Page:Men of Mark in America vol 1.djvu/266

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182
JULIUS C. BURROWS

prominence. Subsequently he made many notable speeches in congress which entitle him to high rank among its debaters and orators. From the beginning of his congressional career he has been a pronounced protectionist, and his defense of the McKinley tariff bill in the fifty-first Congress stamped him as a forceful advocate of that policy. He was more than once pressed for speaker of the house, and was twice elected speaker pro tempore of that body.

The elevation of Mr. Burrows to the United States senate occurred in January, 1895, when he was designated to succeed Honorable Francis B. Stockbridge, who died in office. He was elected to the full term by a unanimous vote of the Republican members of the legislature in January, 1899, and more remarkable still by the unanimous vote of the entire legislature in January, 1905, for the term beginning March 4, 1905. It is doubtful whether the conditions under which he was last elected have ever been paralleled in the history of American politics. Senator Burrows has been signally honored in the committee appointments of the senate and has brought to the discharge of their onerous duties both unusual zeal and ability. He has taken an active and conspicuous part in the senate debates and investigations, and is recognized as one of the leaders on the Republican side. A man of positive convictions, thoroughly loyal to his fireside, genial and urbane in manner, morally courageous, devoid of malice or acrimony. Senator Burrows is an inspiring example of the American statesman.

As an orator, as a lawyer and as a statesman. Senator Burrows has exhibited a high order of attainment — combining a persuasive and eloquent manner, with well-defined convictions, a constructive mind, and mental strength, in such a way as to make his reputation secure.

Senator Burrows has been twice married, first, in 1856, to Miss Jennie S. Hubbard, of Ashtabula county, Ohio, who died in 1863, survived by a daughter. Two years later he wedded Miss Frances S. Peck, of Kalamazoo.