Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-02-26
20 record the life, character, and deeds OF
her worthy and distinguished sons."


his virtues. Mr.. Barbour departed snd-
denly in this CITY on the Iith day of May.
1892. No note of warning had been given
to prepare his people for the sorrowtul
event. Its announcement fell upon them
with the startling effect OF q fire-bell at
night, and their hearts were filled with
profound grief. There had been no long
and lingering sickness. no wasting and
consuming disease. On the day previous
TO his death he occupied his seat In the
Senate chamber and was engaged as usual
in the discharge of his accustomed duties.
Although we'll advanced in years their
weight seemed 10 rest lightly upon him:
He exhibited then no outward signs OF
weakness and decay, but. on the contrary;
an unwonted flow of spirits. and appeared
TO be IN possession of sufficient strength
and vitality TO endure for many years the
severe labors and response sof his hlgh
position. After the adjournment he re-
tired 10 his home, and there, IN IainlIiar
intercourse with a Valued and esteemed
friend. discussed current events In Viz
ginia. In the easy flow OF conversation
they took no note of the passage OF the
silent hours. marked by 1.-THE slow clock IN
stately measured chime." When the
friends. wearied of the tolls OF the long
day. parted and the good night" was
spoken. they did not dream the inaudl-
bic and noiseless foot of time was near
TO the hour when one OF them would De
summoned to pass over the rive, 10 resi-
forever in peace beneath the shade OF the
trees on the other side. MIR. barbour
awoke with the dawn OF the day. lie was
troubled only for moment with feellng
of oppression and then
HGod's finger touched him and he slept.
Death comes 10 all. His cold and sapless hand
Waves DER tho world and beckOns US away
Who shall resist the summons?"
GREAT FAMILY.
He was descended from q family which
has given to Virginia and the nation many
gifted and distinguished men. James bar:
boar. near kinsman, sat IN the House OF
Delegates OF Virginia from 1895 TO 1872.
when he elected Governor. In 1913 he was
chosen to represent the State IN the United
States Senate. and served in that body for
a number of years az chairman of the in
portant Committee on Foreign Relations.
lie was Secretary of War during portion
OF the administration OF John Quincy
Adams, and was then sent as Minister TO
England. In 1899 he presided over tho
Wing convention at Harrisburg. Pa. which
nominated for the presidency General
William III. Harrison. Philip PendletOn
Barbour, another near kinsman, served
many terms in this House. and presided az
Speaker over its deliberations. lie closed
a brilliant career rs an Associate Justice OF
the Supreme Court of the United states.
The father Of Senator Barbour was man
of mark and distinction. and held MANY
posts of honor. He was member OF this
House from 1923 TO 1898. and was regarded
as "a strong DICTATOR and graceful orator.
senator John :. Barbour was born IN tho
county of Culpeper, Va. December 90.
1920. After preparation in the best schools
of that day he was sent to pursue course
of study in the University OF Virginia and
to DO trained for the work of his life. lie
was graduated lawyer in 1912 and COM
menced at once the practice of his probes
sion IN his native county. la 1882 he was
elected president of the Orange and Alex
andria Railroad Company now the Viz
ginia Midland Railway Company }. aud
continued in that position upward OF
thirty years. He served IN this House
during the Forty-seventh, Forty. eighth,
and Forty ninth Congresses, and on the
Goth OF December. 1887, was elected TO
represent Virginia in the United States
Senate for the term of SIX years from the
4th Of March. 1889. In every position he
was faithful and efficient in the discharge
of all duties.
POLITICAL LEADER.
While no was not distinguished for his
skill as public speaker and did not pos
sess the gifts to move by the power of ora
tory or to please By the graces of rhetoric,
he rose TO the position of political leader
in bis State and was crowned with the
highest honors which his people could be-
stow. No man within the borders OF Vir-
GINA exercised greater influence in shaping
public opinion or IN directing the move
ments of the great party with which he
was associated. Although surrounded by
men who possessed more magnetic force
and were more snowy he left them far be-
hind III the race for the prizes
and honors of life. The people re-
garded him as safe counsellor and
believed him to be an incorruptlble pa
triot. He acquired his power and inhu-
ence over men by the display at all times
of such sterling qualities and virtues as
gained for him their respect and conf
dence. In ell his actions and utterances
he exhibited moderation rs regulated by
wisdom. Mr.. Barbour never jumped to
but his opinions upon all sub
jects were formed after careful and laoorl-
Gus investigation. The processes of his mind
were usually accurate and al ways directed
towards tho ascertainment of truth and
justice. He did not permit his mental
vision to be clouded by prejudice nor his
generous disposition to be dominated by
He was indebted largely to
MS ROOu JuuHutUJ IOI Ills SuCCcSS III iiCs
1t was parcel of his fortunes"
GENTLE AND KIND.
He was gentle and kind towards all, and
seldom, if ever, exhibited severity in his
criticisms of the opinions and belief of
others. Cicero defined justice to consist
doing no injury; decency, IN giving no
offence" Having enjoyed with him for
many years the intimacy of established
friendship, / can truthfully say that |
never saw him wilfully inflict injury or
give offence. His good
breeding was always manifested in grace
fully remembering the rights of Others
rather than gracefully insisting on
his own rights. In him the elements
even, well-balancsd, and upright man.
In his conduct as representative he was
not ruled by faction and interest, but was
filed by passion for the glory of his
whole country. He loved Virginia with
filial devotion and his attention was chief
ly given to the advancement of her inte-
rests, but he always preserved due regard
for the general welfare.
Mr.. Barbour gave close and careful at
tention to all his duties, and was pains
taking, useful, and conscientious repre-
He died beloved by all and left
an example worthy of imitation.
Otuer iElUutcbs
Representative Jones, of Virginia, con-
fined his remarks almost entirely to re-
view of Mr. Barbour's political career in
the State and spoke of his strong powers
as an organizer. party worker, and lead
or of men. Mr.. Jones had opportunities
of knowing him well, for be served on the
State Committee many years with HIM.
They were also warm personal friends, and
there was an attachment between them
which lasted uninterruptedly to the day
of Mr.. Barbour's death.
Representative Tucker was another Vir-
ginia representative who spoke in highest
terms Of Mr.. Barbour's career, delivering
q carefully prepared address.
Representative Buchanan was anxious
to submit some remarks to-day. but was
called away on matter which could not
be postponed. He asked, however, the
right of the House to insert in the Record
O tribute to Mr.. Barbour's memory.