Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19


IN directing and shaping legislation. The
difference between the members OF this
group and those composing the hrst-men-
toned is, the first are diplomatic IN
speech; the second exercise their olplo-
macy in their deeds. The first carry a
point by gentlest persuasion; the second
by acts and by arguments not WSit less
effective.
THE SILENT WORKERS.
There is a large group Of senators
the cynic might regret that it Is not
larger-which may be very appropriately
termed the Silent Workers. They attach
no Importance to speechmaldng. A SEN
ator on his feet is a signal to them to
begin trying to catch up with their be-
hind-hand correspondence. They don't
hear him until the time to vote comes.
1t really seems as though their minds are
made up as TO how they will vote on
bill the moment its title is read. Then
they dismiss it from their minds and de-
vote themselves TO matters or their con-
stituents and the preparation or Bills 10
be introduced later. But they rarely miss
roll-call for a vote, annd the strength OF
this silent contingent receives constant
exercise. Adam Clement, Alexander st.
Clair. George w. lie Cato, Manly II.
Barnes, and NJ. II. Clayton compose 1t,
and slowly and surely, and, 1t may be
added, silently, these men get upon the
statute books the measures which they
believe to be for the best interests OF
their constituents and the people OF the
State. They all seem impressed by the
truth that led Bliss Carman TO write:
"Have little care that Life is brief,
And less that Art is long;
Success is in the Silences,
Though Fame be in the Song"
BUT TWO IN THE GROUP.
Senator II. c. Lowry, Of Bedford, and
IJeutenant-G Governor X. Il. Kent might
have been included in more than one OF
the preceding groups, but they are pecu-
liarly the types OF another class. 1t is
one which has grown very small in this
5usk of the century, and IL this fin-de-sie-
cleism continues to make such deep In
roads upon the younger generation, can
hardly escape extinction. They are the
Old Virginia Gentlemen Of the Senate.
The other senators all have that courtesy
of manner that makes contact with them
devoid of all friction; but theirs IS cos
mopolitan polish, born OF association with
men Of the world, which has strongly
modified childhood training. 1t Is dlt-
ferent with these two. The courtesy-Wlsn
which they treat everybody, from senators
TO the old-time negro that sweeps up the
floor and dusts the desks as soon as the
chamber is empty, and turns many dime
by polishing senatorial boots in the
cloak-room, may be old-fashoned; bu'
IL is of a character that every man oil
culture recognizes as typical OF the finest
race OF gentlemen in the world-the pro
verbal gentlemen of the old Virglria
school. Senator Lowry is hard worker
and occasionally addresses the Senate, pu'
he Is not a frequent speaker, though ne
closely follows the debates. The modestS
of Lieutenant Governor Kent and MT
Lowry is a very marked characteristic
and is a very potent factor in Keeping
the latter off his feet.
WILL GROUP THEMSELVES.
II will be interesting to watch the new
members gradually join one Of the classes
into which the old ones are divided tol
each is certain to enter one OF them. Il
is probable that the Virginia General AS
sembly has always grouped itself in thi:
way. and always will. 1t would be inter
esting to know whether this grouping
process is merely an involuntary following
of natural bent. or is the result or de-
liberate choice. 1t Is probably both