Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-02-07
The Barbour Eulogics.

CulOEy upon tio i'i'S '-Sii'AsS
delivered in the Z. S. Senate last
Friday by his successor, Senator Hun
ton
Mr.. President, in every age of the
world and in every country the vlrtu-
Gus and distinguished dead have been
honored. In the American civilization
of the nineteenth century this duty to
the dead is seldom neglected. In some
form or il some way we show our APP
probation of the loved and honored
ones who go before US. 1t is meet and
proper when one of those who but re-
Gently made distinguished part of this
body has fallen victim to the fell de,
stroyer that those whom he left behind
should pause and for brief moment
lay aside the cares and the conflicts OF
senatorial life TO speak of and recall his
virtues, and in afiectionate language
pay tribute of respect and esteem to Il
departed friend.
In this spirit I desire to speak OF
my friend, the late Hon. John ;. Bar
bour.
He was born in the county of Culpep-
er, Va, on the Goth day of December,
1920, and died on the 14th day of May,
1892, aged II years and Al months. He
was educated at the University of Nir-
ginia. then as now one of the finest
institutions of learning in America.
He obtained his license to practice
law soon after leaving the University,
and began professional life in his ma
tive county.
In 1917 be was elected TO the Legisla-
ture. His county was almost evenly
divided in politics., but he was elected
four times and then voluntarily retired.
Born of distinguished democratic pa
rents, he always adhered to the princi-
Piles of the democratic party.
In 1852 he was elected president of
the Orange and Alexandria Railroad
Company, organized to build a road
from Alexandria to Gordonsville to
unite with the Chesapeake and Ohio
Railroad at the latter point. He con-
Quoted this enterprise with singular
ability, and by his great financial skill
extended his railroad first to Lynch
burg and then to Danvile. This road,
now called the Virginia Midland, forms
IL part of the great chain of roads
known as the Richmond and Danville
system.
In 1880, against his protest, he was
nominated and elected TO the Congress
of the United States to represent the
Eighth Virginia district.
| had declined a nomination for a
fifth term. Mr.. Barbour was nominated
in his absence from the State to succeed
me. A meeting of the Hancock and
English Club held in my town soon
after his nomination was reported as
follows:
At a meeting of the Hancock and English
Club of Warrenton one day last week, Gen
Eppa Hunton said that he had come to the
club to speak of the nomination of John S.
Barbour 1t not only satisfied but gratiicd
him. Within five minuses after lie had heard
of it he telegmphed his congratulations and
received the characteristic reply:
Thanks for yonr kind message. The pub
lie interests would have been better subserved
By your continuance in Office am sure
He did not know within the range of his ac-
quaintancc better man, man of better
sense or one having more influence, than
John S. Barbour. He was diligent, per
severing, sensible man, and few Representa-
tives on the floor of the House would prove
more efficient than he. The Speaker could
not recall day when John S. Barbour did
not stand high in his esteem His intimacy
with him had been long. He knew him
when 4 member of the Legislature and for
many years together rs head of one Of the
principal corporations of the State, ana ht
did not believe that that man lives who can
point TO one blot on his character. Upright
honest, intelligent, inluential-who can ob-
ect to him? He was modest withal. He
never desired nomination never sought it.
When his name was first mentioned in con-
ncction with it Inc forbade its use, and he only
consented to accept nomination. made with
ont his knowledge, from high sense of duty.
We 90 into convention expecting to give aud
take; and all Of us should rejoice that the
outcome of the Alexandria convention was
most favorable-fayorablc to the election of q
true democrat and to the election of Ham
cock and English. The Congressional ticket
strengthened the electoral ticket. This of it.
self should make true democrats, men diSap-
pointed in obtaining their first choice. hail
the nomination gladly and give it Il hearty
support He (thc speaker would not only
support it, but do all in his pewer to ratify 1t
in November next. Gen. Hunton concluded
by offering the following resolution, which
was unanimously adopted
.'Resolred. That the Hancock and English
Club of tho town of Warrenton ratify the
nomination of John S. Barbour, of AlcXan-
dria. and pledge him a cordial and undivided
support
The sentiments I then expressed
were held up to the period Of his death.
Our subsequent intercourse and his SER
vices thereafter rendered to his State
intensified these sentiments and
strengthened the bond of friendship be-
tween us.
He was again elected in 1882. At
this time and for several preceding
years the republican party, under the
name of readjusters, had obtained the
political mastery in Virginia, and her
people looked with dire forebodings on
the future if ruled and governed by
this party. In their extremity the
eyes of the patriotic people of the State
turned to Mr.. Barbour. They believed
that he Gf any man) could bring vic
tory to the democratic party and res
cue them from the ruinous domination
of the party which had controlled the
State for several years.
Reluctantly he was induced to take
charge of the campaign of 1888, and by
his Judgment, his energy, and his skill
as party leader rescued his State from
the enemy.
He was again elected to Congress in
1854, and continued to serve the Sth
district as its Representative in Con-
gress, and the whole State as the chief
al.