With this exception, his political course has been one of unswerving constancy and fidelity to all the extreme demands and severe creeds imposed upon the Democracy by the South.

His Virginia birth, his rearing within the lines of the old Virginia Military reservation in Southern Ohio, his early associations with kindred and his friends, all contributed to his education as a Democrat.

He naturally grew to strong influence with his associates, and when he came to the Senate was entitled to be considered the foremost man of his party in the Nation.
His rank in the Senate was established from the day he took his seat, and was never lowered during the period of his service.

He was an admirable disciplined debater, was fair in his method of statement, logical in his argument, honest in his conclusions.

He had no tricks in discussion, no catch-phrases to secure attention, but was always direct and manly.