New-York tribune., 1901-10-24
GENERAL JAMES 4. WALKER

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir; In the death OF General James A Walker
Virginia loses man Of eminent character His
record is part OF the history OF Virginia for the
last forty years. His service in the Confederate
Army made him one OF the notable men OF The
eventful war period From a captaincy to the
command OF the heroic Stonewau Brigade was a
quick advancement. due TO his demonstrated cour-
age and fitness for leadership Jackson himself
when assigned TO a corps. designated Walker as
his proper successor 10 lead the brigade made I'D
largely OF the best OF Virginia In the annals
OF the war its story is studded with brilliant
achievement and losses that gave terrible proof OF
devotion to the Southern cause. In advance in re-
treat, in assault. in night march and day move
ment. Walker was ever and always to the front
That his way
When the end came. and the last combat Of the
struggle TO be fought Walker was placed in
command OF Jubal Earlys flying division to do
duty TO the cause which he realized was doomed.
This he ably did. and when the doom was pro-
noUncsd he returned 10 his WytheviIIe home with
honor untarnished and the fame of great soldier.
Confederate friend and Federal foe alike conceded
that.
The war over. he at once bent all his energies 70
a public life The rehabilitation OF his dew
astated State his work In that, in the
field. he could but be a leader. and almost at once
he became prime factor In Virginias regenera-
ton Regeneration. he foresaw. must come
through Republican policies The old pre1udices.
O44 issues, Oiu means 10 Win MN were no
more, and as the man who never knew fear he led
the almost fOrlOrn hope OF RepubNcantsm in the
old slave State, proud and unfOrgiving even in its
manner OF antagouisn. and out of IL sprans bit
terness Of local and commonwealth politics that
would have inundated a weaker spirit than that
OF the chief OF the Stonewall Brigade
Once convinced that he was right and his cause
just individual nor public opinion could re-
strain his VIII. and that he was successful again
and again in his campaigns was proof of his
strong personality and popularity.
The general sought office not for It's eunolurnen
and hOnOrs. but as the representative OF Repub-
ucan ideas and policies. He served IN his States
IegisIa tUre He once its Lieutenant Governor
He twice sent TO Congress from the lNth
District. He made a fight for third term, only
beaten by the stuffing OF ballot boxes and the
counting out process. all too familiar in many a
entered the canvass for another effort 70 regain his
seat. but again was defeated though hav-
ing a pronounced majority. Had that majority
been even pronOUnCed all the same the
solid delegation from Virginia IN the Federal
Congress would have been Unbroken.
AS a public spirited citizen, anxious for his
States prosperity and sOhCitOus for the develop
ment OF the altogether wonderful resources OF
Southwest Virginia, the general was trusted by al
CIasses-by investors by property owners and
working people alike. He was a lawyer OF marked
ability. He fun OF cheeriuess. OF fun and OF
the gifts of a generous nature as became the de-
Secondhand OF the Scotch-Irtsh settler. OF whose
blood the true Virgtnian is proud and rightrully
boasttul
His death therefore. Is more than the passing
away OF a fame laurelled soldier; IL is calamity
10 his people and the State ia event to COM
N NeW-YorI l5yH oI't}t Oct. .. 1901 O. J. VICTOR