Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-03-02
EX-GOV. M'K|NNEY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE oNE)

Of lsei-'e2 and 1854 are mastery pro-
ductlons. showing great research anu
thought. Under his administration the
Federal Government was induced 10 de-
tau an officer. Captain J. y. Baylor. from
the United states Coast and Geodetic
survey. who made a survey and map oil
,he OYSTER grounds OF the state, when
has resulted i'm great benefit TO the State,
showing. as IL does the location OF the
natural rocks and enabling the inspectors
ia avoid the constant controversies "h'ch
formerly existed between the planters
and tongmen. .,.
Governor Mckinney made numerous
recommendation in his messages, "h4Sh
showed him to be practical ana pro-
gressiye I'm his views, and the S'ate
material prosperity was much ADVANCE
during his administration. one OF the
leading members Of the States judiciary
remarked not long since that virginia
needed more than anything else Lesis-
.ature that would carry out the recon-
mendations In Governor McKinney's mes
sages.
The social life Of Governor Mckinney
while he occupied the Executive Mansion
was very quiet one. He had little taste
for society, and spent great deal OF ms
home time In transacting executive Dusl-
ness. He frequently received al the man
sion Office at night State officers VINO
came here on the States business, In order
that they might leave the city the next
morning, and thus reduce their travelling
charges upon the Commonwealth. Indeed
ne carried this so far that at times ms
friends would demonstrate with hlm'
claiming that he owed them and society
more Of his time.
INTENSE VIRGINIANIsM.
Governor McKinney's intense Vir-
ginianism and his regard for Nirginia's
rieNs and sovereign prerogatives were
strikingly illustrated during the Home
stead riots and when Pinkerton detec-
tives were employed.
While he was sitting at his desi- in the
Executive office at the Capitol, he was
asked by a personal friend what he
would do in case any one attempted to
bring Pinkerton detectives into Virginia
to aid in suppressing disturbance.
"Do." he exclaimed. springing TO his
feet. mis- face flushing and his eyes flash
ing. do: ia order Major Simons to turn
loose that Gatling-gun on the invaders
as quick as he could load it,"
And he meant every word he said.
No man in public life ever thought less
Of his own personal and political adj
vancement than Governor Mckinney, as
shown in his solution of one Of the most
difficult and perplexing questions that
ever came before him.
When advised by a close friend to solve
it by taking a certain course the argu-
ment being that all things being equal
that course would be the popular one,
as bearing on his political future, his re-
ply was.
"Old mana favorite way he had of
addressing friends younger than him
self-"the question IS not what is popular,
and my political future has nothing to do
with the matter. The question is what IS
right and my duty"
Upon returning from the gubernatorial
chair. Governor Mckinney went imme-
diately to his home in Farmville, and re-
sumed the practice of his profession.
When about TO lay down his public
honors. he wrote to a bosom friend that
he "longed for the time 10 come when
he would once more become a private
when, as SUCH he could return
10 Farmville and in his own home gather
around him the friends Of his choice.
and upon its streets mingle as one OF
them with the people he loved"