The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-07-10

of the fortune which he now possesses.
Although the War caused nim 10 sgis-
tain temporary losses. De- was Intense
~ loyal To the 'nlon throughout the
STA uggle. at q time and amid surround
ines where i was frequeutA dangerous
to express Union sentiments.
Entry Into Politics.
At the close Of the war Mr. Davis first
entered politics. Having been a strong
Union man his Symoathies were at first
with the Republican party, and ne be-
came candidate for the LEGISLATURE
The discovery OF trickery and dishon-
esty on the part of some of the Repuh-
licGn leaders in the State M that ;ims.
however. turned aim from the party.
Thoroughly honest and upright himself
in ali his dealings he could not toll
crate dishonesty in politics and he
therefore cut loose entirely from the
Republican organization and Joined the
opposition. Ia 1866 he was eiectsd to the
lower house of the legislature as Il
! MON conservative. and took a lee.ding
part in its deuberaucns Two Eeals
later he was chosen State senator as
Democrat
Chosen United States Senator.
In 1871 he was elected United states
Senator from West Virginia as Demo
crat. succeeding the Hon. W T. Wiley
He received almost the unanimous vote
of the Legislature. even Republicans
voting for him Six years later he was
reelected, and during two years OF that
later period when the Democrats were
in control Of the Senate be held the I'M
Dortant position Of chairman of the
committee on Appropriations. He was
IA fact one OF the leaders OF the Senate.
At the expiration Of his see 1nd term
he declined 10 become a candidate for
recollection, fearing that by longer ser
vice IN tie Senate He would jeoDardlze
his business Interest," in the State by
reason Of his inability to devote mis-
CnIlIe time and attention to them. BY
retiring from Office Senator Davis u4d
net cease his Interest IN political affairs.
he continued TO take an active part
both in state and national politics ana
his opinions ana Judgment carried crea-
weight IN the councils q his party.
Once Before a Candidate.
In the Democratic National Conven-
Ton ia 1854 Senator Davis was one OF
the foremost candidates for Vice resi-
lent. and doubtless could have had the
Nomination had he consented to accept
it 1t was believed that tie late Thomas
A Hendricks who had been CdndI-
date for President. would not ACCEPT the
nomination for Vice President. and that
1t would 90 70 Senator Davis Senator
Davis refused. however. 10 allow his
name to be considered and thre has
strength 10 Mr. Hendricks, wnD was
nominated on the ticket with Cleveland.
dn0 elected Senator Davis was called
into consultation with the Dem )crauc
PresldenC-elect upon the matter OF the
selection OF members OF his Cabinet.
and had the Treasury portfolio gone TO
any other than a New York man Sen
at0T Davis would undoubtedly have filed
that important position.
Once Declined Nomination for Governor
In 1888 Senator Davis was urged TO
accept the nomination for governor, bat
declined IN the matter OF attending
Democratic national conventions. II IS
said that his record exceeds that o.
any other Democrat ia the country. lie
has been delegate TO six national con-
ventions OF his narty and again this
year headed the West Virginia delega-
ton to the ST. Louis. convention. making
IN an seven national conventions az
which ne win have been a membe-.
International Railway Project
Senator Dovis was one Of the United
States delegates who formulated si.=
scheme for bringing the republics OF
North. Central. and South America to-
gether. and resulted in the establish
ment of the Bureau of American Re
pub.ics. He was also a delegate TO the
second international conference held
two years ago in the City of Mexico.
Another project in which Senator -Da-
Wis is Interested is the International rail-
way project which coEtemplates a con
tinuous road from Boston 10 Santiago
Chile and Buenos Ayres Ia this I'M
dertaking Senator Davis is associated
with Andrew Carnegie. Senator Davis
and Mr.. Carnegie provided the funds for
sending representative TO Central and
South America 10 investigate upon the
project. He realizes. OF course. that il
IS a work Of the future, and that while.
despite MS good health and prospects OF
many years of useful life. he may not
/ live 20 see it an accomplished fact he
wishes TO be known as one of those who.
foresaw the possibilities and was the
| first TO aid in the undertaking.
| U0lIu0 ODITTI0 TUuTNAI