West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1893-09-14
From Alabama and one OF the Leaders
OF the National Democracy.

From Alabama and one OF the Leaders
OF the National Democracy.
One OF the most familiar faces in
the highest legislative body of the
land is that of Gen. John Morgan
from "way down in Alabam' 7" IIe
has been in the Unitod States SEN
ate since 1876, and is regarded as
one OF the ablest men in the South.
Just now he is taking an active part
IN the financial legislation being
enacted by Congress, and last week
introduced concurrent resolution
for the appointment Of n joint com.
mitteo on finance, to bo composed
CT seven Senators and seven mem
bers of the House, for tho purpose
OF making nn examination into the
financial and monetary condition
OF the Government and tke people
OF the United States. The resolu-
tion enumerates the following sub
iects to be investigated and report
cd upon by the committee The
full or partial demonetization of
legal tender silver coins; the ratio
winch should bo established between
gold and silver; laws relating to
legal tender and for the prevention
Of unjust discrimination in the sew
eral kinds of money; the repeal OF
the tax cn State bank currency; the
cause of the present embarrassed
condition Of the people and the
National banks, and what further
legislation is necessary TO prevent
National banks abusing their power
under tho law. The last subject is
particularly interesting just now,
in view of the statements that cell
tain New York National banks
made moro than 81 900. 600 by sell
ing currency Mt premium, while
declining to cash dcpositors checks.
John Tyler Morgan was born at
Athens, Tennessee, June 20, 1924,
and is therefore in his SEVENTEEN
year. In 1883 his parents removed
To Calhoun, Alabama, AMI after
receiving good education, lie stud
led law in Talladega aud WAS adj
mitted TO The bar in 1916. In 1860
he was Presidential Elector OF the
Breckenridge ticket and obtained
IN the canyass that year reputa-
ton for eloquence. In 1861 he was
u member OF the State Convention
that passed. The Ordinance Of Seccs-
sion. The same year ho joined the
Confederate Army as private,
and subsequently became Major
and Lieutenant Colonel, serving in
Virginia. lie was afterwards com
misToncd as Colonel, and return
ing TO Alabama, raised the Dist
Regiment, which he literally aided
in equipping. lie went to tho front
in Tennessee, but was soon assigned
to the head Of the Conscript Blu.
reau in Alabama, at the request of
the State Delegation in the Confed-
crate Congress. In 1868 he was
appointed Brigadier General by Gen.
Robert K. Lee, but declined pro-
motion. lis was again commits
stoned Bngadier General in No
ycmbcr, 1868, and commanded a
division in the winter Of 1891,
operating with Gen. James Long
street in Eastern Tennessee, aud
with Gen. Joseph j.. Johnston and
Gen. John y. Hood. After the
war he resumed his law practice
in Selma, Alabama. In 1876 he
was again Presidential EIectOr on
the rilden ticket aud was also
elected TO the United Senate as a
Democrat, and has been in the
Senate ever since.
In the last Congress, Senator
Morgan was Chairman Of the So
lect Committee on Nicaraguan
Claims and a member OF the Com
mittee on Foreign Relations, Indian
AGnrs, Public Lands and the Sc
loct Committee on tho Presidents
Message Transmitting Report Of
Pacific Railway Commission. In
this present Extra Session of Con
gress. he is taking even a more ao-
/ tive part than in The last. His
term will expire March Z, 1895, bat
he Will probably be Kept iu the Sen.
ate as long as be chooses TO remain,
as be Is very populas with bis pco-
] N..N. ID