The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-02-13

dock was taken out OF the Seventh
district, which he then represented,
and placed in the new Eighth district.
leaving a vacancy in the Seventh.
Madison was easily the choice of the
Republicans of this district for con-
greSs, and was nominated and trium-
phantly elected. He was reelected in
1908 and 1910, and would still be repre-
senting that district in congress if it
had not been for his untimely death.
He was not only an able lawyer,
but wise legislator. He believed in
the people and had deep interest in
their welfare. With strong and bril-
liant mind he also possessed d warm
heart. Nothing touched him more
deeply than the struggles which the
western Kansas farmer had gone
through to reclaim the desert and
transform its parched plains into
fruitful fields. He could entertain his
friends for hours telling stories of the
struggles of different men whom he
had known in the days of early settle
ment in the southwestern part of our
state. 1t was the highest ambition OF
mis- life to do something that would
help these men and make life for them
more successful and less burdensome.
In legislation he always sought to do
that which he felt was right and was
also exceedingly eager to please his
constituents. He felt keenly their crit
lclsm, and While the fear of it would
hOi SNSANe nm from what ne DeileVed
to be his line of duty. yet it panied
him very much to have any of them
think that he had done the wrong
thing He was sensitive to the good
opinions of his fellow men. but
he would not sacrifice his conscience
to obtain them 1t seems to me
that such qualities are of the highest
order, and go to make up the ideal rep
resentative of a district of freemen in
a legislative assembly.
He had brilliant intellectual quail
ties, clear and cool judgment, fine dis
eliminating ability, and a sensitive
conscience, and was possessed with a
general affection for mankind. These
very admirable traits of character
made his duties at times burdensome
and painful, yet they resulted in giving
a direction to his official life that was
wise and patriotic
Ed Madison, as he was famiIiarIv
known, was a favorite in every com
munity in his district. The people were
always delighted to see him, and would
assemble in large mum bers at any place
and upon any occasion where he was
to speak.
THE most conspicuous service that
he rendered his country was in the
Balllnser investigation. In that trying
experience of his official life he dis
charged his duty with independence
ana without bias. He would not permit
reward to change his attitude on a
matter of public concern. and during
the months of heated fractional strife
Whlch that investigation produced he
held an even and steady course and
after the controversy was over his re-
port was accepted by the country as
an accurate portra yal of the facts and
conditions in the case 1t in truth de-
termIned the ultimate results of the
controversy. and in this investigation
ne rendered a service of great value to
his country
He was one of my warmest political
friends, and / feel very deeply his loss
His father was a Methodist minister
ana so was mine. Our boyhood DAYS
We're cast III a similar environment
and such experiences knit men closely
together. / shall never forget the day
OF his funeral. The winds that swept
the prairies seemed to mourn his loss.
Cut off without warning in the prime
of brilliant and useful life, he left
a sorrowinS district, and the thou
sands that gathered to pay their last
respect to their departed friend was
the most effective evidence of the high
esteem in which he was held.
In Memory of Mitchell
In reviewing the life and character of
the late Mr.. Mitchell. Senator Curtis
said: We are met here this hour in
respect to the memory of the late Alex
ander G. Mitchell, of the Second dis
trict of Kansas, whose death occurred
soon after he entered upon his duties
as member of the Sixty-second con- /
Sress. In fact, his health was such
that many of his friends thought il |
unwise for him to come to Washington
to assume his office, but he lad been
elected and felt that his place was here.
and came to do his part and he did it
faithfully to the end.
He was born at Cincinnati Ohm |
october II, 1860; was educated in the
common schools and the University of
Kansas, graduating in June, 1889, with
the degree of LII. B.: engaged in the
practice of law at Lawrence Kansas:
was county attorney of Douglas coun-
ty, Kansas, for four years; member of
the Kansas legislature for four years
and OF the state board of law examin-
ers three years: married Miss Helen
NJ. Baldwin July, 1890.
His service in the house was too
brief to give those who did not know
him a view of his talents and his abili- I
ties The earnest study which he gave
to the great subject of national Iegis-
lation, the independence of view with
which he surveyed the entire field,
and the wisdom of his conclusions evil
denced that with experience he would
have been valuable servant for the (
people who had so recently honored
him at the polls. He was an able law
yer and had won an enviable position /
at the bar of Kansas He had been a !
member of the legislature and had
forged to the front as a leader, and it +.
can be justly said that his public ser
vice previous to his entrance into the |
sphere of national legislation had been 1
most useful and distinguished
He of whom 1 speak was ever ]
ready TO battle strenuousIy for the
things he thought to be right. Vet al
ways ready and willing to meet more
than half way those who disa greed /
with him and to settle questions for
81
Mltchelfs private life was clean j
wholesome, honorable. His home life
was ideal. happy, and pleasant and (
WIN MS death there has passed from (
Iii E.. Il :.