The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1895-10-09
MALONE AND BEN HILL.


The death Of Gen. Malone removes
one of the most picturesque figures IN
American politics. He was a man OF
slight stature, full of energy and noted
for his endurance. He was resourceful,
original, trihe eccentric, and afee.ed
the style Of the Virginia planter Of fifty
years ago, with his fine cattle boots and
large gray SLOUGH hat.
There was one rodent III when Gen.
Malone figured that cost him bis career
as public man and made him forfeit
the good opinion of his fellow citizens.
He had been elected to the United States
Senate. and on the 14th of March, 1881,
Ben Hill, Of Georgia, in a speech, one OF
the most bitter and scathing invectiYes
against political treachery ever spoken
held Malone up to public execration.
The organization of the Senate de-
pended on the vote of the ReadJuster
Senator, IS Malone was then ca led. In
Guiding David Davis and Malone, the
Democrats had one vote more than neces-
sary to organize the Senate. Conkling
was urging postponement of the organl-
cation of the Senate, claiming that the
Republicans would have majority when
the vacancies were all filled 1t was
known that Davis would vote with Dem
= ia f. +hn traitor
but though the Republicans had bought
him he still pretended that he was a
Democrat. Ben Hill uncovered him and
a graphic writer, describing the scene
said that Hills ''eyes shone radiant with
a genius that thrilled all hearers, and his
long arms we're soon swinging right and
left with the grace and vigor born OF the
inspiration of the hour, ever and anon
held out at full length like
the wings of an eagle when
poised for a long and vigorous flight,
swooping suddenly to earth to clutch
its prey and rend it to pieces in the
twinkling Of an eye. No wonder that
the object of attack his terrible denun-
citation of Malone, as the papers ex-
pressed it next mornIng-no wonder
Senator Malone instinctively dropped
behind his desk, now and then lodging
to one side or the other, nervously, as if
he felt the talons of the great eagle
buried in his flesh"
1t took much denunciation before Sen
ator Hill could draw fire; but finally,
aided by Logan and Conkling, he came
from under cover, claiming: Il hold, sir,
that to-day am better Democrat than
he (HilD, infinitely better" Hill re-
responded in debate, participated in by
Conkling, Logan and Teller, that is truly
famous. Malone had been exposed in
his dickering with the Republicans, and
that was the purpose of the debate.
Gen. Malone never regained the con-
fidence Of his people, and lived to con
tinue in bitter political warfare. He no
doubt often heard ringing in his ears the
closing words of Ben Hill:
1.-THE gentleman must be bis own
keeper; the gentleman must solve his
own questions; but repeat, repeat as
a friend, | repeat as friend whose
friendship will be appreciated some day,
that the Senator is in danger of bringing
upon himself charge that he will never
have the power to explain -
The example of Malone was followed
in North Carolina by Marion Butler, who
has succeeded in like manner. The coun-
try needs Ben Hill in the United States
Senate next December to proclaim his
treachery, and drive him from under
cover.