1897 he resigned his position as a member of the state supreme court to enter upon the duties of senator in congress, to which office he had been elected by the Democrats against the combined opposition of the Republicans, Populists and a faction of his own party. In 1902 he was reelected. His present term will expire in 1909.
He was married to Elizabeth Phillips, June 27, 1878. Of their four children, three are now living. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he has always been a Democrat, but since the division of the party sentiment on the money question he has been one of the leaders of the "free silver" wing. His personal preference governed in the choice of his profession. The classes of books which he has found most helpful he names as historical and biographical.
In reviewing his life he finds that except in matters of finance he has secured all that he has attempted to gain. To the young who wish to attain real success he recommends as among the most important means thereto "the acquisition of useful knowledge and the ability to use it whenever it is needed; sobriety, and energetic and aggressive spirit which will overcome all opposition, with fidelity to friends who are helpful in the work which one is endeavoring to perform."
