New Britain herald., 1916-03-11
A Great American.

A Great American.
 Senator Henry Gassaway Davis wit messed and participated in the great political epoch of American progress for more than three-quarters of century. He was the 'old fashioned gentleman in the Senate. His ut terances were those of the old Jeffer- sonian days.
 Liberty and free government have always been secured at the cost of great sacrifices" he said on one oc- casion. But history teaches us that both can be easily lost without the Knowledge of the people,"
 It is significant that he was born in the same year, 1923, at Woodstock Md, that the Monroe Doctrine be- came fundamental principal in American politics. During his dis tinguished career he fought to main- tain it. He later represented the United States at two Pan American conferences at which by his person. ality and speeches he strove to strengthen the bonds of friendship be- tween North and South America.
 Senator Davis active political ca reer began the year after the Civil War. He was elected a member of
 
 state of west Virginia, and next served as stat4 senator.
 West Virginia sent him to t7c United States senate as it's first demo- cratic representative in 1871. He serv- ed two terms with distinction. He ceaSeleSsly urged congress to help the farmers by establishing an agricul- tural department. Ills own blls failed in passing, but he lived to see the day when his far-sightedness was recognized.
 A familiar figure in presidential conventions, Senator Davis led hic delegates from West Virginia to the nomination hall on seven occasions, probably a record for such service
 Teamed With Alton B. Parker
 A year after he had retired volu,t- tarily from the senate, he was urged to become candidate for vice presi- dent on the ticket with Grover Cleye- land. 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 he was 2 democrat in nature. He was the champion of liberty. .
 Imperialism is hurtful and ab- horrent in a free government he declared when accepting the nomina- ton for vice president in the St. Louis convention of 1904. 'The policy of imperialism is always dangerous to Iiberty.'
 Bread Winner for Family.
 The great wealth of Senator Davis, estimated at 30,000,000 was acquired by his far-sightedness and his ability to take advantage of opportunities. He was eldest of five children. and at an early age, on his fathers death, became the bread-winner of the fam ily At 19 years of age he was farm hand on a Maryland plantation, having relnquished opportunities for an education in favor of his younger children.
 His great business career began when he became brakeman on a freight train. His rise was rapid. At that time railroad trains did not run at nlght-it was too dangerous. At the approach of dusk they made for the nearest stations and waited for sunrise.
 Ut is a waste of time,' insisted young Davis, who was then master of transportation.
 He startled the veteran operators by sending out the first night train between Baltimore and Cum berland. It marked a new epoch in railroad~ ing.
 Davis increased his wealth and fame rapidly. As a merchant, he made a small fortune. Then as a landholder in West Virginia, he came into possession of coal lands which were destined to make him a prince of wealth.
 Two towns in West Virginia owe their existence and prosperity to the muIti-millionaire statesman. One bears his name, Davis, and the other the name of his son-in-law and po- 1itical opponent, Senator Elkins. In the latter city sand many memorials, | hospitals schools. children's homes | and churches, commemorative of his | generosity.