The Van Buren press., 1904-05-28
senator Berry OF Arkansas.

senator Berry or Arkahsas'
From the Houston (Texas Daily Post
II is announced that the cam
paign of Gov. Davis of Arkansas
10 suceeed James II. Berry in the
United States senate has begun.
1t is to be hoped that Arkansas
will not make the mistake of re.
placing this able statesman and
splendid gentleman with Davis.
Senator Berry is one of the fore
most of southern senator's, and no
citizen of Arkansas could fill his
place half so well. He has been a
member of the upper branch of
congress a long time and has ac-
Qured the influence which only
long service and ripe experience
can give. He has done much for
his state, for he south and for the
country at large. He is man of
dignity, strong common sense aud
broad patriotism. He is hon0red
and respected by all his associates
as a man of genuine worth, and III
respect creditable to the common.
wealth whose commission he holds.
1t is no disparagement to Gov.
Davis to say that he would be a
poor exchange for aman like Berry,
Granting that he has the ability re.
Quisite to the discharge senat0ri.
al duties, it would he many years
before he could hope to be so use.
ful q member. The fact that Berry
has held the honor for a long time
is no argument in favor of retiring
him. On the contrary, it is a sound
reason why he should be retained.
Every year he has served is u dis
tinct asset of value TO his state.
Arkansas neverhOnored II n0bler
patriot than Berry. From the day
he left leg on the bloody field Of
Corinth until this good hour he has
been faithful to his people. He has
served them IN many capacities and
IN each has rendered valuable ser.
vice. There has never been a truer
friend Of the people or Il Drawer
champion of the principles of old
fashioned Democracy, He has con.
tributed conspicu0usly to the lofty
character Of the great body in
which ne has served so long.
The south has suffered greatly
during the past generation because
of the constant changing Of her
senatorsand representatives, New
EDgland's prestige und influence
in the national halls of legislation
are due largely TO the fact that she
sends able men to Washington and
keeps them there. Throughout the
south We observe efforts to dis.
place the ablest and most expert.
enced legislators we have, 1t is sall
mistake. Arkansas in the present
contest has u fine opportunity TO
conserve her own interests aud the
national interest M well 10y dis
rouraging the moTemeDt TO retire
Berry. Other southern states also
have similar opportunities,
II may be Contended that IL is a
matter with which We have nothing
TO do, Such is not the case, 4 US,
senator is u servant Of all the pe0.
pile of the country, aud the rclen'
tl0u OF Berry viii be M beneficial
TO Texas as the retenslOn OF men
like Aldiich aud Lodge is to our
deirment. We canuot forget the
especial friendship Of Berry to Tex.
as interests Ia congress, As n
member Of the committee on com
mcrce, the committee which con.
trOls river aud hatbOr legislation
~ the senate, Senator Berry hNs
been au energetic champion Of all
Texas projects. IN way he has
been our member atthe committee,
because Texas is no, directly re.
presented on the committee.
The Galveston project, the Buffalo
bayou ship channel, the Sabine
PasslmplOvemeut,l The TrinityHvcr
project and oiherprojccls OF great
Importance TO the people of lhls
state have received his personal
aud friendly attention.
Therefore, IN remembering CRATE.
fully his kindness TO Texas, It is
entirely proper for us 10 express
the hope that Arkansas will honor
herself and crafty Us by re'eIect'
inn this superb old patriot,