Arizona republican., 1909-11-11
Aldrich in the West,

The Hon. Nelson Wilmarth Aldricb. 6S years old, and a senator in con- gress from the state of Rhode Island. IS commonly spoken of as the boss of the United States senate" MT. Aldrich is largely a mystery to his countrymen. Always amiable-no- body ever saw him in a temper-he Is remarkably popular, personally. with everybody that can claim to know him. And yet, bOtL socially and in the discharge of his duties as d senator. he is a man of silence. He never courts position at the front of the stage. He is no orator He seldom speaks in the senate. and when he does. it is in an easy. con- versational tone, but always tersely to the point. His command of clear. incisive English is notable. Somehow he has acquired the respect and con- fidence of other senators to such an extent that. without exaggeration. it can be said that his influence in that body is paramount. This of itself is proof that he is one of the strong men of the world. Probably the most abused man in the service of the United States. he has always borne the constant attacks and criticisms without reply, and apparently with the utmost satisfaction and tranquil lity. His attitude has been one of obvious detachment and unconcern He has not troubled himself to get quoted by the newspapers. Like the late Edward Hartman, he pursued his policies in the evident belief that it was not worth while to take the public into his confidence in any way
 And now-again like MT. Hartman it is said that Senator Aldrich has concluded that it is a good thing. after all. to pay heed to public opin- ion. It will be remembered that dur ing the last two years of his life MT Hartman so reversed his traditional policy that. instead of being the least apprOachable and the least commu- nicative of men. he was always 'at little short of garrulous in talking to them; and he seemed to improve every favorable opportunity to talk in public. Senator Aldrich is on d tour of the west, and intends we under stand. to proceed as far as the Pa cific coast. and is making sundry speeches on the way. According to g Washington correspondent, he is concerned at last to set the people right as to his views on public ques- lions and in relation to the reasons which prompt his actions. He wishes, it is said, to disabuse the people of the west of their idea that he is a dangerous person. "Figuratively speaking" we are told. he desires to dispel the prevalent impression in the west that he is the incarnate money devil with cloven foot, forked tail and horned like very Mephistopheles'
 We think Mir. Aldrich is wise in reaching this decision. Unquestion- ably he is looked upon with sus- picion by a large body of the people and, we think. unjustly. They will undoubtedly hold him in higher es- teem after they meet him. The peo- pie of Arizona are considerably inter ested in Mir. Aldrich. just now It is believed that with him rests largely the decision as to. whether a state ! hood bill shall pass the senate at the | next session.
 It would be a happy thing for the territory if Governor Sloan could per- !, suade the Rhode Island senator to ] visit Arizona on his present tour. The | senator is so discerning and keen of l observation that trip through this l territory would serve to remove any doubts he may entertain as to the | propriety of admitting this popula- tion t0 voice in the Union.