The Ordway new era., 1913-08-01

and Nicholas. the elder orators of the
house. seem the more redoubtable that
they should have such men as these
at their elbows to prompt and steady
them. And yet they would have been
formidable enough Of themselves.
Edmund Pendleton had not, indeed.
the blood or the breeding that gave
his colleagues prestige. He had won
his way to leadership by his own
steady genius for affairs. He read
nothing but law books. knew nothing
but business. cared for nothing but
to make practical test of his powers.
But he took all his life and purpose
with such zest. made every stroke
with 30 serene . self-possession. was
SO quick to see and act upon every ad-
vantage in his business of debate. and
was withal SO transparent. bore him
self with such grace and charm of
manner, was so obviously right-mind-
ed and upright, that 1t meant great
deal to the house to hear him inter
vene in Its discussions with his me-
lodious voice, his cool, distinct. ef-
fective elocution.
Robert Carter Nicholas added to
like talents for business and debate
reverent piety. title to be loved and
trusted without question. which no
men ever thought to gainsay.
The Loyal Randolph.
And Peyton Randolph, with his
knowledge. temper, experience. judg-
ment, integrity" as of true Roman
spirit. was a sort of prince among the
rest. No man could doubt he wished
Virginia to have her liberties. He had
gone over sea to speak for her in Din.
widdie's day. though he was the kings
attorney, and had lost his ONCE for his
boldness. But there were traditions Of
loyalty and service in his breeding
which no man might rightly ignore.
His father before him had won
knighthood and the royal favor by long
and honorable service as his majesty's
attorney In the colony. Pride and 10y
atty had gone hand In hand in the an
mails of q proud race. and had won for
the Randolphs a prestige which made
1t impossible Sir Johns son should
very long be kept from the once he
had 30 honorably inherited. And 30
Peyton Randolph was now once again
the kings attorney.
1t was not as the kings ofiicer. how
ever. but az an experienced parliament
tary tactician, = trained debater. q
sound man of affairs. that he had set
himself to check Henry In his revolu-
tionary courses.
Accused Of Treason.
Henry found himself. In truth, pas
sionately set upon. Even threats were
uttered. and abuse such as proud men
nnd Ill to bear. They cried Treason!
treason!" upon him when he dared de-
clare the king would do well to look
to the fate of Caesar and Charles !.
for profitable examples.
But he was not daunted q whit. "If
this be treason. make the most Of It,"
was his defiance to them.
One ally who might have stood with
him. had he known, was absent. Rich
ard Henry Lee would have brought to
his support . name as ancient and as
honorable as any of the colony. and
an eloQuence scarcely less than his
own. But. as 1t was. he was left al
most alone, and won his battle with
no other aid than very plain men could
lend by vote and homely utterance.
The vote was very close. but enough.
Randolph flung out of the house. NUT
tering in his heat that he would have
given five hundred guineas for a sin
gle vote.
Not Inflated by His Triumph.
Henry. taking the triumph very SIM
ply. as was his wont. and knowing his
work for the session done, quietly
made his way homeward that very
day. striding unconcernedly down
Duke Of Gloucester street, chatting
with q friend, his legs clad in buck
skin as IL for the frontier. his saddle
bags and the reins of his lean nag
slung carelessly over his arm,
The assembly had adopted Henry's
declaration OF rights, not his resolu-
tion Of disobedience. and had softened
a little the language he would have
used; but it's action seemed seditious
enough to Fauquier, the governor. and
he promptly dissolved them.
Il did little good to send Virginians
home, however. II the object was TO
check agitation. The whole manner of
their life bred thought and concert OF
action. Where men have leave to be
individual. live separately and with a
proud self-respect. and yet are much
at each others tables. often in vestry
council together. constantly coming
and going, talking and planning
throughout all the country side. ac-
cus:omed to form their opinions in
league, and yet express each man his
own with dash and flavor of inde-
pendence; where there is the leisure
to reflect. the habit Of Joint efforts in
business. the spirit to be social, and
abundant opportunity to be frank