and many of them were so pronounced in their feeling toward him that they would go out of their way to serve him or his measures. Having thus established himself on a firm basis, his native ability and his acquired equipment brought him into recognition as a leader, and above all as a partisan leader. A skilled parliamentarian, a good organizer, resourceful and pointed in debate, without antagonizing any one's ambition he gradually stepped forward as the old leaders fell back.
Senator Gorman was without doubt the executioner of the federal election measure generally known as the "Force Bill." Without the full support even of his own party, and leading what was probably the most stubbornly fought contest, politically, since the days of Webster and Hayne, he demonstrated his ability to repress a dominant party. In this noteworthy struggle he exhibited a calm and adroit energy, a resourcefulness, a mastery of men, which had not been brought to the surface before in his public career; and while this may be accounted one of his greatest triumphs, it at the same time gave him title to be recorded as one of the most sagacious, and consummate parliamentary leaders of his time. From then until he was defeated, with the free silver incubus on his shoulders, the Democratic party in the senate had no other leader.
Personally, Senator Gorman is a man of striking characteristics, approachable to an unusual degree, and of a kindly disposition in all his social relations. In domestic life he is faithful and devoted. With but limited opportunities for an education, he is well informed in the fields of history, oratory and statecraft, while in his knowledge of the history and methods of legislation he is a master. Not an eloquent or finished orator, he is yet a strong, rugged, effective speaker, who convinces by the earnestness of his personality. He keeps his own counsel; yet is staunch and true in both personal and political friendships. Above all he is a partisan, and whether in victory or defeat, his belief in his party and his hope for it never desert him.
Senator Gorman married Miss H. D. Dongan in 1867, and they have six children. His domestic life has been as felicitous as his political life has been successful.
