Pioneer press. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1882-19??, 1912-08-24
His Sterling Character and
:. Citizenship Are Justly
Exto!!ed
SPLENDID IHDN''l'jA; MANHOOD
A Glowing Tribute to a ManIy Man
BY Ex-Governor Vim. A. Mac
CorkIe, Acting For ;i:s Sen
atoriai CoI!ea9ues. ..
Mr.. President. ard Gentlemen Of the

Senate:
In this wonderful country Of QUA
there is one thing which surely ho-
tokens the eternity OF cur institutions.
That is, sir, amidst the strnnuO8lty, q
our political life We can Scuct ono au-
other in that personal contact Which
brings men together along the lines CT
high personality, splendid character
and kindness OF feeling one 20 tho
other. This characteristic OF our gov
eminent L. the one great predominant
feature Of American life. This marks
the difference between the demOCr"-
cles, the old freq governments Of
Rome, Athens and Italy, and the ra-
publican government OF our country.
This characteristic which allows US,
amidst the conflict OF political lie.
amidst the absolute cOntrariety C1
opinion. TO see In our opponents high
character, pure patriotism and kindly
personal traits Is the great feature
which will preserve this republican
government AZ the Chietest and best
heritage which has over fallen to man.
1t Is pleasant, sir. to understand that
amidst the marvelS and wonders OF
earth and mountain. grander and more
splendid than cur wealth OF valley,
higher and better than all OF the
wealth which flows from the bosom
Of our state, there Is something ST.
poriOr to all, and that ID, the high and
splendid character Of our citizenship.
/ repeat, sir, 1t is absolutely essential
fn hn jc, nP n
stitutiOns.
The great governments Of other days
have looked too often to tho concrete
idea Of great wealth and tho magnid-
cence Of material power. The Amer
lean government is founded upon the
one supreme ideal. the character Of It's
manhood. 1t IS great. splendid
manhood 1t is more essential ole-
ment in the preservation OF free gov
ernment than all the wealth OF Col
conda, ell the oil which flows from tho
bosom OF our rich state, and all the
Diamonds which glisten On ths African
mountains or Brazilian valleys. 9th.
or governments have founded their
life upon the elements OF material
wealth. The hope and life OF the
American government is upon the
sDlendcr Of its individual manhoad.
It gives me pleasure, sir, domcCras
rs / am. to speak these words TO you.
tho leader Of the opposition IN thia
senate. These words come not fron
the lips, and I believe that represent
Ing my party associates on this moor,
they como from our hearts.
II you Will allow me q little tonch of
the personal clement, Wish TO say
that being chosen by my associates to
address you to-day brings more than
ordinary pleasure to me. I was your
fathers friend for quarter OF q CEN
fury, and IN the olden days when I
rode the circuit he called me Mae"
and I called him ELIAS" and If to-day
my old friend was here and could wit
ness this testimonial to the courage
and character, the splendid manhood
OF his son, the tears OF pride would
course down his cheeks, and his old
heart would thrCb With conscious pride
that his son has arisen to the position
where the words of encomium Of his
fellow members In the highest legisla.
tive body of his state could be so
trutbfully spoken. Surely, were he
here he would be touched with the
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