The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-08-04

Elkins, w. Va, Aug. A. NEA -
Three of a kind: father, husband,
son.-each of them United States
senator!
And Mrs. Halle Davis Elkins help
ed groom them all for the, high posi-
tion of state, backing them with
every ounce Of her. vast energy and
political shrewdness.
Way back when woman place
was in the home." and "women's
vote" was something to draw car
toons about Mrs. Elkins was quietly
and effectively maneuvering her
political household.
Inherits Taste
Some are born with a silver spoon
Mrs. Elkins inherited taste for
politics.
Her father was publicly active for
many years, including among his
political honors one candidacy TOY
the vice presidency in 1904, as run
ming mate Of Alton b. Parker.
No woman in the United States
! has known national politics better
that Mrs. Elkins. She has heen on
the inside for half-century, first
in the Democratic and then the Re
Publican camp. She has been hos
, tess. confidant and advisor not only
to the nations Lawmakers, including
Blaine and Harrison who were per-
sonal friends Of her husband.
Son Carries On"
Her father and husband are dead
now. But her son, Davis Elkins, who
has served two terms in the Senate,
lives, perhaps. to bring his mother
future opportunities to serve.
Her father, the late Henry CASA
way Davis, had always been promi-
nent in his home state, West Eir-
ginia, and when she was girl he
was elected senator.
y While entertaining with her father
in Washington in the 7O's, Halle
Davis met and completely captivated
, the imagination and heart Of rising
young man out of the west, Stephen
B. Elkins, who was representing the
territory Of New Mexico, having dis
tinguished himself as attorney gen.
eral Of New Mexico and United
!! States district attorney for that dis
trict.
Was Secretary Of War
They were married in 1873. His
commanding ability and his wife:
capable assistance united to push
l uIUU uHcGu. I1c SCISCu dS ASCPuOiAN
! national committee man through
1891 BENJAMIN Harrison, whom ht
had backed for president, made him
secretary Of war.
I In 1895 Elkins became senator from
| West Virginia. Their house on X
street, way back in the 9O's, became
a. rendezvous for political leaders
Alert, well-informed and understand
| ing in the mtater of national affairs
Mrs. Elkins was an interested ant
! important, though unofficial, member
of innumerable conferences of ma
tional import held there.
! Son Fills Out Term
Senator Elkins died in 1911 and hi.
! son, Davis Elkins, was appointed tt
serve out his term. In 1919, wher
he was overseas in the war, Davi.
Elkins was again suggested for th'
senate. In his absence his mother
took over the direction Of his cam
paign. And he was elected. Wher
he returned it was his mother VIII
gave him sound political advice Will,
he was in Washington.
| Winters, the house on X street j!
still open to friends. Mrs. Elkin.
keeps as interested and as helpful
. in political matters as she was 81
years ago. In summer she goes t.
the family home, outside Elkins, w
", identifying herself with the lit
tie town named for her family.
She takes keen personal interes
in the life of the state, too. Recent!
she gave large estate, "Halliehurst'
to the Davis and Elkins college o
West Virginia.