The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-08-30
SENATOR MARTINS DntrNDEEs.

We publish this morning letter from
"Albemarle" upbraiding The Times for
unjtst structures on Senator Martin
touching his silence on the silver qucs-
ton We publish this letter because we
would under no circumstances intention
ally do Senator Martin or any other man
an Injustice. and if it can be pointed out
that we have, or the writer believes ami
even thinks he can point out where We
have done the injustice, We viii sye space
for the vindication.
If "AlDemarle" thinks he has helped
Senator Martins cause by his letter, both
ne and the Senator are welcome TO the
benefit.
We think. however that "Albemarie"
goes too FAR when he says the criticism
or structures Of senator Martins course
are "uncalIed for" The criticism Of the
political views OF grca. issue of
man occupying a great public Office, as
does Senator Martin. may De unjust, Dut
they cannot be "uncalled for" 1t is OF
the utmost Importance fhat the people
should know the opinions Of their repre-
sentatiyes. And when the representative
is endued with great powers, and the
question upon which he IS 10 represent
his people is momentous. it becomes more
and more essential that his views should
be known. There is nothing personal IN
the criticism Of Mr.. Martin. nor should
there be. lie is dealt with only In his
official capacity, and only with the view
Of contrasting the function and influence
of tho statesman-a man chosen by the
people because his opinions were known
and because they were right and because
he was willing and able TO maintain them
on the one hand. and on the other. the
representative chosen without any opin-
ions or with unknown opinions. whose
oflce was secured and held for some
other reasons than those dependent upon
his views and his ability 10 maintain
their correctness.
We believe that in their respective
spheres nearly every senator Of the United
States has placed himself on one side
or the other of this question, and their
influence in shaping public opinion has
been in proportion to their several abili-
ties.
The Times did think that in this great
conflict Senator Martin had an unprece-
dented opportunity for exhibiting the quail
tiles Of a statesman and leader. and
had he exhibited them its fullest mead
Of praise--whateycr it may be worth
would have been promptly awarded him.
But he has not faced the storm. lie
has kept under cover and left others TO
expose themselves and do the fighting.
We do not emphasize this I'm any other
spirit but that which reasonably expects
from those who seek the places OF lead
ers conduct becoming leaders.
There has not been such wealth OF
ability among the politicians OF Virginia
for the last twenty-five years as to make
MS ignore the gifts Of true craftsmanship
in any of our representatives,. no matter
how ne became conspicuous. We have ear
nestlv looked for tie man who had these
gifts. and we have over and over again
been disappointed and found that golden
promises turned to ashes as the apples
Of SOdom.
Mr.. Martin was absolutely an unknown
quantity. and despite all the criticism TO
which the methods employed for his cleo
ton 10 the high Office OF United States
Senator from Virginia had justly exposed
him, IT, when the pinch came, he had
measured up to the fun stature OF a
courageous. clear-headed leader no
should, at least from The Times, have
received just and ready commentator.
But then, like Finney's race horse. his
friends say all he wants is plenty OF
time,