Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1905-04-28
MARTIN MAKES
GREAT SPEECH.
Vigorously Defends Him.
self Against Cover
nOr'S AttackS.
KEENLY SARCASTIC IN HIS REF
ERENCES

EXTRACTS from Sundays Times DispatCh)
United States Senator Thomas 5.
Martin made the first speech of his
in Richmond at the Acad-
my of Music last night to a ilatter-
ng audience, and one that demon
'trated its sympathy and approval of
his utterances at frequent intervals
~ applause that was often prolonged
and almost universal, and in most
cases evidently spontaneous.
The audience filled the entire thea
tire; ladies filled the logeS and boxes.
They were among the most enthusl-
astic listeners, Senator Martin spoke
for about an hour aud forty minutes,
and when he paused to remark that
it was too late to detain his hearers
longer, there were cries of $50 on ~
''Go on " from all parts of the house.
those present were the sena-
tors wife, who, with bevy Of fair
friends, occupied seats in one of the
lower boxes.
The address of the junior senator
was a frank statement of facts, for
the necessity of enumerating whic b
he apologized to his audience, at
1t to the fact that his
record and service as senator of
Virginia had been assaulted and his
minimized by detrac-
tors and especially by his opponent
for the office, for which he was q
for reelection.
La the course of his review of his
stewardship and despite the neees-
ssry references to criticisms Of him
and his service, the senator did not
call the Governors name, and only
twice did he identify him as 1.-THE
ia his references. Gen
orally he spoke of him as "my dis.
opponent" or "my dis
contestant" but at times
he referred with fine satire to the
criticisms and detractions.
Referring TO the criticism that he
had originated nothing. the senator
reminded his audience that he was
not and did not claim to be San in
ventive genius" but had endeayored
to utilize whatever had been invented
for the advancement Of the interests
of the State of Virginia and its peo-
Pile. Not a word of criticism of the
Governor officially or personally was
said.
The Academy was well filled when
at $50 the curtain rose on a stage on
which sat Mr.. James Cashie, who
called the meeting to order; Mr.
Egbert q. Leigh, jr., who presided
and presented the speaker OF the
evening; Senator Martin, himself a
striking figure, and about 100
citizens.
MR.. LETGH's SPEECH.
Mr.. Leigh in "a brief speech intro
duced Senator Martin TO this repre-
Richmond audience. His
commeudation of the senator and
his statement that the figures the
senator had caused to be written
in congressional appropriation bills
rather than the figures Gf speech 10
public addresses provoked
a great demonstration. When he
closed by referring to the Sena-
tor as the man "whom we pro-
pose 20 continue in the Senate
for the sake OF the State" there was
another great oGtSurst of approval
from the crowd. Among Ctker things
he said in presenting the speaker,
Il is told Of John Randolph that on
! certain occasion he cast his vote in
favor Of bitter personal enemy for
high pnblic position, IS against his
warm perosnal friend. The man for
whom he voted. interpreting this
let as an overture for reconciliation,
attended his hand and thanked him.
Quick as a flash came the answer,
Instinct with an impressive lesson on
he obligations of citizenship: q did
lot vote for yop, sir; | voted for my
ountry.' We might all profit by
he inspiring example set as by this
avored son of genius. i have never
'een a close personal friend or an
nemy sc Mr.. Martin; but l was
trougly opposed to sending him to
he Senate, in the hrst instance, and
emained in that frame of Eaind for
long time. / have been converted
rom ths ranks of his opponents to
hose of his supporters, like many
theirs, by the sheer force Of his
'ublic record, bristling as il Goes with
old AID substantial achievements
or the State. ! am IN favor of re-
aiming him an Cae Senate, because
t his proved genius For gcrk and
ucid, convincing power Of argumen-
alton, rendering him forceful rep.
sentative in the committees and on
he floor of the Senate. Agsin,
ecaQRe he stands for every interest
( every section of the State, without
distinction OF class end without bias
s to friend or foe. Because of the
gnres he has caused to be written in
he appropriation bills, as they re-
ate to FiFg,cia, rather than figures
f speechin elfusl se rhetoric. Finally,
eeause / would not hare this re-
ormed electorate, in the FIST exer-
Use of its negIy acquired power, TO
epriye the State OF the services of
ne of the most valuable public SER
ants she has ever had. let us heed
he lesson of the great Randolph,
hat comes to us tonight, as voice
rou the past, and ''by voting for
ur couutry," vindicate the ways of
Democracy unto wisdom.
WARMLY GREETED.
When the senator arose he was un-
BILE to proceed for come moments
ecause Of the enthusiastic demon
tration, but he stood and patiently
waited until the enthusiasm had
enteG itself.
Addressing bis audience as envy
elbow citizens" he began by stating
hak auav.