The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-01-28
SENATE AND SENATORS.
MEN WHO TAKE THE LEAD ON
BOTH SIDES OF THE CHAMBER.

it opened tamely, prevails among public
men of all shades of political opinion.
The incoming of democratic admins
tration, after nearly quarter of CEN
tury's exclusion from executive power,
with the changes it naturally brings in the
public offices, and in the policy of gov
eminent generally, is cited as reason
enough to expect animated proceedings
in congress. AS the republicans retain
control of the senate that body is looked
to to protect and promote the political
interests of that party. Some of the
brightest men and ablest leaders of the
republican party are in the senate, and it
goes without saying that they will keep a
vigilant eye upon their party's interests.
SENATOR EDMUNDs.
The foremost figure on the republican
side is Senator Edmunds, of Vermont.
His attitude of indifference with regard to
the presidential ticket last year caused a
feeling of resentfulness within his party
towards him for awhile, but his command
ing position in the senate and the patent
fact that in the party's present exigen-
cies no man could we'll fill his place, have
tended to dissipate this feeling. Though
the session has scarcely begun, he has al
ready risen superior to antagonism, and
stands as the recognized leader of the ma
jority in the senate. Mr.. Edmunds is not
slow to assert his leadership, but he does
not do it in words. He never INDUCES in
any discussion or argument with regard to
his course either as a statesman or par
tisan leader. He has persistently refused
to reply to or notice criticisms upon him,
even when they have been palpably unjust
and erroneous. To Star reporter who
was sent to interview him during the last
presidential campaign about some pub
lished attack upon him, he said: IL have
made it a rule all my life never to engage
in controversies, through the press OF
otherwise, about myself. have nothing
to say" He has firmness and decision OF
character enough to adhere to his resolu
ton, no matter what circumstances may
occur to justify him in making an excep
ton to his rule. He is a most diligent
legislator. He keeps thoroughly in
formed upon every measure that comes
before the senate. No matter how trivial
the bill or resolution may seem to be If
there is flaw in it, or if it aims at the
public treasury, the Vermont senator is
sure W Cdll dbUcuulOh w UiO luOu1 uhN Al
the measure lacks merit he kills it in a
few words.
HOW HE FoREsTALLED OPPOSITION.
He is cool and adroit in politics. When
the senate met, and it was incumbent up
on the body to choose presiding officer
in place of the lately deceased vice-presi-
dent, it was whispered that Mr.. Edmunds
wanted the position; that he felt that such
an endorsement on the part of his party
associates would serve to silence criticism
because of his attitude in the last presi-
Dental campaign. There were republic
cans in the senate who, believing that Mr..
Edmunds wanted to again be elected
president pro tempore, regarded his am
bition as offering an occasion to repay
him for what they considered as lack of
fidelity to party. Their idea was that Mr..
Edmund's defeat would be signal re-
Duke, and they planned to defeat him.
But he was too shrewd to give them any
such opportunity. He forestalled them
by rising in caucus and nominating Sena-
tor Logan, in speech setting forth the
latter's superior claims to the honor. AS
president pro tempOre of the senate, Mr..
Edmunds was rigid in the enforcement OF
the rules, but he was impartial. He was
very exacting in his requirements of the
employees, and they most heartily rejoiced
that he was not reelected He issued or
ders fixing hours for employees to arrive
at and leave the capitol, forbidding smok-
ing, ETC., and he took pains to see that his
orders were enforced. The closest init
macy existed between Senator Edmunds
and Senator Thurman. Each was the ac-
knowledged leader of his party in the
senate, but opposing politics never dis
turbed their friendly relations.
OTHER REPUBLICAN SENATORS.
Senator Ingalls, is another strong man
on the republican side. He is fluent
talker and a ready coiner of sharp an6
cutting phrases. He is keen in satire anC
pointed in all he says. Senator Hoar, in
his scholarly manner, is entirely able tt
maintain the post of leadership, should il
fall to him. Senator Frye, though hi
does not often talk, is a ready, vigorous
and skillful debater. and has the abilit,
and experience to pilot his party in an.
occasion that may arise in the senate
Mr.. Evarts, though q new senator, i
placed in the front rank through his lonl
| COuTb6 VI puDllC JEdlnluB anu hio hiS
standing at the bar. Indeed, it seems NJ
longer an offense for new senator t
take an active part in debate. The oil
idea, which required him to remain silen
for year or two, seems to have been ex
ploded. 1t is quite common now for tn
senator freshly invested with his toga t.
have his say along with the old member
of the body.
THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS.
On the democratic side are men full
competent to cope in rhetorical struggl
with the trained leaders of the majority
Senator Vest is not only a pleasing ora
u tor, but he is skillful in debate. he
quick to see and take advantage of an
weak points in an adversary. Senate
Butler is an easy, graceful speaker, an
has force of character that fits him TO
leadership. Senator VOORHEES, has main
tanned his post of prominence in the ser