Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1900-03-15

ard had the opportunity to assume lead
ership. He availed himself of the on
portunity and during the 10 years that
he continued in that body he was the
recognized leader of the Democratic
side. He remained in the Senate until
January, 1885, being reelected twice
by the General Assembly Of Delaware,
in 1875 and 1881.
There were, rs you can understand,
important matters of legislation in
these years, regarding the recon
struction of the States lately la re-
bellion, and the grave questions in
volved in the adoption of the Fifteenth
Amendment to the Constitution. The
duties of a Senator are grave and inn
portant. A Senator'S duties are to his
country, to his State, to his con-
stituents MS individuals, to tho legis-
lative body itself OF which he is
member, and to the party whose
political doctrines he upholds. The
proper discharge of all these grave and
important duties is vely fatiguing
work, as you can well understand.
Some give but little time to COMMITTEES
work, some take no part in debate,
some conduct their correspondence, get
up their statistics and prepare their
speeches by the hands of their private
secretaries while others again, re-
stricting themselves to senatorial work
are never to be found upon the
hastings, and show no interest in party
affairs. This was not the case with
Mr.. Bayard. Always most indus.
trious man, he gave labor ous care to
his committee work and his public
speeches showed careful study aud
thought always. He was most reg ular
il his attendance. both in the Senate
anu at the committee table and was
never known to dodge an issue or avoid
a vote. lie took liberal part in
leading debates and discussions, and
often made set and elaborate speeches.
His work as Senator was thorough,
and counted for as much as any Of his
colleagues on either side of the cham
Der, yet he made no seeming effort TO
introduce measures for the purpose of
gaining fame as the originator OF i'm
portant bills. During his l5 years"
service in the Senate, he was strong
and consistent advocate of honest
money and never swerved a hairs
breadth from the position he first
assumed. He speeches ON currency
and banking were valuable and sub
stantial contributions to the literature
of the subject, while his votes we're
those Of a genuine statesman, incapable
of yielding to any suggestion of tenn
porary exrediency. Both as regards
his stand on the money question as
well as the grave constitutional ques-
tions, growing out of the post bellum
amendments, the reconstruction policy,
and the enforcement acts. many Of the
wisest and most patriotic statesmen of
his day differed with him, but all will
accord him the fullest measure OF
honest convictions and integrity Of
purpose.
Mr.. Bayard, as you know was always,
the strong adherent of the Democratic
party, but he was broad gauge enough
to break with his party when its line
of policy did not accord with his sense
of right and justice.
In speech made in the Senate in
January, 1877, he said: In the course
OF my duty here as representative OF
the rights of others as chosen and
sworn public servant, feel that have
no right to give my individual wishes
prejudices, interests, undue influence
over my public action. Tc do SO would
be to commit breach of trust in the
powers confided to me. 1t is true 1
was chosen a Senator by majority,
but not for a majority only. / was
chosen by a Earty. but not for party.
represent all the good people Of the
State which has sent me here; in my
Office as Senator recognize no claim
upon my action in the name and for
the sake of party. The oath l have
taken is to support the Constitution of
my countfy's government; not the fiat
of any political organization, even
could its will be ascertained
Such was the lofty ideal of Mr..
Bayard, when the issue was drawn be-
tween party and patriotism. Would
that this sentiment might permeate
more fully the body polite. He was
the recognized leader of the Demo
cratic minority in the Senate for IL
years. 1t was not an enviable position.
His path was beset with many diff
culties. A man less courageous would
have lost heart and given up the fight.
Speaking of it in II public address he
said:
"Minorities may have terrors to some
men, but l have been in one too long
and have found too much comfort in
being there to let such propositions
|
makes the performance of duty his
object, l am satisfied, will be happy
whether he he successful or not,
whether he trains with the majority
or the minority''
lie was always friend of the South,
and recognized as such by that section,
but not as he claimed, to the detri
ment of any other part OF his country
In 1875 in speaking in opposition to q
measure that provided for executive
interference with the government o.
one of the Southern States. he said:
I'm 1863 i came to the Senate of The
United States, never having been {
member of any public assembly priol
to that time. My pursuits were con
genial, the reward obtained was suf1i
cient to give ME peeuniary in
dependence, those from whom | drew
my blood, whose name / bear, hat
been too long in public life not to hav,
become POOR, and il my persona
interests had been consulted / wouic
have continued 10 seek those reward
that industry and fair intelligence viii
bring to any man in a profession TO
which he is at all adapted. l had Blu
one object, and that | believe hay,
steadily pursued. The country that
love had been rent by discord. and TIL
hearts Of its people had been alienatet
far. far from each other. l had n,
other object in coming here than II
bring my fellow countrymen int
accord with each other, and am no
| conscious since | came that wort
has been uttered by me or vote cas-
J tinged with unfriendIiness TO an.
portion of my country north or eouth