ouble his physician had discovered, but he had
been warned that he must retire from active life. "The specialist whom
I saw in New York," he went on, "wished me to resign at once, but when I
pointed out to him how unfair this would be to my friends in the state,
to my party as a whole--especially in these serious and unsettled
times--he agreed that I might with proper care serve out the remainder
of my term. I have felt it my duty to write to Barbour and Dickinson and
one or two others in order that they might be prepared and that no time
may be lost in choosing my successor. It is true that the revolt within
the party has never gained much headway in our state, but in these days
it is difficult to tell when and where a conflagration may break out,
or how far it will go. I have ventured to recommend to them the man who
seems to me the best equipped to carry on the work I have been trying to
do here--in short, my dear Hugh, yourself. The Senate, as you know, is
not a bed of roses just now for those who think as we do; but I have the
less hesitancy in making the recommendation because I believe you are
not one to shun a fight for the convictions we hold in common, and
because you would regard, with me, the election of a senator with the
new views as a very real calamity. If sound business men and lawyers
should be eliminated from the Senate, I could not contemplate with any
peace of mind what might happen to the country. In thus urging you, I
know you will believe me when I say that my affection and judgment are
equally involved, for it would be a matter of greater pride than I can
express to have you follow me here as you have followed me at home. And
I beg of you seriously to consider it.... I understand that Maude and
the children are abroad. Remember me to them affectionately when you
write. If you can find it convenient to come here, to Maine, to discuss
the matter, you may be sure of a welcome. In any case, I expect to be
in Washington in September for a meeting of our special committee.
Sincerely and affectionately yours, Theodore Watling."

It was characteristic of him that the tone of the letter should be
uniformly cheerful, that he should say nothing whatever of the blow
this must be to his ambitions and hopes; and my agitation at the new and
disturbing prospect thus opened up for me was momentarily swept away by
feelings of affection and sorrow. A sharp realization came to me of how
much I admired and loved this