Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-03-13

influence was not chiefly because OF
his prominent and recognized position
in the railroad world; such position
is, in many ways, a source Of weakness
to a man. His influence was founded
upon his friendships, his marked abil.
ity, his wide knowledge of human ma
ture his directness FIN dealing with
men, his absolute truthfulness, his
great common sense, his generosity
and his unfailing kindness Of heart.
Those to whom he has done kind
act are legion in every walk Of life.
# = +" He was one of the greatest and
most effective politicians, in the larg-
er sense, that this state has ever
known not because he wanted any
thing for himself, but because he want
ed to help his friends and to see wis
dom and sanity and honest ways
triumph He hated cant and, above
all, he hated hypocrisy and double
dealing.
Senator C. G. Saunders, of Council
Bluffs-He was ever loyal to his
friends. He fought in the open. After
the bitterness of political strife shall
have passed away it will be recognize
ed that he was one of the great men
of Iowa, and rendered efficient public
service to the state. Next to his love
for his family was Mr.. Blythe's love
for his state Many of the things he
did for the state were never known
! except within the circle Of his intimate
friends.
Lieut.. Gov George w. Clarke--In
the death of Mr.. Blythe the state loses
one of it's strongest men. He was
man of great determination and force
of character He was of the type of
men who accomplish things. Men of
his characteristics are the men who
take the initiative and push resolutely
forward to results. Such men are al
ways the strongest factors in a com
munity or state.
| La Monte Cowles, of Burlington
There are few men whom the state
and nation could so i'll afford to lose
Whether we consider him as citizen
as counsel for the great corporation
he served so ably, or as master OF
craftsmanship who for years con
trolled to large extent the policies Of
the state, or as kind neighbor and g
friend upon whom one could always
rely, we must realize that great
| leader man of unusual type, has
been taken from us, that there Is nc
one who can fill the vacant place.
Attorney General H. w. Byers-
From my acquaintances with Mr.
Blythe covering many years, would
point out three particular character
istics. First | would name his uni
versal good cheer and his sunny dis
position. Second, would name hi
nerve or steadfastness, for he neve
wavered in a fight, but went aheat
along the line he had chosen to follow
Lastly, recall his absolute faithful
ness to promises. Mr.. Blythe and my
self were always upon opposing sides
But learned to admire him and to re
spect him. Had Mr.. Blythe been &c
: ernor or senator he would have takel
front rank as political leader. AS |
was he remained more in the back
ground, using his intense power AM
influence along the line that he hat
selected to follow. l should regar,
Blythe as fair fighter in that if h.
gave a promise to do anything he di'
it if it was within his power to do SO.
State Treasurer w. w. Morrow-Ml
: Blythe was one of the great men O
this generation. A man who was al
ways loyal to his friends, and while h
] represented great corporate interest