Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-05-06

the superb leadership of Mr.. Blythe
Governor Gear donned the senatorial
toga, and Mr.. Blythe was the happiest
man in the state. When Senator
Gears fight for reelection came on |
Blythe led it to victory. In season and |
out of season he watched over the poll.
tical career of his father-in-law and |
never wavered in his devotion until
death removed the senator from the
strife and turmoil of politics.
Another man to whom Mr.. Blythe
has been devoted in politics is his law
partner, Congressman Hedge. He has
never forgotten the start in life offer
ed him by Mr.. Hedge when as young
man he came to Burlington an I'M
known and friendless youth. To para
phrase an old saying, all the world
loves a grateful man, particularly if
still grateful for favors of the long ago
after having himself climbed the
heights of success. In 1894, Mr.. Hedge
became a candidate TO rcongress. At
the time has was an attorney in Bur
lington little known outside of the le-
gal profession, having taken small in
terest in district politics. But Blythe
championed his cause, and while not
|
tine, made him formidable candidate
and gave him a strong standing in the
district, which inevitably led to his
nomination at the next convention.
During the next four years Mr.. Hedge
did little to promote his political pros.
poets, but Mr.. Blythe was never idle,
| and when the congressional conven-
ton came around Mr.. Blythe had done
his work and Hedge was nominated
by reclamation. Men who were per-
sonally opposed to Mr.. Hedge support.
ted him out of admiration of Mr..
Blythe's devotion.
i Mr.. Blythe has refused to take a
public office himself In 1896 he was
elected national committeeman for
Il Iowa by the republican delegation to
the national convention, but he declin-
} ed the place. He is worthy any place
in the gift of the people. He would
make a great United States senator.
But in congress he would find splendid
opportunities for the exercise of those
} master qualities that have characterize
ed his work in Iowa politics. This is
, his proper sphere of political action
/ Short time indeed it would be before
he was the leader of that stormy body
, BY sheer force of character he would
dominate the house of representatives
: He would be second Tom Reed.
Mr. Blythe is natural leader; his is
: always guiding spirit; men instinc
2 lively defer to his judgment, and un
f consciously bend to his will. He rev
+ er loses his equilibrium. No matter
: how disturbed the elements he remain:
4 calm and impassive. He has not wol
J. all of his political battles, no man
:. who is continually in action can hope
Il to. But he has never hoisted tie white
J. flag. He has always gone down fight
ing and with his colors flying. True
e to his friends, magnanimous to hi.
u enemies he has achieved an honorable
n record in the political history of Iowa
n Mr. Blythe is simple in his tastes
t., and temperate in his habits. His lif
Il Is strenuous one indeed. AS a diver
a sion he enjoys spin behind a pair o
l. good roadsters, some of the best Q
which have been furnished by Capital
It Beckwith, who is one of Mr.. Blythe
e warmest and confidential friends. MI
S Blythe also maintains a respectful
r kennel and occasionally enjoys spil
a. tied hunt. He is democratic in the e2
S, treme-approachab by all, and a
e courteous to an humble aspirant for
IS fourth-class postoffice as to an angus
lie senator or railroad president. In hi
le religious views he is liberal and tole
" ant, but nevertheless reverent. He
lie generous, and no worthy cause appeal
to him in vain. Those who know hil
e. best and those who have been closet
is associated with him are strongly a
al tached to him, one Of the highest tri
#. utes that can be paid any man.