Senator John W. Watts

In the death of Senator John W. Watts, of iliis district, the upper branca oí the legislatura loses one oí its best meinbers, best in point of experieince, ability. and above all, in official liimi'-ty and Integrity. In apon his dea Ui the Jackson Citizen gpeake 'as followK : ■'J'lie ili'ceasfHl had been hlghly hoaioa-ed by tJno people wltn offices of respoirtsibility and trust. He served as Ki wii-ihip olerk oí Huminit Beren ycars; he Ava.s thcu chosen supervisor, and i-cpresented Suinmit om the coinily boord for reveil years wïfcll great credit to himself aaid entire satisfactiou to hls coiistituents. In illustration oí Mr. Watts' popularity witb the people wihiO kjiew feu best, it is notewortihy thiat he was elected clerk. of Suimniiit by the mnaiiimous vote of ■Ule towjiship. AYlien he was a. candidato rei)resentatiTe he x-eceived all the 'rotes of Su.mmit townebip except 19. He was never beaten at the ppoUs. In 1892 he was offered the noanination for sheriff, but declined. living in the jail and keeping guaní over rogues was so ï-epugnant to his gentle nature Üiat no persuasión eould change liis refusal be a candidato. "In the state legislatura he was an imprrssive membei1, aoid was alwiys om thé rig-ht side. His clear, practical mind penetrated the depths of proposed lcs'islatin'U and the lobby had no inore relentless opponent tlian lieprescntnlivr Watts. He intuitively discovered the merits and possibilities of a bilí before it made mucli progi-ess, and if liis conscience condemmed it, no argument could change his opposition. tn the house he was an economist, but lever penurious, in support of the state nstitutions, insisting only that every dollar appropriated he honestly and wisely speut. His influence in the house rewstronger eyery year because his fearless intégrity of character, sound judgment and business capacity impressed his fellow members and taught them to rely upon him. His great service to the state on the ways and means committee, on the agricultural committee and otners, cannot oe overestimated. His work in the senate was only fairly begun when death cruelly intervened. "The death of Senator Watts is received with sadness by all the community and in the state by all who knew him. The members of the legislature sorrow over the departure from life of this good man, while the people who had honored him as their representative in the senate are bovved with grief over the ending of this useful life. Rarely does a community mourn as now over Mr. Watts' death". They knew him to be true and worthy, and feel that the district has lost a faithful and honest inan, whose work in the councils of the state was only for the good of all the people. "Mr. Watts was a good citizen, a man of integrity, faithful in all obligations, and be leaves a memory fragrant with good deeds."