Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1916-03-17
Henry G. Davis Dead.


years old. former United States Senate
from West Virginia, vice presidential can
didate on the Democratic ticket in 1904
whose life story ranged from brakeman 4
multi-millionai died last Saturday morn
ing at the home of his daughter. Mrs
Steven B. Elkins, widow Of Senator Elkins
at the residence 1925 X street northwest
Washington. D, C.
several days ago. 1t was thought at that
time that his illness was due to nothing more
than heavy cold, but 1t proved to be
more serious, and he was unable to with
stand the attack.
Senator Henry G. Davis witnessed and
participated in the great political epochs
of American progress for more than three
quarters Of a century. He was the odd
fashioned gentleman" in the Senate. His
utterances were those of the old Jeffer-
sonian days.
Liberty and free government have al
ways been secured at the cost of great
sacrifice" he said on one occasion. But
history teaches us that both can be easily
lost without the knowledge of the people"
1t is significant that he was born in the
same year. 1928. at Woodstock. Howard
county. Nd. that the Monroe doctrine be-
came fundamental principle in Amer
lean politics. During his distinguished
career he fought to maintain it. He later
represented the United States at two PAN
American conferences, at which, by his
personality and speeches. he strove to
strengthen the bonds of friendship between
North and South America.
Senator Davis active political career
began the year after the civil war. He
was elected a member of the house Of
delegates Of the new State of West Viz
ginia, and next served as State Senator.
West Virginia sent him to the United
States Senate as its first Democratic rep
resentative in 1871. He served two terms
with distinction. He ceaselessly urged
Congress to help the farmers by establish
ing an agricultural department. His own
bills failed in passing, but he lived to see
the day when his far-sie htedness was re-
cognized.
A familiar figure In presidential conven-
tions Senator Davis led his delegates from
West Virginia to the nomination hall on
seven occasions. probably record for such
service.
A year after he had retired voluntarily
from the Senate he was urged to become
a candidate for Vice President on the
ticket with Grover Cleveland. He declined
He accepted the nomination. however, as
running mate with Alton B. Parker and
thus became the Oldest candidate, aged 81,
ever selected for the office.
The venerable Senator was not only
Democrat In politics, but was democrat
in nature. He was the champion Of liberty.
imperialism Is hurtful and abhorrent
in free government" he declared when
accepting the nomination for Vice Presi-
dent in the St. Louis convention Of 1904.
1.-THE policy Of imperialism is always dan
eerous to liberty"
The great wealth of Senator Davis, va
riously estimated. by some placed at $780,
100000, was acquired by his far-sight-
edness and his ability to take advantage
of opportunities. He was the eldest of
five children. and at an early age, on his
fathers death. became the breadwinner OF
the family. At nineteen years Of age he
was farm hand on Maryland planta-
ton. having relinquished opportunities for
an education in favor Of the younger chill
dren.
His great business career began when
helbecame brakeman on freight train. His
rise was rapid. At that time railroad
trains did not run at night-it was too dan
gerous At the approach of dusk they
made for the nearest stations and waited
for sunrise.
1T was waste Of time" insisted young
Davis. who was then master of Transport
tatiOn.
He startled the veteran operators by
sending out the first night train between
Baltimore and Cumberland. 1t marked a
new epoch in railroading.
Mr.. Davis increased his wealth and fame
rapidly. As merchant, he made a small
fortune. Then as a landholder in West
Virginia he came into possession Of coal
lands which were destined to enhance his
riches.
Two towns In West Virginia owe their
existence and prosperity in large part to
the multi-mllion statesman. One bears
his name, Davis. and the other Elkins,
name Of his son-in-law. In the latter city
stand many memorials, hospitals. schools,
children's homes and churches commence
rative Of Mr. Davis generosity.