The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1895-10-06

attention. Not only had he been a
striking figure in military uniform, but
he was peculiar and unique in civilians
garb Moreover, the party conflict rag
ing in that body Immediately centered
about him Always Democrat, BRAY
est and boldest of the c9nfederates, an
aristocrat from Virginia, he had never
theless been chosen to the Senate by Re-
publican and negro votes. Though the
Senate at that moment CHANGED to be a
tie, and accident gave to him the power
to organize it as a Democratic or Re
publican body. few of the Southern men
then uppermost in the councils OF their
party dreamed that Malone w0ald cast
his lot with the Republicans. He did SO,
however. amid tremendous excitement
and in the face OF all sorts Of threats,
and through him the Republican party
retained control Of the upper branch OF
Congress at most critical moment.
Before passing to the almost tragic
sequel, a word conctr ling dramat C
incident. Pres d, u Andrews describe 8
it well. Naturally there was intense
bitterness among the )uthern Senators
when Malone deserted them. Tney fe t
that they had been betrayed by one Of
their own flesh and blood Fiery Ben
Hill came to the attack with bitter irony.
Who is that manp' he cried, amid
laughter from the Republican side of the
chamber, who is that man anbiti-
Gus TO do what no man in the history Of
this country has ever done-stand up 10
this high presence and proclaim from
this proud eminence that he disgraces
the commission he holds2 Such a man
is not worthy TO be Democrat. Is he
worthy to be Republican," But little
Malone, with his flowing beard and
spindle legs, was not inundated TAX
ing the floor, amid breathIess silence, be
principle, but not indebted TO the Demo
cratic party for his place in the Senate.
81 want the Senator from Georgia to
know, henceforth and Forever" he de-
clared, vehemently, "that here is a man
who dares stand and defend his right
against you and you usa y
To- day saw the sequel Gen. Ma
hone walks the streets of Washington
bankrupt, helpless, though not wholly
friendless. He is virtually pensioner
on the generosity of one of his old asso
ciates, John hamberlain, the inn keeper
Too honorable to run away from any Just
claim upon him, too high spirited to
attempt to save anything out of the
wreck of his own property, Malone has
nothing in the world but his pride and
the home in Petersburg which belonged
t, his wife before their marriage. Con
trass this with his condition when he
entered the Senate and broke a tie in
favor of the Republicans. Then he was
perhaps the richest man in Virginia. He
had the esteem and the society of all the
first families. His name, associated with
a new enterprise, was guarantee not
only of good faith, but of success. The
leading men of the State were proud to
claim his friendship and partake of his
prodigal hospitality. His fine old place
was almost baronial. Dozens and scores
were often at his table, eating the pro
duce Of his farm and garden. famous for
the quality of their meats, game aud
vegetables The members of his family
were sought in the highest circles of q
society always aristocratic and exclusive.
The daughter of the hero of Petersburg
was welcome everywhere.
When Gen Malone cast his lot with
the Republican party in the Senate a
change like that of devasting flood or
a recurrence of the glacial epoch swept
over his home, his family, his social posi-