The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1909-03-18

won by sheer force of character and
deservingness a position of great dis
tinction and responsibility in connec-
ton with the Chicago, Burlington 4
Quincy railroad company, and he
grew with his opportunities until he
attained degree of capability, in
fuence and usefulness NOT exceeded
by any man who has ever honored the
state by becoming a part of il. At
the same time, by reason of his per-
sonal qualities and his serviceahle-
ness to his fellowmen, he won to him.
self a host of warm personal and po-
litical friends who held him In the
highest confidence and esteem. All
these now mourn the loss o. one OF
the greatest and best men they. were
ever privileged TO know.
Mr.. Blythe was not simply an able
man; he was a truly great and good
man in the fullest and best sense of
the term. No man was ever more
grossly or more unjustly misrepre-
scented, yet he never uttered a word in
selr-defense or a word of complaint.
He was a man of rare attachments,
generous instincts and high ideals,
which found expression in his daily
life. Combined with mental grasp
of things that commanded profound
admiration were heart qualities which
stamped him as one of natures noble
men. Great as was his brain, II was
matched by the bigness of his heart.
It can be truly affirmed that the
elements were so mixed in him that
Nature might stand up and say to all
all the world This is Mani" +""
Mr.. Blythe's admirable characters
tics were so many and so well pro
nounced that it would require large
newspaper space to do them justice.
He was among other things master
full man and born leader of men.
He did not, however, arrogate to him
self authority to command. Men in
stinctively turned to him and ac-
uuieSced in his 'judgment, which was
rarely at fault. In addition to; great
natural acumen and a thorough
knowledge of human nature and pub
lie affairs, he was possessed OF
stable, well-poised mind. Others
might become excited, elated or de-
pressed, Mr.. Blythe was ever self
possessed. calm and impassive. One
of the qualities of his leadership was
his superb courage; another was MS
answering loyalty to his friends. He
would not engage in a political con-
test unless he was firmly convinced
that it was for the best interests OF
his party and the state that he should
do so. Once engaged, he was fearless
and interchangeable. Defeat had no
place in his lexicon, least of all on his
programme, but he always fought
openly and fair and harbored no
malice nor hatreds. Whatever the
provocation, he invariably conducted
himself and his campaigns in way
10 win the admiration and respect OF
] his opponents, As a voter ne was was
generous to the point Of magnanimity
In defeat he bore himself with dignity
and honor. An element of his greal
strength as d pOllllSai iOouNi """ "
personal unselfishness. He asked
nothing for himself and would ac
cept nothing He was content te
serve others. He would have made
great United States senator or
great president and was worthy of any
place in the gilt o. the people, but ne
repeatedly refused public office. In
noteworthy degree he was master
of men because he was helper Of
men.
In his personal intercourse with
men Mr.. Blythe was cordial, court
eous. frank, kindly, modest, truthful
and sincere. 1t has been well said oil
him hat he had the instincts the
manners, the character and lived the
life of a gentleman. Higher praise
than this or better deserved praise
is not possible. A man of unusual
force, he was at the same time man
of unaffected simplicity, pleasing per
sonality and the. embodiment OF the
highest and best Christian virtues
The death of such man Is reaI
calamity. >.,..