The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1920-04-11

found interest in the important pub
lie questions agitating his state, and
the wise solution of many OF these
was the product of his brain and bore
the impress ot HIS forcefui hand, lie
was largely instrumental in The ma
settlement Of the state debt OF y lr-
gina on basis just and fair TO all
concerned. and thus brought fnaneial
and political peace 10 the state. W men
for years had been agilated 10y un-
seemly political divisions and unfortu-
nate fna ncial distress
Modest unasSumiag never seeking
publicity, willing 10 work ana let
others receive the credit years before
il was generally known he vas the
guiding spirit in the managemo mt oi
the Democratic party OF Nirelnla-iis
wisest and most trusted adviser. Inc
leaders of the party from all sections
of the state continuously sought ms
counsel and assistance. For years
with no prospect Of personal advance
ment. his time and means were un-
selfshly and unstintlngtE gwen 70 the
service OF his party. when John >.
Barbour was elected chairman OF the
Democratic PARTY OF Virginia, under
whose leadership the control OF the
state was rescued from the opposition
party. during the years he held inns
position Senator Martin. as mem
Der OF the executive committee was
has closest, post trusted adNlser-the
man to whom he looked more IMAM
all others tor guidance and assistance
Senator Martin justly received a part
of the great credit accorded his auie
chieltain for the splendid victories
achieved
/ When senator Barbour suddenly
died. many of the Democratic headers,
I who were acquainted with senator
Martins valuable and unselfsh work
here in behalf OF the party and knew
( his great ability and industry, united
with the partN's younger element ana
/ insisted that senator Martin should
become "A candidate for the Cnited
States senate as Mr. Barbour's sue
cessor Not until then had the
i Thought OF political preferment stirred
Senator Martins aspirations. He con-
, scented and precipitated one OF the
T closest fiercest political fights ever
waged in Virginia. finally winning
over General Fitzhugh Lee. a gallant
and distinguished Confederate officer
a man OF great charm. ability and de-
served popularity. This contest en-
gendered bitterness and produced pc
litical divisions which lasted foi
wears However when in l9lS Sena
tor Martin was reelected for the f1ftn
time to- the United States senate A.
the unanimous choice Of all parties
and all the people of Virginia. II was
clearly demonstrated that these enmi
ties were obliterated, these party di-
visions had faded. and that around his
istrong personality clustered the CONT
dence esteem and affection ~ an en-
tire state. Worth. merit and service
had thus won great triumph and
been properly acclaimed BY an appre-
ciative people.
MANY BRILLIANT MEN.
When senator Martin entered the
senate. in 1898, it Yves composed al
men of unusual capacity and distinc-
ton. There We're times before in it,
history when ii contained a few mer
of superior merit and eminence. wher
ii possessed towering giants like Clay
Webster and Calhoun, but never be
fore, nor since, has the average ability
of its members been surpassed the
senate was renicte with men whose
ability. cloquence and genius weul6
have adorned tho legislative body a.
any age or country. The very men
ton of their names recalls animated
debates stirring scenes, historic Incl
! dents and important legislation with
which they were connected.
Serving IN the senate at the time
was Hoar, of Massachusetts. author
of iunumerable judicial acts a great
lawyer. eloquent and scholarly: Dan
iel of Virginia, a great law writer, ar
II esTssFyv Csf marvellous @lGtfSeYee awd
polish; Morgan, of Alabama, an ency-
clopedia of information, possessed OF
facility and purity of expression
never surpassed; Depew. OF New York
able. pleasing and sscintillating with
wit and sunshine: Vest OF Missouri
whose every sentence glistened with