Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1904-10-07
OLDEST LEGISLATOR.
SENATOR WARK, OF CANADA
PAST CENTURY MARK.
Has Been Member of the Parliament
of the British Dominion for Over
Sixty Years-Remembers
Napoleonic Wars.

The most remarkable member Of the
parliament of Canada is undoubtedly
Senator Wark, who, on February 16,
attained the age of 100 years Still
persistently active in his legislative
duties as member of the federal up
per house, Mr.. Wark may well be
called the grand old man of Canada,
and he is without doubt the Oldest liv
ing legislator in the world Recently
both parties in both upper and low
er houses of the parliament at Ottawa
united to do honor to the man who for
more than go years has been mem
ber of either the senate or the par
lament at Ottawa. The occasion was
marked by the placing in the parlia-
mentary gallery of portrait of Mr..
Wark, and the opportunity was taken
for the presentation of addresses of
congratulation from his colleagues.
Mr. Wark, whose memory distinctly
recalls the Napoleonic wars, was born
in Ireland, which country he left while
still a young man to seek his livelis
hood in New Brunswick.
He was member of the first par
Lament of confederated Canada, and
was called to the senate 54 years ago,
after some years of valuable service
in the provincial parliament of New
brunswick. In this latter capacity Mr.
Wark was ever worker for the cause
of confederation of Canada, and to hi n
is credited the first move in favor Of
this when he strongly supported the
| abolition of the custom-houses then
| existing between the different colonies
which were in time to become a united
Canada.
| The scene in the senate chamber
| when Mr.. Wark was receiving the con-
gratulations of his colleagues was 4
remarkable one, and it is worth de-
scribing. Representatives of all Can
ada from the Atlantic to the Pacific
We're crowded into the red room, and
all eyes were centered on the little
man who for far the greater part of
a century has served the country and
his king. The hall rang with applause
as the venerable senator slowly pro-
ceeded to the steps of the throne,
where chair had been provided for
him.
The bowed form, the wrinkled fea-
lures and the struggling white hair
were the outward signs of extreme
age, but the centenarian's eye was un-
dimmed, and the keen glance he
flashed in all directions showed his aD-
probation of the proceedings.
While the addresses were being read
he persisted in standing needless of q
whisper to remain seated. And wheI
he replied his calmness and self-pos
session was remarkable. Ills brief re-
marks were characterized by a reli.
gious feryor that stirred the listeners
and showed the sturdy puritanic faith
that has been the keynote of his grea
life's work. AS Mr. Borden. leader OF
the conservative party, said in his
speech on this occasion, there seem.
to be every reason why Senator Warl
should for some time be able to con
tinue his legislative duties. That Mr.
Wark himself believes this is knowr
to be a fact and 1t is easy to beIiey,
he is still very active man, when H
is known that about a year ago h,
objected in the house that member,
OF the senate should not be kept wait
ing for legislation, because he wa,
anxious to return to his home In or
] der to look after his own business.