Smyrna times., 1899-03-29
TIBBS WAS ELECTED,
THE FLIGHT OF ORATORY THAT WON
HIM A PAGESHIP.


Gave That Gentleman an Inspira-
tiOn In Words That Carried the Day.
Below is printed the noted speech of
Senator Eldridge of Shelby in nominat-
ing Jimmie Tibbs the Nashville news
boy, to be page of the senate. Senator
Eldridge had made the newsboy's cause
his own, though the little fellow came
to him unknown, with no stronger sup
plicancy than the boys frail yet ener-
getic appearance. Senator Eldridge had
notified the senate that the man who
voted against Tibbs voted against the
senator from Shelby. and the sweetness
of revenge would come when the oppos-
ing voter wanted the senator's support
on local bill The speech was as fol-
lows
'Mr. Speaker. | nominate for page
Jim Tibbs of Davidson county There
can be no Interior motive ascribed to
this nomination. no railroad passes no
champagne suppers. no political pulls
come from the muddy Mississippi
river and Mr. Tibbs from the misty
mountain tops Of middle Tennessee
Mr. Tibbs has seen ten summers, but
many, many winters have shed their
snow on his sunny head His freckled,
anxious face is standing there gazing
at me now He is locking up now. but
for nearly all his life he has looked down
as he has shined the big feet of small
men
'Mr Speaker, Mr. Tibbs is not here
as supplicant for pity or sympathy
Mr. Tibbs is Il man and the head Of
family Mr. Tibbs has met the dizzy,
sinsick world and won ont He has not
become as dizzy or us sick as you and l.
and. therefore, | will not refer to the
humble home of Mr. Tibbs or the old
mother who, no doubt, is on her knees
praying to Almighty God for Mr. Tibbs
will not refer to the paralyzed brother
who, like myself, knows that Mr.. Tibbs
cannot fail Bnt somehow feel cold
when think Of that snowstorm out
yonder and how it must rattle the cur
tainless windows of Mr. Tibbs resi-
depce And. Mr. Speaker. / somehow
do wish that the mother of Mr. Tibbs
would kindly mention this great senate
in that prayer, for, if she did, | believe
it would suit its constituents better. and
we would come nearer coming back next
time
MIR Tibbs like myself, has been
blown into this senate by the sublimity
of luck. Destiny chooses her disciples
with uneTring aim and those who Op-
pose Mr. Tibbs are fighting God | will
tell you why | think this am stop
ping at the Tulane hotel, by the faith
of the host thereof My wife and baby
are with me there Yesterday morning
l had been up very early discussing the
question of Il new constitution for my
self and my state
AT in the morning Sarah was soft
ly humming to the teething baby. rock
ing him back to rest to sleep and to
forgetfulness. which is the only rest
The old refrain rose and fell as the nod
ding of a flower
Jesus can make dying bed
Feel soft as downy pillows are,
While on his breast lean my head
And softly breathe my life out there.
KNOCK knock Come in. l angrily
said, expecting a bellboy
''Mr Tibbs appeared He came to
the bed and said Senator. | am named
Tibbs, and l want to be page of the SEN
ate | want you to make the rest of
them vote for me. please sir.
"'Mr. Tibbs, | replied. does it not
occur to you that you are crowding me
somewhat Don't you think for the
kind of a day and the time of day that
your visit is not the proper thingH'
"'Well, it is good daylight, he said.
and have been up some time.
"'Yes, sir, all men should be ready
for business by this time, was my re-
joinder. but why do you come to me
and how did you find me2'
al saw you in the Climax saloon
yesterday, and Mr. Maddin. the bar
keeper. said you were a senator. came
the unhesitating answer
81 quickly glanced at my wife. the
rocking had stopped, and the baby,
hearing strange voice. had ceased his
complaint and was sitting up, looking
like a jack rabbit in bed of lilies. al
eyes and ears.
~ said, Mr.. Tibbs, must ask you
to excuse me. will call on you later.
"'Yes. sir. | will see you, he replied
and went away
Sarah turned her head and said
Will, am for Tibbs.
"Mr Speaker. | arose and raised the
curtain of the window The east seemed
hecked with a swarm of golden bees
the sun. that had been away. wal
knocking at the front door of this plan
ct. Sir. who can tell of the systems ani
cycles he had smiled upon, of his un
speakable glory and sublimityH Th'
light of this sun will fade by and by
At one time it was born. at one time i
must surely die. but. sir. the fire hat
seen in the eyes of Jimmie Tibbs will
not die 1t is older than the sun 1t ha
: stood floods of storm and wrath tina
! would quench that sun One is of to
day, but the faith, the courage and tn
: hope of Tibbs make us dream again o
the immortality of the soul