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Rh banking, petroleum mining, sheep-raising, dealing in real estate, and other kindred pursuits. His close application to business gave him little opportunity to take a conspicuous part in politics; and though importunities were frequent, he held aloof from public life. Frequently, however, he counselled with party leaders on important issues; and his sagacity and clearness of judgment led the people of his state to turn to him for actual leadership at a later time. In 1892, when President Cleveland swept many of the stalwart Republican states, California among them, Mr. Bard was the only successful elector on the Republican ticket of his state. This indorsement of personal strength and popularity was not forgotten; and when, on February 7, 1900, an extra session of the California legislature was convened to fill the vacancy caused by the expiration of the term of Stephen M. White, in the senate of the United States, Mr. Bard received the unanimous vote of the Republican majority for that office. He took the oath of United States senator, March 5, 1900, and his term of office expired March 3, 1905, when he was succeeded by Frank P. Flint.

He served on the following senate committees: Fisheries, Indian Affairs, Irrigation and Reclamation of Arid Lands, Public Lands, Territories, and Woman Suffrage. His long and successful business training made him a valuable and intelligent committee worker in the senate; and when he had occasion to address that body on pending questions emanating from one of his committees, no one commanded more respectful attention. His speech on the Statehood bill, in January, 1905, was one of the ablest efforts of that notable debate. His attractive personality, strength of character, direct and businesslike methods, coupled with an unusual capacity for public affairs, all have combined to make him a fine example of the man-of-affairs in public life.

Senator Bard, on April 17, 1876, married Mary B. Gerberding, of San Francisco, California.