The Lewiston teller. (Lewiston, Idaho) 1900-1905, 1904-12-27
(Boise Statesman.)


Although the histories of Idaho, Col
orado and Kansas will record many of
the late Senator George L. Shoup's
notable services for these states, sew
eral of the most ennobling deeds he
performed were of the kind which, in
the case of man of his mold, are only
narrated in the press or engraven In
the recollection of those who witnessed
them.
Yes, IL was there" was all>he had
to say after listening to true story of
one of his brilliant military achieve
ments related by General Greene OF the
I United States army. Then he adroitly
changed the subject, declining to add
a word to what had been said of him.
He was the very antithesis Of egotism.
The story referred to had been re-
peated to General Green by a promi-
nent lady Of Arkansas who had been
an eyewitness of the battle of ulorietta
in which Colonel Shoup's command
vanquished the famous Texas Rangers
In a sanguinary fight on the border of
New Mexico. After describing the val
orous performance of the federal
| troops, the lady said:
Their commander was in my esti-
nation the most magnificent man that
ever sat on horseback l have seen
| many men who were accounted great
rough riders and who possessed fine
physidues and grand courage but the
federal commander at Glorietta eclipsed
! them all He was always in the lead"
| Who was he?" inquired General
Greene
His name was George L. Shoup,"
she replied.
When Senator Shoup was asked by
friend to confirm the story he merely
made the remark quoted.
Probably the greatest ovation Sena-
tor Shoup received in his life and one
of the most sincere compliments ever
extended to any man was rendered him
during the republican national con-
Nention at st. Louis in 1896 The re-
publican party in Idaho was split over
the monetary issue and the silver wing
was in control of the state organiza-
ton. Knowing his views the state con-
vention refused to elect him a delegate
to the national conclave although he
was the republican state committee
man.
! When the Idaho delegates walked out
of the convention hall Senator Shoup
left his seat among the members of the
national committee and took his seat
on the floor in one of the chairs vacated
by the deega tes. All he said was:
idaho shall not be unrepresented in
this convention
The widest demonstration of the
convention followed this utterance and
men fought their way to Senator
/ Shoup's side to shake his hand
\ meeting Of the national committee
! was held next morning and Senator
Shoup was late in arriving When he
made his appearance the members of
the committee stood upon their chairs
and cheered him for several minutes.
Stih Senator Shoup never mentioned
the occurrence and could not be in
duced to discuss it.
An old soldier could always obtain
an audience with Senator Shoup with.
out delay. On one occasion the sena.
| tor was participating in a very import.
ant conference of party leaders in the
Soma opera house. Questions of vita!
character We're under discussion when
, the doorkeeper approached the senator
and told him an old soldier was with
ont and would like to speak to him.
Although nothing could be done during
MS absence. Senator Shoup excused
himself and stepped out into the hall.
where he met an old army comrade
| whom he was delighted to see. He
talked to his old friend for a few mo-
ments, made an appointment with him
and returned to the conference. leaving
his old comrade in happy frame of
mind
Where Idaho was concerned Senator
Shoup's generosity knew no bounds. AS
state commissioner at the New Orleans
exposition he maintained an Idaho ex-
hlbit at his own expense which cost
MN $4,000, an amount exceeding by
$4,000 the sum spent by the state at
the worlds fair i'm st. Louis this wear.
When his friends suggested that the
state should reimburse him for the out
lay ne d.d not encourage their efforts
to secure an appropriation nor did he
mention the subject unless it was
forced upon him. The sum was never
repaid.
IT was largely due TO Senator Shoup's
efforts that Idaho was admitted as a
state. He was territorial governor at
the time and when taken to task by the
secretary Of the interior for coming to
Washington to work for the admission
bill without first obtaining leave of alb
sence he Immediately rendered his res
ignation as governor in order that he
| might continue the work The presi.