
nay be expected from them.
On the other hand, the Republi-
ian chairman, General Nathan Golf
who was selected at the Arlington
caucus, is one of the young and ris-
ng men of his party. He is new to
Congress, this being his second term;
'ut he has long been the leading
Republican of his State. He was
,nce the candidate of his party for
Governor, and has led forlorn hope
,wice as the Republican standard
bearer in congressional races in a
Democratic district. For many
Years he was United States District
Attorney, and conducted besides an
extensive private law practice.
When old Dick Thompson sold out
% De Lesseps and retired from the
Cabinet General Golf was selected to
i'll out his term as Secretary of the
Navy. Golf was the youngest brig
'dier in the Union army. Inasmuch
Is West Virginia is considered de-
,atable ground in the coming cam
,aign, it has been suggested that
he selection of General Golf was in
iuenced by the action of the Demo
ratio committee in selecting Sena-
or Kenna; but this is not probable.
Both gentlemen were doubtless
'hosen because they arc young, ener-
,etic and experienced politicians.
Mcpherson, the Republican
'ecretary is an old timer. Every
,ody knows MCPHERSON. He is a
trong Blaine man. and is thorough
,oing machine politician.
OF the two chairmen it may be
aid that one is poor and the
'ther very well off. Kenna has
made a great deal of money, but is
'rodigal. He believes in enjoying
life as he goes along and is altogeth-
+ very happy go-lucky sort of a
elbow. General Golf is a careful and
hrewd business man and is the pos
essor, through good management
nd by inheritance, of the largest
ortune in the State.-Er.