Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-19
Honor to Whom Honor.
Norfolk Virginian and Pilot)


The death Of William F. Drinkard, edi
tor OF the Richmond Daily Dispatch. pre-
viousiy commented on in the Virginiar
ana Pilot, has given occasion for some dis
cussfon, not only of him, but of his high
once, its functions, and the regards o.
| nfelonS devotion. unflnching courage
tireiess diligence, and the unstintec
squandering Of great intellectual powers
ana wide knowledge in the ephemeral re-
cord OF the running day.
He was a born editor in his mental
| adaptedness to its highest duties. His
naturally fine mind was developed, train
ed, and stored for the work His learn
ing was not profound, but his intellect
was, and the exigencies of his profession
required universally Of knowledge that
excluded the fulness and accuracy of
thorough investigation. Yet IL is this very
limitation that makes the daily editor
possible; not that 1t imposes superfciality
or inaccuracy; for the perception that
tial all is far preferable for practical,
popular, and current use than pedantry,
or overmuch erudition.
He was an honest man. He always
sought to deal fairly with men and mea-
sures. principles, and policies. The right
and the truth dominated even his politics
and partisanry, and much that was TN
justly attributed 10 him as trimming"
"vacillation," or Inconsistency" arose
out of his earnest efforts to harmonic
right and truth with the actual or out
of the difficulty which every ingenious
and enlightened mind finds in answering
so many questions with direct and
definite no or yes.
And that suggests a popularity in Mr..
Drlnkards inequality wherein the main
source of his strength as a thinker and
writer betrayed him into a weakness
He was often undecided in his views and
opinions, not from any lack of decision
OF character per sc, but because his in
sight was so acute and subtle, and his
logical balance so nice that positive de-
cison was both intellectually and morally
impossible to him. He saw both sides
of the matter too fully, and plainly to
determine for either; and he sometimes
avowed this, as he was a man who had
the courage Of his doubts, as we'll as OF
his convictions.
His liberallty OF thought and feeling
was wide and bright, and 10 this he added
a personal amiabiHty which followed him
everywhere, and Which was often con-
spicuous in him as editor, judge, and die
tator; for, holding the position he did
personally, in the councils OF his party,
and being the editor Of the leading organ
of the Democratic party of Virginia, 1t !
was his privilege not rarely TO speak the |
word that made a policy. or a measure, |
or a man.
William +. Drinkard neither pursued |
nor held a public Office. He filled the |
only place to which he aspired, and which |
was not alone worthy of his high ambi-
ton, but which, in public affairs, could |
alone be attained without lowering or
tainting that lofty emprlse. And yet |
there are sordid souls who ask what was
his reward? He himself proclaimed Il
more than once. He was guide, philoso-
pher, and friend OF all his intelligent and |
worthy readers; he inspired and led his
party: he served the people, and gave
himself a proud and willing sacrifice to
his State. He loved Virginia, and to her
and glory he unselfshly lent
MS life-receiving and yielding honor.