Addresses: by John A. Martin. Delivered in Kansas.Martin, John Alexander
History
Addresses: by John A. Martin. Delivered in Kansas.
Martin, John Alexander
Kansas
I have known all the Governors of this State, many of them intimately,
and I take this occasion to say that I believe Kansas has, in the past,
been fortunate in the choice of her chief Executive officers. First on
the list, in eminence and usefulness as well as date of service, is the
name of Charles Robinson. Long before Kansas was admitted into the
Union, his splendid courage and comprehensive ability had made him the
leader of the Free-State men. He enjoys the distinction of having been
elected Governor under two Constitutions, and of having guided the State
through the darkest and stormiest years of its history. The old War
Governor is still hale and hearty, and as honored in private life as he
was in public station.
Following him came Thomas Carney, a trained man of business, who, in a
critical period of our history, performed the part that Robert Morris
did in the infancy of the Republic—pledged his private fortune to save
the financial credit of the State.
Samuel J. Crawford, a gallant and enterprising soldier, succeeded
Carney. He served the State creditably, and is still in its service,
employed as its Agent at Washington.
Then came James M. Harvey, a steadfast and sturdy soldier, plain and
unpretentious, but of sterling honesty. Assuming high station without
pride, he resigned it without murmuring. Yet he alone of our Governors
reached the goal at which so many of them have aimed—the United States
Senate.
Thomas J. Osborn, the most adroit and skillful politician of them all,
followed Harvey. He stepped out of the Executive office into the
diplomatic service of the country, in which he has grown gray and
handsome.
George T. Anthony, a man of imposing presence, an eloquent and forcible
speaker, and a thorough man of affairs, succeeded Osborn. He has, since
retiring from office, borne a conspicuous part in the construction of a
great National thoroughfare connecting the Republics of the United
States and Mexico. Now, returned home, he is again in the service of the
State, representing his district in the Legislature.
Then came John P. St. John. A ready and impressive speaker, he has since
achieved a National reputation as an advocate of the temperance cause.
Last on the list is the name of my townsman and neighbor, George W.
Glick, the first member of his party to be elected Governor of Kansas. A
capable lawyer and an experienced legislator, always energetic and
industrious, I think I may say, here in his presence, that even his
political opponents will credit him with a sincere desire to promote the
welfare of the State, however much they may disagree with him concerning
the methods or policy by which such a result is best attained.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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