Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-02-28

ia Kanawha county, ana Mr.. henna car
ried the county on full Democratic
vote.
Mr.. Kenna entered national politics
NJ one of the most important crises OF
our country's history. The feelings
aroused by that great political convul-
sion which had shaken the foundations
OF our governmental structure from CEN
ire TO circumference had not yet subsid-
ed. Party feeling ran high and found fire.
quent expression on the floor OF the
House OF Representatives. The rest
less pillows that were stirred into ac-
tivlty by the bitterness Of party antago-
nisms would have submerged a less
calm, courageous and self-reliant man;
but cool bravery and indOmitaOle pluck
In the young Representative soon sin
gled him out from among his fellows as
a leader on whose calmness, hrmness
and sound judgment his associates could
rely with confidence.
Mr.. Renna az last found himself a
leader among leaders, and in a field
broad enough to crafty the highest as
pirationS Of his ambition. He had a
genius for politics aud statecratt, and
loved the excitement incident TO its con-
tests. He did not seek, but when thrust
upon him be never sought TO avoid its
conflicts. When the battle waged the
fiercest, in the front rank, could always
be found this calm, intrepid leader. No
mans personality on the floor OF con-
ventiOn OF bis party ever eXerted more
potent influence over his associates.
Once aroused, he was the very embodi-
ment of prOmptness and action. His
was
The keen spirit
That sei7es the prompt OCCASION makes the
Starts into instant action, and at once
Plans aud performs resolves and executes.
At this nerlod Of his life he was a
thorough student Of the great public
questions that confronted the represen-
tatives OF the pedple. he mastered
every subject of legislation that at
tracted his vigorous intellect, or that
could in any way affect the moral or
material interests Of his constituents.
He realized from the first hour Of his
entrance into public life the great pos
sibiities in the development OF the
material interests of the Kanawha Val
ley, could he secure permanent water
transportation for its coal and timber
products, and the most enduring monu-
ment that has been or will ever be
built to perpetuate his memory, other
than the temple which his noble life and
public services have erected IN the
heart Of his people, will be the compile
tion of the slack-water navigation OF
the Great Ksnawha.
Although death has closed his lips in
pleading for this great national i'm
provement, he had the satisfaction in
life TO know that one of the last acts OF
his official career was TO succeed in hav-
Ing the faith of the Government pledged
10 It's final completion within the brief
period of few years.
Mr. Kenna served three terms in the
House Of Representatives, aud was
elected To q fourth in November, 1882.
The Hon. Henry G.. Davis subsequently
declining q reelection To the United
States Senate, Mr.. Kenna announced
himself as a candidate to succeed him,
aud was elected without difficulty in
January 1888, for the term commencing
on the 4th of March or that year.
Mr. Kenna entered the Senate fully
equipped and well prepared to discharge
the new duties and responsibilities
which the confidence OF generous con-
stituency had imposed upon him. His
experience OF six years in the popular
branch Of Congress had rendered him
familiar with the requirements Of his
new position, aud enabled him to at once
take a prominent part in the delibera-
tiouS Of this body.
No higher compliment could have
been paid the yeung SenaSor than his
selection to represent the views OF the
minority in that memorable legal and
intellectual contest. involving the exer-
else by the President Of the right OF re-
moyal from Office Of officials confirmed
by the Senate, without giving to this
body the cause or reasons for his &C
ton.
On this occasion he fully measured
up to the requirements OF the position
TO which he had been assigned by his
associates, and by his great constitu-
tiCnal exposition In vindicating the
right OF the President TO remove from
OulEH WlEQOub deSluulAA eAC NaNoCt nc
broadened his reputation both as law
yer and as a statesman, and commanded
the admiration Of his distinguished
competitor, the venerable Senator from
Vermont, whose legal ability, logical
power, and biting satire are so well re-
membered In this chamber. | do not
think I use the language of eXageration
when ] claim that the mastery reason
ing, the able and forcible presentation
OF the case, and the overwhelming pre-
cedentS submitted by Mr.. Kenna in that
great debate, left upon the unbiased
mind OF any who listened to it not a
shadow Of doubt as 70 the constitution
al correctness Of the position assumed
by the President in that controversy.
Mr.. Kenua was reelected to the
Senate in 1889, after an exciting and
prolonged contest covering a period of
six weeks. Before the opening OF the
campaign Of 1855 he announced himself
a candidate for his own succession.
No one contested with him for that
high honor, and il seemed TO bt IN
iversally conceded throughout the State
that the success of the Democracy
would De equivalent to his reelection.
After the battle had been fought and
the victory won under his leadership,
and the Legislature had assembled with
but one Democratic majority, it was as
certained for the first time that one
member Of the party would refuse 10
obey the mandate Of the party caucus
and the sentiment Of large majority
OF his constituents by declining TO vote
for him. This condition of affairs con-
tinued until within a few days OF the
adjournment Of the Legislature by op-
GRAFTON OF law.
Mr.. Kenna. in this contest, showed
himself possessed Of all the qualities Of
a safe and judiciouS leader, and again