Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-14
A Notable Tribute to Senator Hal,

tunity to see and know the work he
can fully appreciate the influence ex-
erted by Senator Hale in shaping mat
tiers of national legislation, or the uni
versal respect and esteem in which he
is held by his colleagues. He is recog-
nized as one of the great men of the
Republican party, and there is no
member of the Senate whose opinions
are more sought after, or carry more
weight. Senator Hale is a man of
absolute integrity, intensely loyal to
his State and it's citizens, untiring in
his industry broad and far-seeng in
his views on public questions, and alb
solutely true to his convictions of duty.
1t Is not sufficient for him that he have
superficial knowledge of the ques-
tons he is called to act upon. He
must know them root and branch, in
all their bearings, and with fullness of
detail. He is methodical, untiring and
painstaking in everything he does.
Moreover he is a brOad-guaged man,
who is above taking an unfair adj
vantage of any opponent. For this rea-
son he enjoys the confidence and es-
TEEN of his senatorial associates of
both political parties, although he is
recognized as an aggressive fighter,
and a vigorous promoter of Republican
policies. Senator Hale has on several
occasions refused the tender of cabinet
positions, preferring to devote his time
and energies to his senatorial work.
The administration Of President
Roosevelt has had no stronger sup
porter in the United States Senate than
Mr.. Hale. The Chief Executive has
frequently sought the senator's advice
and been guided by his counsel in mat
tiers of great moment. He has con-
stantly recognized in him q great Re-
publican leader, who had not only
borne a conspicuous part in the work
of the Senate and could therefore bring
to the consideration of any great ques-
ton the clear, calm judgment derived
from Il long and valuable experience,
but also one who could be depended
upon to speak fearlessly his absolute
convictions.
These traits have not only made Sem
ator Hale notably strong and influential
in Washington, but they have given
him great prestige in Republican cir
cles throughout the country. A few
days ago the Journal referred to the
mention of our Maine senators i'm con-
nection with the Presidential nominal
tion by the Cincinnati Commercial
Tribune, one of the strong Republican
newspapers of Ohio. Referring to Sem
ator Hale it said:
"The Republican party is not deficient
In strong and popular leaders; men of
brains and convictions, with power to
maintain their positions firmly, elo-
quently. and logically: men of calmness
and self-cOntrOl: men of quiet and re-
pose, yet most resOlute in their devotion
to duty and to right; jealous men. ener-
getic men. yet courteous and consider
ate at all times and under every Cir
cumstancc; men of dignity that COM
mands respect and of untarnished hon
or that compels admiration. Such Il
man is Hon. Eugene Hale of Maine.
whose lifelong devotion to the service
of his country and his steady adhesion
to the Republican tenets of faith have
endeared him to the Republican voters
throughout the Union.
"Mr. Hales career has not been q
meteoric one, a flash, a report, and a
disappearance-brillia for years, it
has been ever OF distinguished merit,
and, while the entire republic has had
the results of his unceaSing work.
Maine has acted with the rarest wis.,
dom in giving the country such SEN
ator.
Not in the annals of the republic is
there recorded Il higher tribute to
statesman than the State Of Maine
paid her worthy son at the time of the
war with Spain. Mr.. Hale felt it his
duty as a senator to oppose with all his
power as an orator and as a parliament
tartan the measures which led up to the
conflict; yet despite this openly and
frankly stated opposition. the Legisla-
ture of Maine, while favoring the dec
laratio,l of war. had such confidence in
the manly man that its members voted
enthusiastically for Mr.. Hale's re-elec-
ton to the United States Senate.
"Mr. Hale's nomination for Presi-
dent Of the United States would satisfy
every section of the country, unity the
entire party, and insure victory to the
ticket in 1904. Old-line Republicans
would be delighted. and the men who
learned stern Republicanism from the
lamented Zachariah Chandler would
rally for Mr.. Hale as one man.
While this tribute to Senator Hale's
standing and work is fully justified by
his splendid record as a party leader,
it is to be said that President Roose-
welt has no warmer friend or more
loyal supporter than he. In recent
Washington dispatch to the Boston
Herald his position was stated with