The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1901-10-12

bus compromise bill which was to heal
the five gaping wound" in the body
polite, so eloquently depicted by him.
l saw him for months pressing his pet
measure and urging its passage by the
senate by argument. appeal and en-
treaty but all to no effect. His omnibus
bill was dashed to pieces on the hard
rocks of legislation. Then l saw Sena-
tor Pearce of Maryland, with remark
able skill and tact, pick up the disjecta
membra' and secure the passage as sep
arate bills, with slight notifications, of
that series Of measures which Mr.. Clay
had vainly attempted to pass as one
combined whole.
subsequently l saw Senator Hunter
of Virginia lead the majority of the
senate to many brilliant financial VIC
tories, notably in the coinage act of 1858
and the tariff act of 1857.
During the civil war. the era of re.
construction and the period Immediately
following l saw Fessenden, Sherman
and Edmunds lead triumphantly their
followers to many a legislative victory,
but then they always had large and
sometimes overwhelming majority to
back them.
II saw the tariff legislation of 1888
and 1890 conducted to successful issue
under the wise and able leadership Of
Morrill,, Allison, Sherman and Aldrich.
but none of these statesmen were
environed by such difficulties as con-
fronted you. You had bare majority
at your back, and it was delicate task
to keep it intact from all the open and
covert attacks of the enemy. That yon
were able to preserve your column un.
broken till the goal was reached by the
passage of the BILL Is creditable to your
genius and skill. During the three
months when the bill was under consid-
GRAFTON by the senate you never once lost
your temper and never spoke an un-
necessary word. You were ready to ex'
plain where explanation was really
needed; but no taunts or provocations
could induce you to consume time use
lessly.
lyon have my unbounded admiration
for the remarkable Judgment and skill
you displayed In the parliamentary
management of this great measure.
~ do not feel like closing without q
reference to some OF the eminent men
who have preceded you In the repre-
sentation of Arkansas in the senate.
Before came into its service Am
brose H. Sewer had made for himself a
fame and name which must he cher.
ished heritage in your state. When !
became connected with the senate re-
porting was at once irresistably at
tracted by the genial manners, pleasant
address, pure diction and eloquent tones
Of William X, Sebastian
Whose words had such melting How,
And spoke tho truth so sweetly well,
They droppd like serencst snow
Upon the earth below
And all was brightness where they fell
"At more recent period your state
was honored by having as It's represent
alive Augustus H. Garland, whom am
proud to call my friend-a man Of such
profound legal learning, excellent judg.
ment and sound sense as to make him
invaluable to the senate.
ITO be the ht successor Of such great
men Is Of itself no small distinction, but
You have achieved eminence In path
which was not opened to any Of them.
While Arkansas has In the senate such
men rs yourself and your present able,
honest and efficient colleague she need
fear no comparison with any Of her sis
ters In the bright constellation Of our
indivisible and perpetual Union.
Yours sincerely,
D. II. MURPHY,
"Onlcial Reporter, U 8. Senate. "