The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-07-17

supply of provisions and a good-siZed
check Every Christmas Mrs. Russell and
himself used to seek out all the poor chill
dren OF Cambridge who otherwise would
not have much occasion 10 rejoice In the
coming of the glad season, assemble them
in great barn and give them presents,
warm clothing and make them have a
good time generally. The Governor en-
ioyed these parties immensely, and his
Oldest child, Eustis, beautiful boy, acted
the part of Santa Claus.
As Governor he was more DESTROYS of
doing what he thought to be right and for
the best interests of the State than to
profit personally or for his party. He was
never afraid to face situation.
He was twice reelected Governor, and
in 1892 was favored by the Massachusetts,
Democracy for the Presidential nomina-
ton. He was a favorite of the young
men of his State. One reason why the
young men always stood by him was that
he did the things young men like. He
rode like centaur, loved to shoot, hunt,
fish, dance, play lawn tennis and football.
After leaving the governorship Mr..
Russell devoted his time to the law. He
was not rich man, although in CON-
| Portable circumstances. He was essentially
domestic man. In Cam bridge he lived
| in comfortable but UMPIRE tenrious house,
! happy in the society of his wife and
children.
At the late Democratic conven ton in
Chicago the Massachusetts, delegation
would have been proud to put forward
the name of William E. Russell for the
Presidential nomination, but they were
forced to repudiate the platform of that
body, and one of the last acts of the de-
ceased in public life was TO plead before
that convention for reasonable action that
would not drive conscientious men from
the party ranks.
Governor Russell concluded his speech
in opposition to the adoption of the plat
form as follows:
1hRve heard from the lips of some of the old
leaders of our party at whose feet we younger
| men have loved to learn the principles of our
faith, that this new doctrine was the bright
dawn of better day. l would to God that ]
could believe it. have heard that Democracy
was being tied to star-not the lone star, nv
Texas friends, that we gladly would welcome
but to the falling star, which flashes for an
instant ana then goes out in the darkness OF
the night. No, my friends, we see not the
dawn, but the dizziness of defeat and disaster.
Oh, that from this great majority, with its
power, there might come the one word of con-
cession and Cancellation.
Oh, that from you there might be held out
the olive branch of peace, under which all
Democrats, united, could rally to great vic.
tory. Mr.. Chairman, have finished nv work
OF protest. Let me, following the example OF
the Senator from South Carolina utter nv
word of prophecy. When this storm has sub
sided, when the dark clouds of passion and
prejudice have rolled away, and there come.
after the turmoil of this convention the sobe,
second thought of Democrats and of on,
people, then the protests we of the minority
here make will be hailed as the arch of the
covenant of the faith where all Democrats
reunited. may go to fight for the old principle.
and carry them to triumphant victory.
He had high hopes when he went tc
Chicago; but they were blasted, and il i,
just possible that, had it not been for tina,
convention, William e. Russell would bt
! alive to-day.
, An affecting incident that tells of shat
tered hopes was related by correspond
ent OF The CALL in a telegram from tn,
} Chicago convention. 1t was in the seen,
!, that followed the nomination of BRYAN
There were two women on the platform
One was the wife of the nominee. tn,
other, Mrs. William E. Russell. TIL,
former was happy and her face wa
r radiant. Mrs. Russell, whose whole spiri
had been with her husbands aspirations
sat there weeping as if her heart woulc
break The story of the victor and tn
, vanquished was told by those smiles ant
tears. 1t is possible that Russell, too
; went away from that convention heart
broken.