Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1901-11-08
AT THE STATE CAPITAL
Penusylvania's Political Centre
and Its Great Men.


publican Unity anu the man 10
Achieve Il.
Harrisburg, Pa. Oct. 81. ~ Coming
into Harrisburg ones thoughts re-
vert, involuntarily, to the names that
have been so prominently associated
with the state capitol Of Pennsylvania
In the last third Of a century. Many
of the men who but a few years ago
we're all powerful here In the political
life Of the state, have passed forever
from the scene, and others are crowd
ing in their footsteps. THE HILL" as
the site of the capitol has been known
Tor years, is enchanted ground. Its
hopes and its tragedies would Ill a
great volume.
How many a young man ascended 1t
with glowing anticipstiOns as his eyes
rested on the dome Of the old state
house, for the first time, while he felt
his heart beat high with the promise
Of achievement, as senator or mem
Der of the house, only to return crest
fallen at the end Of the session, fully
realizing the poverty of over-confideni
ambition when it is swayed by cir
cumstance and dominated by the mas
terminals Of politics.
Like the old man and woman, in
the melodrama, who approached the
lights of London with buoyant spirits,
but who, after an experience in the
cruel city, passed heavy-hearted down
the country road, bitter disappoint-
ment has been the lot of many a bud
ding statesman who felt that he had
placed his feet in fame's pathway as
he took his first steps forward to as
cend "The HILL" Others, firm Of pur-
pose, and unshaken in principle and
integrity, have returned here with
new honors again and again and some
of them, wise in experience, still live
to serve the state with ripened
knowledge and a sterling manhood
that has come unscathed out OF the
ordeal of legislative and executive re.
sponsibility.
General cameron's Home.
OF all the men who welded the po-
litical sceptre here General Simon
Cameron's memory remains the most
notable. He drew men to him by a
marvellous magnetism, and to his lat
est days retained this remarkable fac
ulty which made him a power in the
noon of his prime. Passing along the
river bank this afternoon / recalled
the little room from which he over
looked the Susquehanna in his de-
clining years, after his son Donald
had taken his place in affairs Here
he could view the scene that first met
his gaze many a year ago, when, as a
poor printer boy, he first entered Har-
risbuTg. little dreaming that he should
rise to power and place not only here
but in the nation. II was my pleasure
to have had many a chat with the gen.
lal and kindly veteran in that little
room, and to hear from him some OF
the unwritten history of the events in
which he played a part. When Gen
eral Cameron was in the zenith of his
power he was indeed a political giant.
and a more conslderate man to those
who had any party claims upon him.
however slight, 1t would be hard to
find. He was not only strong himself,
but he surrounded himself by a ga
laxy of the strongest men in the state
With a following of men like Quay.
Tom Cooper, Bob Mackey, Chris Ma.
gee, Leeds, McManes, Martin and a
host of lesser, but not less active
spirits from all parts of the state, It
was not easy to overcome him, or
shake his influence in any conflict
that might arise at the capitol OF
Pennsylvania.
His political captains we're untiring
and invincible, and partisans from all
points were eager for his favor Peo-
pie outside the state wondered why
he held sway for so many years, but
those familiar with the situation
knew there was no necromancy in his
methods. To his personal strength be
added the influence of those strong
men who were as devoted as we're
ever the followers of the Clan Gamer.
on in the Scottish home of his ances-
tors. One of the most interesting
chapters in the history of this, or any
other state, centers in the Cameron
dynasty" as 1t used to be known in
those good old days. when conven-
tions and senatorial battles used to
bring the Republican hosts here from
Philadelphia, Pittsburg- and other
parts of the state. and Harrisburg
was rhythmic with the tread OF
marching men and gay with their
banners and their badges.
But the House of Lochiel is now
little more than a memory, and its
surviving representative. Don Gamer
on, although mentioned for governor,
is said to have no ambition In that
direction. This much / learn, how.
ever, namely that, he is opposed to
faction and wishes to see the best
traditions Of the Republican party re-
stored by the nomination Of q candi-
date who is not a factionist and
whose candidacy for the ofice Of gov.
ernor would bring together all the
elements Of the party in the interest
Of good government; one who would
redeem the grand old Republican or
ganiEation from the reproach OF de-
generacy and disintegratiOn.
From all can learn Colonel l.. A.
Watres is such a man. His valuable
experience here. as state senator and
lieutenant governor; his clean re-
cord; his urbanity and his unfalter-
ing party loyalty, particularly qualify
him for the confidence Of every Re
publican who believes in regularity"
with deceney and honor. and who is
anxious for success IN next years
To Cure a Cough.
gton co,ol,ino, aa a. frrfta4as fhe