The record-union., 1892-07-15
DEATH OF SENATOR BOOTH.

Sacramento to-day mourns the loss of
one of her most distinguished citizens,
whose name was closely interviewer with
the political and commercial history of
the State, and upon whom California had
bestowed the highest political honors
within her power to confer.
Newton Booth, by the force of his char
acter, the scholarly accomplishments of
his mind and the graces of his eloquence,
commanded the attention of the Stateand
won the high distinction of elevation to
the Governorship of California. A little
later this honor was supplemented by his
election to the office of United States
Senator, which he filled for full term.
From the time of his arrival in the
State Governor Booth was intimately re-
lated to the commercial interests of Sacra-
mento. He at no time manifested a dis
position to abandon the city, but re-
manned it's steadfast friend and earnest
champion. He always felt deep con-
cern in the welfare of Sacramento, and
rarely declined, until failing health COM
PEELED him, to be an active worker and
careful counselor in all local concerns.
While Governor Booth, to the time of
his investment with the Senatorial toga,
took very lively interest in the politi-
cal affairs of California, he did not in the
Senate seek to make himself prominent
or to aspire to leadership, for which, by
oratory and learning, he was believed to
be fitted. The Senatorship appeared to
have filled the cup Of his ambition, and
on his return at the close of his term he
withdrew himself, much to the dis
appointment of his political and per-
sonal friends, from active political work,
and resumed his commercial position.
1t is true that in two or three instances
his voice was heard in the political cam
paigns of his party, but at no time with
the vigor or spirit of his earlier career.
He appeared desirous to be left in retire
ment and to concern himself only with
the affairs of his business and the do
mestic economy Of the city of his home.
His habits gradually. became more and
more withdrawn from public life, and he
was evidently content to live in his
counting-room and among his books, of
which he was a passionate lover, and
which he never ceased to regard as the
best of companions.
He was man Of fine scholarly attain
ments, a reader of deliberation and
thoughtfulness, an analytical reader. one
who at no time lost his love for the class
les of his youth and the broad philosophy
of letters. He was liberal man: cour-
teons and kindly at all times, his manner
was distinguished by personal dignity,
but it did not withdfaw him from associ-
alton with his fellow-citizens or develop
in him naughty spirit
1t will always be regretted by his fell
low-citizens that he did not adapt him
self by habit TO continuance in leading
public walks, and that he chose to so
much withdraw himself from the ros-
trum and to avoid the forum of public
debate. But the successes of the period
of his activity in the broad field of public
affairs in the earlier years of his political
and literary life, will not pass from the
memory of his colleagues or the history
of politics and letters in this State. His
speeches upon the stump, his orations
upon the platform, his polished essays
and finished addresses, the fruits of his
well-stored mind and his broad and thor
ough reading, remain in the recorded
history of the State as brilliant examples
that honored the man, the community of
his adoption and the State of his choice.