The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1900-04-07
By J. L. POWEE

the United States senate by the resig-
nation of Gen. Walthall, and the legis-
lature, then in session, was called upon
to elect successor, it was generally
conceded that the glittering prize was
within the easy grasp of Governor
Stone. But the several candidates for
that high office were publicly interro-
gated as to their attitude toward then
test question in party politics. Fearing
that any seeming modification of his
views might be made to secure per-
sonal end, he was the more positive and
his withdrawal from the contest. Never
In life, not even when he led his brave
regiment in the storm of battle, did
John Marshall Stone appear so heroic
and majestic as he did that day. No
wonder the old capitol Numbered with
applause and strong men could not con-
ceal their tears. Though party ext
gency seemed to demand that one with
other financial views should be selected,
Governor Stone withdrew from that
contest crowned with the admiration
and benediction of the State and Ma
ton. Such lofty courage can never
fail of its due need of praise. In the
coming years of our commonwealth,
when the heroic deeds of the fathers
are told with eloquent voice, that
splendid act of Mississippis ideal gov
ernor will be held up before young
Americans as worthy of all emulation.
His lofty and unselfsh patriotism
commanded universal admiration.
While not without strong personal and
political ambitions, these were con-
scientiously subordinated to the high
est good and glory of the common
wealth he SO ardently loved and SO
faithfully served. In dispensing pa
tronage and exercising the constitu-
tional power of appointment inherent
in the chief executive, he displayed
consummate wisdom. While many may
have differed with him in opinion, l
have never heard it family whispered
that he ever made an appointment to
accomplish a personal or political end.
His Judgment may at times have been
at fault, but his purpose was always
pure and patriotic. He never tratficked
in executive patronage or made politi-
cal commerce of his high office.
Another fact Characteristic OF the
manly man and the conscientious gov
ernor was the wholesome caution and
wise discrimination he displayed in ex-
ercising the pardoning power Often
he had to appear stern and unsympa-
thetic in order to uphold the majesty
of the law and conserve the highest
good of the commonwealth. l have
known him to turn aside his face to
conceal the tears in his eyes when some
broken-hearted wife or mother was
pleading for a pardon.
While his tender heart melted with |
pity for the unfortunate, his rugged
sense of official duty girded him with
power to stand for the enforcement
and impartial enforcement OF law. he
did not cheaper and degrade the courts
of the country by lavish and indls-
criminate release of criminals. Sym
pathy is divine, but sentimentality is
evidence of personal and official weak
ness.
If asked to suggest two words that
would most fittingly characterize this
great man, should say strength and
He was absolutely
reliable; never failing in any duty,
never faltering in the presence OF any
LANCER and never betraying a trust
His whole life was formed on the ethics
If the man of Galilee, and throughout
lis long career he obediently followed
he teachings of an all-wise Providence.
de trusted in the Son of God for his
Aviation and died with prayer on his
honest lips.
Governor Stone occupies his own
liche il our tenrle of fame. He made