He has controlled, more than any other man, indeed more than any other ten men, the vast and constantly increasing public expenditure, amounting now to more than 1,000 millions annually.

It has been an economical, honest and wise expenditure.

He has been compelled in the discharge of his duties to understand the complications and mechanism of public administration and public expenditure.
That is a knowledge in which nobody else in the Senate, except Senator Hale of Maine, and Senator Cockrell of Missouri, can compare with him.

He has by his wise and moderate counsel drawn the fire from many a wild and dangerous scheme which menaced the public peace and safety.
He almost never takes part in the debates, unless it becomes necessary to explain or defend some measure of which he has charge.

It is said that he is very careful not to offend anybody, and that he is unwilling to take responsibilities or to commit himself.