The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1897-03-11
JOSEPH n. DoLPH.

1t is not too much to say Of ex-
Senator Dolph that at the time OF his
death he was oregon's most distin-
rushed and leading citizen. and that
the state is indebted more TO him than
10 any surviving man for its advance
rnent since the war. There is reason
to believe that few people in oregon
realize how high he stood in the esti-
nation OF other sections Of the country.
and none but those who have served
In congress or lived in Washington. with
opportunities to study the operation Of
government affairs, can have any ad-
eouate conception Of his influence and
his usefulness TO the state during the
years Of his service in the United States
senate. The favors he procured for
Oregon in the way Of federal appro-
,riations and other substantial benefits
were such that representatives OF older
and far more important states could
not hope to obtain. and the ease with
which he carried the most important
legislation desired for his state was a
source OF wonder and comment on
all sides. He was universally recog-
nized and respected as a statesman
Of unusual ability: and no man from
the Pacific coast had ever before. or
has since his time. occupied so many
important positions in the organiza-
tion Of the senate When he was de-
feated for reelection two years ago,
the expressions OF regret over his re-
tirement were national and non-parti-
san. and his case is referred 10 and
will pass into history as one Of the
most amazing examples Of public in
gratitude and political folly recorded
Of any portion Of the American people
As a lawyer he ranked among the most
eminent on the Pacific coast. If not
in the country, and during his term
in the senate he was often consulted.
and actually connected. with some Of the
most important cases determined in the /
United States Supreme Court. II IS
said that It was only his conscientious
fidelity to what he deemed a paramount |
duty to his state, and his untiring in |
dustry in concerns of national legisla- /
ton. committed 70 his care by the SEN
ate, which precluded him from estab- |
fishing a large and lucrative practice .
in the appellate courts Of Washington
and elsewhere in the East. He was
a man Of lofty principles but Of sin
gular modesty and retirement for one
Of his unusual talents and attainments.
While he was noted for his dignity and
self-respect, perhaps his most distin-
gushing characteristic was his utter
lack Of adj Ostentatlon and affectation.
In spite Of his extraordinary achieve
ments, no one ever heard a boastful
expression from his lips; and to those
who knew him well. and loved him.
there was quality of simplicity and
in his daily life and conver-
sation which was touching and beau
tiful. In being of his disposition there
must Of necessity have been a fiber OF
extreme sensitiveness, and yet. in spite
Of the treachery and injustice Of which
his friends all know he has latterIv
been victim; in spite Of the misun-
derstandings Of his nature and the will
tul Misrepresentation Of his motives:
In spite Of the perfidy and ingratitude
Of those In whom he trusted, he is not
known to have ever given way to any
outward manifestation Of anger or re-
sentiment, and even when he could be
induced to talk Of his bitterest oppo-
nents and enemies. 1t was always in a
one Of charity and forgiveness. He
goes to his grave without the least
Iuspicion Of stain upon his public
'r private record, and the example