The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1916-01-25


last ditch, but when its decision is
made and its candidate nominated
we propose to get on the band wagon
and go along with the boys"
That speech won Judge Griggs the
democratic nomination four years
later. Although the populists
brought strong pressure to bear on
Mr.. Stevens to run as their candidate
(and had he done so success was
probaIble) he refused and he and
Griggs and their friends gave Russell
a hearty support.
His Political Life.
Col. Stevens was one of the most
astute politicians in the state. He
was intensely loyal to his friends and
never bitter toward his enemies, and,
perhaps, those elements in his char
acter had a gerat deal to do with his
political success.
The manner in which the man was
looked upon by his associates in pub
lie life is well illustrated in the fol-
lowing tribute to his memory by
Murphy Gambler, chairman of the
state railroad commission, in COM
menting on his death:
The death of Col. o. B. Stevens
has brought sincere grief to his for
mer associates on the railroad COM
mission, of which body he was a
member for six years, and to hum
! dreds of friends throughout Georgia.
l knew Col. Stevens intimately, hav-
| ing served with him in the general
assembly and upon the railroad COM
mission. He was one of the gentlest,
most Iovable men / ever knew.
T. There was no honest service with
in his power that he did not gladly
render friend-indeed he sought
opportunities to serve those whom he
counted as friends, and they were le-
gion
Ellis kindness of heart was his dis
tinguishing trait There was no mall
ice in him, even toward his stoutest
political opponent.
''He viewed politics philosophical
ly, and no one ever heard complaint
or word of bitterness from him when
results were against him.
"He was a most lovable gentleman,
a loyal friend and a patriotic citizen
and hundreds who knew him as such
sincerely grieve at his departure.
His Personal Sentiments.
Several years ago one of Col. Stew
ems closest friends suggested to him
that he should be a candidate for the
governorship and stated his belief
in his chances for success for that
office. He replied as follows
81 have retired from politics and
never expect to be candidate for Of
flee again. My work during the bal
ance of my life will be devoted to re-
warding my friends. l am not inter
ested in trying to punish any of my
enemies unless they interfere with
an effort I may make to reward my
friends. In that event they must look
out"
That simple statement to great
extent showed his bigness of heart
his clearness of mind and his unfail-
ing fairness in politics.
In 1898 when he was a candidate
for commissioner of agriculture a
gentleman connected with the de-
partment remained loyal to his chief,
although he realized that Col. Stew
ems would be elected. The morning
after the primary he sent him the
following telegram:
~ Il fought you as hard as | could.
My county went against you four to
/ one, my section went for your oppo-
nent. l do, however, sincerely ten
der you my congratulations and best
wishes"
Col. Stevens, in his characteristic
way, wrote long letter in reply, stat
ing that he admired the writer for
being candid with him and loyal to
his chief, and that there was no hard
feeling. These two men were ever
afterwards very strong prsonal and
political friends.
Had Friends Everywhere.
Although after his retirement from
the office of railroad commissioner
Col. Stevens repeatedly refused to en-
terrain any suggestion that he be
candidate for any Office he always
kept in touch with political matters
He continued to WELD great influence
and his advice was always very much
sought after. Rarely was any per
son defeated when Col. Stevens I'M
dertook to aid He had friends in
every nook and Granny in Georgia
friends who only wanted TO know his
interest to pull off their coats and &C
to work. Perhaps no man in a gen
Grafton could put more men to worn
for candidate other than himself