El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-11
FORMER SENATOR
DAVIS IS DEAD
Candidate For Vice Presi-
dent on Parker Ticket
Succumbs to Illness.

Washington. d. G.. March fl-Former
United States senator Henry G~assaway
Davis. of West Virginia, vice presiden-
tial candidate Of the Parker Democratic
ticket in 1904. died at 1.45 a. m. today
after a brief illness. He was 80 years
old. Mr.. Davi was stricken with grip
about a fortnight ago Whlle on a WISH
70 his daughter. Mrs. stephen B.. Elkins.
on account of his advanced age,
was unable to Withstand the attack.
Funeral arrangements were being
completed today. Tnterment viii be at
Elkins. ". Va. home of tine former sen
ator.
cold Fashioned Gentleman"
Senator Davis witnessed and p%artici-
pated in the great political epochs OF
American progress for more IMAM lnIeg-
quarters Of a century. He was the ola
fashioned gentleman In the senate.
His -utterances were those of the old
Jeffersonian days.
1t is significant that he was born i'm
the same year 1923. at Woodstock Nd,
that The Monroe doctrine became a fun
damental principle in American politics.
During his distinguished career ne
fought to maintain it. He later repre-
sented the United States at two Pan
American conferences at Wuieh oH
his personality and speeches ne
strove TO strengthen the bonds OF
friendship between North and South
America.
State's First Democratic senator
Senator Davis's active political ca
reer began the year after the civil war.
He was elected a member OF tne mouse
OF delegates of the new state OF west
Virginia. and next served as state SEN
ator.
West virginia sent him to the United
states senate as it's first Democratic
representative in 1871. He served Two
terms with distinction. He ceaselessiy
urged congress to help the farmers ny
establishing an agricultural depart
ment. His own bills failed in passing
but he lived to see the Gay when his
far-siehteduess was recognized
A familiar figure in presidential con
vcntions. senator Davis led ms dele
safes from West Virginia 10 the nom
inatiOn hall on seven OCCASIONS prop
ably a record for such service
a wear after he had retired Voiun-
tarily from the senate, ne was urseo
to become candidate for vice presldent
on the ticket with Grover Cleveland. He
declined He accepted the nomination,
howver. as running mate with Alton 3.
Parker and thus became the Oldest can
didate. aged 81, ever selected for the
office
Made Great Fortune.
The great wealth Of senator DAVIS,
estimated at SS0,OOO,OO0. was acquired
bv his far sightedness and his ability 70
take advantage Of opportunities. lie
was the eldest of five children, and at
an early age. on his fathers death, be
came the bread winner or the ianllly,
At 10 years of age he was a farm mana
on a Maryland plantation, having relln-
0uished opportunities for an ~educatloh
i'm favor Of the younger children.
His great business career began Wheli
he became brakeman on a freight train.
His rise was rapid. At that time rall-
road trains did not run at niEht-it was
too dangerous. At the approach or dusk
they made for the nearest stations ana
waited for sunrise.
'It is a waste of time insisted young
Davis. who was then master Of trans
portatiOn.
He startled the veteran operators by
sending out the first night train be
tween Baltimore and Cumberland. II
marked a new epoch in r~ailroading.
Davis increased his wealth n fame
RAPIDLY. As a merchant, he made a
small fortune. Then as a l~andholder IN
West Virginia. he came into possession
OF coal lands which were destined 10
make him a prince Of wealth.