The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-04-26
HON. THOS. J. JARVIS.
APPOINTED BY GOV. CARR TO
SUCCEED VANCE.


Brief Sketch Of the Life and
Public Services Of the Distin-
guished Gentleman---A Man of
the People and a Well Equipped
Statesman---Vance's Lieuten-
ant Governor and Successor in
the Gubernatorial Chair. "A
Thorough Democrat, &c.
Raleigh News-O Observer Chronicle.
The appointment of Gov. Thomas
| !. Jarvis rs Senator to fill the vacancy
created by the death Of the lamented
Vance was, we imagine, generally
expected throughout the State.
Although still a comparatively young
man, Gov. Jarvis IS next to Senator
Ransom, the most distinguished
citizen OF the State in active political
service, and it is fitting that he should
wear the mantle that has fallen from
the shoulders Of the deceased Senator.
Having loyalty and gallantly served
IN the army of the Confederacy as
Captain of Campany B., Eighth
Regiment, he was elected member of
the Constitutional Convention of 1865
from Currtuck, his native county, and
he was elected from the county of
IyrreIl member Of the legislature of
1868 as a Democrat, and was the
leader of that little band of braves
who rendered the State such signal
service IN that Republican body. The
State rang with his praises which were
echoed from the mountains to the
seaDoard
And IN the succeeding Assembly
IN which the Democrats happily held
a majority, Jarvis received merited
recognition in being elevated to the
Speakers chair. AS presiding officer
OF the House he enhanced his reputa-
ton and made still palmer to the
people his superior merit. In those
critical times, his counsel was always
wise, his conduct Just and his course
patriotic.
He was member of the Constitu-
tional Convention of 1875 and again
rendered the State signal service Of
unusual consequence. TO him more
than any one else was due the credit
of securing control of that body and
thus making possible the reforms
which it instituted.
The year following he was nomi-
mated as Lieutenant Governor on the
ticket with Gov. Vance and made an
active campaign. Being elected, he
presided over the Senate until Vance
carly in 1879 resigned as Governor to
take his seat as Senator, and during
this period he exerted wholesome
influence on legislation and still
further increased his knowledge OF the
needs of the State. Coming to the
Executive chair fresh from familiar in
terCourses with the active men of the
State, and fully Conversant with the
details of public matters, he entered
on his duties fully prepared 10 dis
charge them with a high degree Of
intelligence. His administration, pro-
longed by subsequent election by the
people to more than six years, was
without doubt the most brilliant in
the annals of the State, except alone
that of Vance during the period of the
war.
The changes that Governor Vance
had begun were taken up and pressed
to a conclusion, and new work was
undertaken with an energy that
bespoke progress in every line of State
control. Our people then were
prosperous, contented and happy,
and responded with cheerfulness to the
suggestions of a practical Governor
We had made an exhibit at the
Atlanta Exposition and at Boston
and just before his term ended, the
!, State Instituted an Exposition which
was kept open month, and which
was a complete epitome of the States
industries and resources. Such was
the hitting close OF an administration
which, measured by its fine fruits, had
in the progress and advancement ot
the people never been approximated in
our history. About this time, Gov.
Jarvis being in New England, made
such a favorable impression, that he
was much considered as a possible
nominee for the Vice Presidency.
When Mr. Cleveland was elected in
1881, the legislature by a unanimous
vote of both Houses, the Republicans
cordially ConCurring, presented Gov
Jarvis name 20 him for a cabinet
position. Mr.. Cleveland shortly
afterwards appointed Gov. Jarvis
Minister to Brazil, where he passed
the following four years with honor tC
himself and credit to the American
people. Since his return he has de.
voted himself to the practice of his
profession.
Senator Jarvis has always been a
Jealous Democrat. He has made
speeches in every county in the State
and in many of them he has spoken al
! every recurring election. He is {
plain, but very forcible speaker. He
is direct in his methods, frank anc
sincere. He is cautious, prudent, anC
thoughtful. Above all he is patriotic
He is free from narrow seCtlOnallsm
but devoted to the interest Of the peo
pie of North Carolina.
He will bring to the discharge o
his Senatorial duties, lofty PATRIOTS m
fine intelligence, high integrity, and ;
thorough acquaintance with the need
of the people of this State and of TIT
South.
Senator Jarvis was born in Curri
tuck county, North Carolina, January
1896, and is now IS years of age. HI
n, rrieH Dec 81. Miss Mar,