The age-herald., 1898-12-18

attract more attention than during the de- bate on the war revenue bhi. - rafs fight they compared more than favorably with the blows struck by the ablest of the re- publican chieftains in the west. MT. Payne has been member of the ways and means committee for years, and is recognized by both parties as one of it's ablest workers. Neither grasping nor sordid in his aspira- tions, unlike some congressmen, he is ever content with credit for his own work with out appropriating credit belonging to others.
 Near MT. Payne's desk sits gentleman who may achieve senatorial honors In In- diana. George w. Steele was a soldier in the civil war. of rare courage, fine tact and quick movement. Like Payne, he has served fourteen years in the house, and is the dean of his delegation. He has not el- bowed his way to the front, nor become conspicuous in wordy assaults upon his po- litical opponents. An active participant in discussions, he never attempts to outline himself in set speeches. but hugs the point at issue, and invariably skirmishes to some purpose. He is fighter, and not poser. MT. Steele is also member of the com mittee of ways and means, and one possess ing the close confidence of Chairman Ding ley. While not a fulsome friend of the old soldiers, he stands by them as he stood by his colors in the war. He has for years been a member of the board of managers of the National Home. Last summer, when the effort was being made to change the usual political complexion of the board, Steele stood by his old comrades without regard to politics Indeed, 1t was due to his effort that the gallant old adjutant- general of the Sixth corps, Martin T. Me- Mahon, was kept upon the board. where he had performed faithful service for many years. Steele came from the ranks of the people. He is farmers boy; has swung a scythe and lugged in baek-logs. He was educated in the common schools, read law, and finally landed in the army, serving till the day of Appomattox. He was the first governor of Oklahoma. 3Iav- ing large commercial interests in In6fana, he Is eminently fitted to represent hel- in- terests in the senate. A square and con- scientious legislator, he does his work with out fuss or feathers, and to the satisfac- tion of his associates. Of course, there are more brilliant men in Hoosierdom than George w. Steele, but there are none more untiring and energetic, and none more cap able. Endowed with good judgment he has a quick and sharp tongue, and is danger ous antagonist in political melee His so- cial qualities are universally recognized, and no man is more welcome as a guest. His services to his party in the house en- title him to favorable consideration in the coming contest at Indianapolis.
 Near Steele sits his opponent in com plexion and manner, the Hon. Joseph w. Babcock, of Wisconsin. Rather portly in appearance, deliberate in movement and confident in bearing, he ought to fill the bill as republican candidate for senator from Wisconsin. For some years MT. Bab- cock has been the chairman of the com mittee on the District of Columbia This honor requires a man fertile in resources, patient in investigation, conscientious in purpose and decisive in action. It will hardly be gainsaid that Babcock has filled admirably all these requirements But his claims for the senatorial nomination are based upon much stronger party grounds. He has been chairman of the republican congressional campaign committee for four years, and is justly credited with the work that gave that party its large majority in the present congress-; yet he outdid his former efforts and increased his reputation in the recent election. Major Mckinley is said to be the first president who enters upon his third year of office with majog- ity at his back in both houses of congress since the days of Jefferson. However this may be- MT. Babcock is entitled to the credit of this result The ability which marked his success in commercial life was displayed in his conduct of the congression- al campaign. His friends declare that whatever contributions were received were honestly and economically expended, and that the whole campaign was conducted upon thorough business principles Many a republican member of the present house owes his election to the excellent organi- zation and administration of the republi- can congressional committee under MT. Babcock's chairmanship. Wisconsin al- ready has a brilliant senator in John c. Spooner, and MT. Babcock would make a fitting colleague. Senator Spooner is a lawyer of marvellous ability, and MT. Bab-