The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1909-07-14


pies of poetic justice in the world, and
not the least Of these is the general
belief in Illinois that it was his cham
pionship Of the deep waterway that
was the deciding factor in gaining for
Billy Lorimer the senatorship. I'll
would be an interesting psychological
study to know whether he had such a
result in view when he began the
seemingly hopeless fight. Why not
give him the benefit Of the doubt and
believe that he was actuated by public |
spirit rather than private ambition
Or perhaps both factors entered, as
they do in most men. In writing Of
many men I find that there is some.
thing good In all, just as there are
other things to be deplored. In strik.
Ing a balance between the two some
times the scale tips one way, some.
times the other. In Lorimer's case
that ship canal when it Is carried
through, as it certainly will be, will
redeem much and blot out much. II
will be a monument ever enduring, one
Of which the greatest and best might
be proud.
In the end we are Judged by our
most conspicuous deed, whether it be
OF good or Of evil. The deep waterway
Will certainly be the most conspicuous
deed of Senator William Lorimer.
Who can tell but that It may even
swallow up his reputation as a "blondl
boss?"
Getting at the Real Man.
Fame plays queer tricks on us all.
And we who most abhor the political
methods of men Of the Lorimer type
are forced to applaud efforts for the
public good such as those shown in his
long battle for this enterprise that is
to bless the future. I am not seeking
to excuse Lorimer. I am only seeking
to do him justice. A character sketch
that shows personal Or partisan bias is
not worthy Of the name. The effort
should be to get at the real man and
set him forth as he is-no more, no
less. Kindness and sympathy go a
long way in getting at another's view.
point and angle of vision. Until that
viewpoint is gained q fair estimate
cannot be made. I am frank to say
that my first feeling as to Lorimer
was one Of repugnance. Looked at
more closely. there is gold beneath the
dross. This is not said Of him because
he is a United States senator. 1t would
be just as true If he were still a west
side street car conductor, although
there would be no %palpitating interest
In him as such. These things can be
said Of him and for him: he has made
his W way; he never loses his tenn
per; in his home he Is what every
American man should be; his word
never goes to protest; he sticks by his
friends v though they go to jail; he
Is constructive and for his own town,
and he has fought through good and
evil report for at least one public work
that will benefit mankind.
Such things weigh. They contain
substance and have meaning. Perhaps
I have omitted the one element that
counts for most in the world, though
1t may be rated at more than its
worth-Mr. Lorimer has plucked the
golden apple Of success. That is the
side OF the account, and why
cast up the debit? The papers have
been full of it for years. and it is gen.
orally known Of men.
No sketch Of Senator Lorimer would
be complete that did not include Mrs.
Lorimer. She was born in Canada,
and he married her when he was a
street car conductor. The same loyalty
that has held him to his friends and to
his city has welded him to his home.
In the life Of this man there is none of
the sickenlng story Of the successful
outgrowing the partner Of his
humble beginnings.
In personal appearance the "blond
boss" is like his name-auburn of hair,
red Of mustache, a good fellow and as
democratic as sunshine. Here Is hop.
that his most cherished ambition
may be fulfilled and that he may live
build the Chicago ship canal.