Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1911-08-18
RUFUS 4. AYRES ON SENATOR
THOMAS S. MAR TIN.

Editor The Roanoke Times:
have known Thomas S. Martin
for three decades, served upon the
Democratic State Committee with him
for years, fought shoulder to shoulder
with him through the most memoir
able campaign ever waged in Vir-
ginia-1SS3 when Malone was over
thrown and the legislative power OF
the State wrested from the republicans
l-lS8I when Cleveland was elected
president and 1885 when governor,
llieutenaLt-governor and attorney
general were elected bringing the State
under complete democratic control.
These were strenuous times-days
that tried mems principles-but Thos.
S. Martin was always on that firing
lime, Barbour's right hand support
and wise counsellor, a bulwark for
Gordon and for more than twenty
years one of the strongest supports OF
Chairman Ellyson. We had to raise
money-yes, lots of it, and use 1t TOO,
for we felt that our civilization was
at stake, when the Republicans in
power with brazen effrontery had ap-
pointed negro school trustees in our
capital city, and negroes were as
piring to seats in congress, one OF
whom was actually elected and serv-
ed. We had to fight desperately to
gain and retain party supremacy and
the sinews of war had to be provided
have attended committee meetings
when everything looked as blue as in
digo and thu prospects OF success al
most hopeless-notably during the
campaign of 1Ss4-and often have I
seen Martin rise and in his clear.
concise and forceful way outline a
clean cut plan of campaign which met
the approval of all and cleared the
horizon. We all worked and did our
best, but we. always looked to Martin
to do as much as any ten of us. We
leant upon him heavily at times, but
he never disappointed us. He raised
money for the committee during every
i campaign for years and in addition
was trusted leader, wise in council
and strong in action. Martins repu-
tation and influence grew every year
until his great contest with Gen, Fitz
Lee for the United States Senate.
In that fight was opposed t. Mar
tin and supported Lee with whom |
had been closely connected for four
years and regarded him a strong man
for the nominal When the con-
test was ever, and Martin nominated,
although disappointed, I did not
countenance or lake any part with
those of General Lees hot headed
supporters who claimed that Martin S
nomination was effected by undue
means. but went home very much dis
gu sted over their action.
l fought Martin hard, but hit above
the belt, and when he was nominated,
accepted it as the honest judgment Of
a majority of the democratic members
of the General A ssemhlv, which it was
The claim that Martins nomination
and election was brought about by the
Improper use of money is Islander
upon the General Assembly, and is
Untrue. The facts are that Martin Is
strenuous party service, his ability
and strength of character were wei
known to the party leaders who
moulded public opinion through ou
the State and it was in recognition OF
these party services, his ability ant
lforce of character that he was nomi
mated.
l watched carefully and | may say
Icritically Martin S course, during his
first term, and before he came up TO
reelection recognized that Virginia
had secured the services of the most
useful and influential man she had
lsent to the senate for long time an {
igave him hearty support.
The cry of "Ring Rule" is as old a
the organization Of political parties
land is getting very stale. l hav
Iheard it all my life. and it general.
comes from the OUTS wanting to
get IN.
There will be found considerabl,
faction of recalcitrants in every pollt
ical party, men who revolt becaus,
their particular views and policies dc
not meet the approval and ratification
of a majority OF their party associ
ates. They become possessed with tnei
own Importance and because the tai
can't wag the dog, want to cut off its
head, kick out of the traces and CT,
"Ring Rule." ring Rule!" "Dowr
with the Ring!''
Is it strange or rema rkable that tn
advice and counsel of democratic lead
, |ers who have won distinction and in
|fuence through life time of part.
service should BE- often sought an,
frequently followed? Is it strange o
remarkable that the democratic part,
should recognize and elevate to posi-
|tioas of public trust men who hav,
lproven their ability and their loyalt.
land devotion to the party?
Is it strange or remarkable tina: the
men thus distinguished and advanced
should have greater influence thar
others not similarly situated?
Is it not the plain duty OF men 81
situated to give their advice and uss
their influence for the best interest o
the people, whenever and wherever
they deem it necessary?
| Fellow Democrats, take it from one
who commencing in 1869, when Gilber
&c. Walker defeated Henry Happ,
Wells for governor, has for more
than forty years fought the battles o.
Idemocrocy in every campaign in Vir-
ginia-THERE IS NO RING domi-
mating the action of the democratic