New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-21
PERSONAL TRAITS OF TIE SENATOR
y. W. JOHNsoUN IIHEIFHl
ACTIVITY IN THE SERVICE OF his
STATE AND COUNTRY


Colonel c. w. johnson, for nearly ten years ehn
clerk OF the United States Senate was seen a. n.
sturtevant House last night and consented to civ.
few personal "reminiscences Of Senator Preston B.
Plumb of Kansas. who died In Washington yester.ay
morning.
"I was greatly shocked when / received telegram
from Washington this afternoon announcing Senator
Plumb's death by apoplcxy. He one Of N,
warmest friends among the Senators. and greatly
admired him. lie looked the very picture Of health
and vlgor He was not an old man. and Of all the
men in the Senate think he wOald have been pointed
out as the last one likely TO meet sudden taking
of. He will be much mOurned by all exCnion sol.
dlers. for he took an especial pride in wearing tho
little bronze button Of the c. A. r. everywhere ard Il
pleading tho cause and best interests OF the veteran.
In appearance Senator Plumb was q large, active
muscular and vigorous man; tireless worker and
q fearless advocate OF any measure that he ono,
espoused he stood among the first six or seven mcl
in the Senate az a man OF wonderful influence, and
measure always taken TO him for his advice
and assistance As man he was well liked. for 10
was companionable, genial and bluff In his manners;
self-made man, OF and for the people In all their
best interests and needs.
In regard to the moving Of General Grants
remains to Washington, although fully satisfied IN his
own mind Of the wisdom Of such proceeding he had
decided to let the subject rest at present out
Senator Plumb served in the Civil War; ct arst IS .
private In the Union Army, later. by promotion
lieuten antcolonel. He was printer BY trade Ho
was a member Of the Committee on Appropriations.
and as such was always on the alert to see that 10
needless expenditure Of public money was voted. Ha
had charge Of the Agricultural Bill when reported 10
the Senate and gave 1t his rigid inspection; and he
always took lively interest In anything that would
advance the interests Of the farmers the West. or
ANVa
had no more ideal representative; typical vide
awake Westerner, he believed In the future OF hs
State.
"As chairman Of the Committee on Public Lands, b
was lle leading spirit In opening up the Oklahoma
Territory and the discussions relating 70 the Opening
with great need Of better Navy, and took oeep
interest In all tests Of armor or ordnance and Ios
TOOK Anything for granted. it viii be very hsa 2
ill his place In the Senate, for ii was unique. u,
always showed certain disregard for preceden,s "a
ultra conservatism; In debate. he was acknosiedsea
by all tho Senate stenographers 20 - the most spa
speaker on the floor; his language was good and Ills
Senator Plumb growing man, and ever reaa,
to take up new ideas AS rigid eeonomss s n ne o.
t SppVtsS Of the DISTRICT of cOamB IA
Of is oil ire the se Tor
schoTs. lie was more than legislator, b was =
statesman Of high type. Though Repuoa is,S -
ways, he was independent and free nom p sW
MANY modiflca ions of the Mckinley Tariff bill vsfs
made at his suggestion and his advice, 70 sun ~
interests OF the West and Kansas. His meals We.
only moderate, and he lived In plain STYLE ho "'
ardent admrer OF James q. Blaine. - p. ola
Mr.. Crane, who plays the senator; ~ ~ ~
play OF that name, a warm IlIcuu
rlumb's and his role most carefully Stua S IA,
production Of him. although Mr. Crane never gSpo pa
rapid and frequently fierce gestures except VIC" w.
ing IN Washington audience. - .A eff
"The Governor Of Kansas Is Repuolcsn s gss s
doubtless appoint successor TO serve III tle
ure meets next year. Every one at MiSnhsc csr b,
mention ex-senator ingalls, for the place ne can
induced TO accept for the short term but as MT -
has declared his intention OF retiring from public pe.
IL ia possible he will not accept. particularly qne
Is certain of securing the election from the Legsh''