The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-11

terms by everyone who heard 1t. or who has read 1t. He was a man of brains, man of energy, aggressive l public spirited, but wise and conserv- ative, and there was in store for him a great and glorious future.
 His Stntesm nship.
 While Colonel Thompson was in Con- Sress he developed the true metal that was in him. His active and expansive mind was at work, and by study and thought. and close observation he came up to the full measure of the position and like Cleveland grew upon the country he grew upon his State and own people and they had come to eX- rect even more of him and they would not have been disappointed. for who knows but that the wee sma' voice that was calling out to him may have grown larger and larger until 1t reached every hill and valley and hamlet in the State and like an avalanche swept him into the Governors chair. Stranger things have happened and there are thousands of friends who are confident that if he had lived he would have been Governor of his State and have made them a safe and wise executive. He left a good name. an unsullied record and q splendid fortune to his two sons, and they are following in the footsteps of an honored and beloved father.
 In Congress.
 After his return to Congress in March of this year, just three weeks before his death, this special was sent out from Washington, going to show in what high esteem he was regarded there:
 When Colonel Thompson first came to Congress he was assigned to the Committee on War Claims, which was an exceptionally good assignment for a new member, and, with his usual tact. good judgment and untiring en- ergy he took a leading stand In the committee, and upon examination of the records he found that quite a num- Der of his constituents had war claims which had been slumbering for thirty five years. and at once revived them by introducing bills for the relief of the parties whose property was taken by the Federal troops after the close of the Civil War.
 One of those claaims for over S1 300 Is now on the calendar of the House with favorable report, and the claim ant, Sarah Bonner, administratrix of the estate of Thomas Bonner. will get the money from the Government before this session of Congress closes. He has several other claims pending which ne hopes to get through during this session.
 Recognizing his ability as a busi- ness man. a fnancler. when the com mittees were made up this session, he was promoted to the Committee on Banking and Currency, which is by Tar one of the most important com mittees in the House. As a member Of this Committee, Colonel Thompson lS advocating an amendment to the na- tional banking laws, authorizing ma tional banks to lend a certain per cent. Of their capital on real estate, which they are prohibited from doing under the present law.
 Colonel Thompson thinks this will enable the national banks to deal di- rectly with the farmers of the coun- try, and enable them to get money at a lower rate of interest
 He is also earnestly advocating the Brownlow Good Roads Bill which provides for the improvement of our public roads by the Government; and which will, If enacted, be of untold benefit to the farmers of the land. Colonel Thompson contends that mil lions of dollars are expended by the Government for the improvement of our rivers and harbors; and 1t Is but just and right that the Government should aid in building and improving our pub lie highways, to give our farmers more favorable ingress and egress to the towns and cities, and to the railoads and waterways.
 During the two and a half years he has served in Congress he had pre- sented to the Rural Free Delivery de- partment petitions for S4 routes, 32 1 of which have been rejected on account | of bad roads. With the proper effort on | the part of our Representatives in Congress, the Government will send the mail to every farmers door daily, pro vided the roads are made and kept in good order. Colonel Thompson had es- ] abolished in his district 52 routes, which are delivering the mail to farmers doors every day and hopes the time is l,not far distant when every. farmer in