Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1886-05-27
SENATOR CAMDEN.
one of the Neic Leaders Brought OVH by
the Current Session.

WASHINGTON, d. c., May 6.-Among
the prominent ascensions 10 the anti-monop
oily column in the congress of the United
States is Senator J. n. Camden of West
Virginia, whose recent thoughtful and in
telligent speech on the Cullom Interstate
commerce bill fell like a bombshell into the
ranks of those who worship at the altar of
corporate power, who had assumed with
out warrant, that the senior senator from
West Virginia was wholly influenced in his
public and private relations by monopoly
views 1t is evident, from the general ten
or of Senator Camden's speech, that he con-
siders the auspicious moment has arrived
when congress should interpose its consti-
tutional authority to protect the people
from unequal charges in freight rates, and
concerning which the railroad representa-
tives have steadily and, so far, successfully
interyened to prevent remedial legislation.
Senator Camden has always been of the de-
cided opinion that a provision prohibiting
the charging of higher rate for short
than long haul, which embraced the
shorter haul, embodied the most important
feature to be embraced in any bill for the
regulation of transportation, and as time
advanced he has been more and more inn
pressed with the comprehensive justice and
importance of such provision, unqualified
by limitations and exceptions.
Not only does Senator Camden embrace
the broad views of the interstate commerce
question, but he insists that this "long and
short haul" proposition is the key to the
whole transportation problem, in order to
prevent determinations and force the rail-
roads to properly adjust rates from compet-
ing points. This principle Mr.. Camden
thinks. is fair to both railroads and ship
pers under all circumstances, and there
should be no exceptions to the rule.
johnson \. Camden, of Parkersburg, was
born in Lewis county, West Virginia, in
1928 He was appointed in 1916 cadet at
the West Point military academy, but re-
signed therefrom in 1S4S. He studied law,
was admitted to the bar in 1851, and subse-
quently elected prosecuting attorney for
Nicholas county In 1854 he entered the
banking business, but Withdrawing there
from in 1858, became prominently identified
with the development of petroleum and
manufacturing interests at the thriving city
of Parkersburg. Upon the organization OF
the First National Bank at Parkersburg in
1862, he was chosen President Of that insti-
tuition, which position he now holds. In
1868 and 1872 he received the Democratic
nomination for Governor of West Virginia,
and was also delegate to the Democratic
National Conventions Of 1868, 1872 and
1876. He was elected Senator in the Con-
gress of the United States TO succeed Sena-
tor Frank Hereford, Democrat, and took
his seat March 1, 1881. His present term
will expire March 4, 1887, with the conclu-
sion of the Forty-ninth Congress.
Although Senator Camden has by his own
enterprise and thrift, coupled with honest
dealings and large liberality, accumulated
ample substance, yet his beginnings were
comparatively humble and he has been
absolutely the architect of his own fortune.
He is utterly free from ostentation, and his
habits and dress are simple. He is essen
TALLY a man Of the people, ready and will
ling at all times and under any circumstan-
ces to serve deserving persons, irrespective
of their conditions in life He makes no
pretensions, and justly bears the reputa-
ton of an earnest and Woodworking men,
Der of the Senate. 1t is not his practice TO
consume time on debate, but when he takes
the floor to speak on any question, he is
accorded the undivided attention Of his
colleagues. Mr.. Camden's presence is ex-
ceptionally attractive All who meet and
confer with him are pleased with his plain,
unassuming, yet pleasant manners. Dur
ing his five years of service in the Senate
be has engaged in no colloquy Of bitter
ness or harshness, and his entire career has
been clearly cut and evenly maintained
from its outset 10 the present time. His
political adversaries yield him their entire
respect, which, beyond question, is an ex-
cellent index TO his many estimable traits
of character.
As anticipated In last issue Of the TcLe-