Evening journal., 1913-03-27
NEW NEWS OF YESTERDAY
Two West VirginianS Com
pared by Stephen B.
ElkinS
BY H9llsnd.
BY Holland

The recent election of Judge Ma
than Goff of West Virginia as
United States Senator brings to mind
some anecdital comparisons and re-
collections which the late stephen B.
Elkins narrated TO few friends
whom he met at the Union League
Club in New York two days before
his appointment by President Harri-
son as Secretary of War.
Mr.. Ellins had confidently told his
friends that the President had asked
him to accept the appointment as Sec
rotary Of War and that he had some
what reluctantly decided to accept.
Wont you be the first citizen Of
West Virginia to become a Cabinet
ofiicer?" Mr.. Elkins was asked
"Oh, no." he replied, don't you re-
member that President Hayes, six
weeks before the close of his admin
istratiOn. appointed a West Virginian
as Secretary Of the Navy to succeed
Uncle Dick Thompson who resigned
to accept fat Office under the French
Panama Canal Company"
There seemed to be vague recol-
lection that a brief appointment of
that kind had been made by President
Hayes. but none of those who we're
with Mr.. Elkins could remember the
name.
He was Nathan Cor, and I think
he was one of the youngest persons
ever appointed to cabinet Office"
said Mr.. Elkins. HE was only thirty
six years of age, ! think.
Il am often tempted to compare the
careers of two West Virginia men for
In those careers | find the true story
of the opportunities which are open
in this country to every young man
who has ability, industry and is Of
good habits.
These two men are Nathan GOff
and John A. kenna Both have been
very successful in public life. Both
have gained the highest respect Of all
who know them both in their public
character and also for their personal
characters. Both have served in Con-
gress and both were elected when
very young men. Kenna also served
as United States Senator and was,
think, when he entered the service
one Of the youngest men ever. sworn
In as Senator. I know he was the
youngest Senator of that time.
John kenna was born to poverty.
| have been told that In his early
days he not only worked on fai
but for some time was a labOrer in
the mines. / think he worked his
way through a high school or small
college and also supported himself
while studying law.
He was not only born with the gift
OF oratory, but he trained himself
thoroughly and, while a somewhat
sensitive man, he had great moral
courage. He and Con were personal
friends, each warmly admiring the
other although they were of different
parties. Kenna was greatly pleased
when Nathan Goff became Secretary
of the Navy and Goff was also pleas
ed when. two years later, John Kenna
was elected to the United States Sen
ate from West Virginia.
Now, on the other hand. look at
the career OF Nathan Goff. He was, /
think. year or two older than John
Kenna. His family was we'll to do. He
had all the advantages which Guilt
walton. social opportunities and high
education created. Like Kenna. he
plunged into politics when YER
young man. Like Kenna, he served
in the war. Unlike Kenna. Cor was
In the Union army while Kenna as
veritable youngster served in the
Confederate army, and, think, was
badly wounded In battle.
II do not think you will find any
where a more instructive comparison,
at least for young Americans. than
that which the careers of Nathan Gof