The Wallace miner. [volume] (Wallace, Idaho) 1907-current, 1917-06-07
RETIREMENT OF B0RAH
seen BY SEATTLE EDITOR
LEAVES SENATE TO PREPARE
WAY FOR ENTERING RACE
FOR THE PRESIDENCY.
fSeattle Post -Intelligencer)

Idaho will lose the services of its
senior senator on the third of March,
1915 when he will have completed his
second term.
!. Borah-William Edgar Borah-is an
interesting personality. The inter-
mountain states have sent no other
man to congress who has figured quite
so conspicuously in the affairs of the
nation and the politics of the country.
Warren, of Wyoming, who is complet-
ing his third term, having previously
held seat in the house for four years,
has attained higher committee rank
thanks to uninterrupted tenure; Clark
of the same state, has been similarly
favored; Smoot, of Utah, who has
worn the toga for IA years, has been
active and potent in party councils.
always, though identified with the
standpat wing and handicapped by
prejudice against Mormonism; Walsh,
Of Montana, successor to the pic
turesque Tom Carter. has won real
distinction, on the other side of the
initial term, while Mondell, Wyoming's
solitary representative in the house for
over two decades, has steadily grown
in usefulness. Other statesmen from
the region contiguous to the Rockies
have come and gone and left their
marks in the halls of fame Borah,
however, through the remarkable area
of the early twentieth century, which
has made and unmade so many states
men, has been the unique and distinc-
tive figure at Washington from the in
termountain states.
A strange trend of abnormal politics
contrived to give him eminence and, in
fair season and foul, to mark him as
man Of the hour.
An insurgent in 1912, he yet main
tanned his regularity. Not for Taft,
he refused to take the stump against
, Taft. For Roosevelt in the preliminary
struggle, he declined to follow Roose-
welt Outside the G. 0. p. breastworks.
His role was enigmatical. Critics said
he was neither fish, flesh nor good
red herring. AS a matter of fact, I'M
able to attune himself to chaotic con-
ditions and easily foreseeing the de-
feat of both Taft and Roosevelt, he
wisely waited for the storm to blow
over. Then. deploring the untoward
happenings, he promptly espoused the
cause of the newborn, rejuyenated
republican party. reorganized on pro-
gressive lines, and counseled a get
ting together for the good of the ma
ton. His became name to conjure
with. Progressives all over the coun-
to follow his lead. He preached re-
form within the party and deprecated
internecine strife. To the attitude of
Borah, Cummins and lesser lights of
their advanced political school was
due, in great measure, the quick rail-
lying Of the long dominant party af-
ter the Waterloo of four years ago
and the remarkable qualification in
support of Hughes.
Why is Borah determined to give
up his seat in the United States SEN
ate.
Certainly, at 81 and with political
fortune seemingly disposed to smile
upon him. he does not contemplate
abandoning public life altogether!
An enigma in 1872 he is an enigma
now, but he Is, no doubt acting de-
liberately today as he acted deliberate
ly then. He is too wise and far-sight-
ed, too well balanced and too ambi-
tious, to be governed in his course Of
conduct by within or impulse.
Questioned as to the prompting rea-
son of his announced intention to re-
tire, in chance conversation, at Wash
ington, a fortnight ago, he answered
that he felt that the senate no longer
offered him the best field of endeavor.
AS to his plans he was uncommuni-
cative, merely remarking that he had
almost two years to serve.
Many republicans throughout the
country were firmly of the opinion a
year ago that the ideal ticket to nom
mate at Chicago would be Root, for
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