The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-17
Biographical Sketch OF the Hon. Nathan X.
Hall,
rosTMAsTER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES.
From Cro,oeu's National Register

rosTMAsTER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES.
From Crosoel's National Register
Ii is the peculiar glory of our republican nstitu-
tons that they give ample scope for the develop
ment of character and ability by opening TO all the
road the highest donors. No hereditary title
coners greatness but in this respect all placed
upon an equality, and compelled TO rely upon true
merit and upon intellectual power the means OF
advancement Neither wealth the adyenttious
circumstances of birth can be brought successfully
10 bear IN securing preicrment, where real sterling
worth OF character Is wanting. IL Is too true That
temporary excitement may sometimes give to the
undeserving a momentary consideration, but they
fall back into obscury soon as the cause OF their
elevation is Withdrawn. To advance step by step,
through all the gradations OF popular favor, TO the
highest distinctions requires form OF intellectual
and moral character, which will bear the test of
every vicissitude, and prove itself equal to any
emergency.
We have many lustrous examples, in
try, of men rising from obscurity TO honor and dis
tinction by their own unaided efforts and powers.
They are to be found in every department-in pol
itics, in theology in literature, in science and art
in law, in medicine, and in war, and they stand
forth the most distinguished, and upon whom
the people have conferred the highest honors.
The subject OF the present brief sketch is forci-
bic illustration of this peculiar characteristic of
institutions, and of their influence in devcl-
oping native talent and rcwarding persevering en-
ergy. - ~ ,s,.
ncateles, Onondaga county, New York, on the
2Sth day of March, 1910. He was the eldest
of IRA HALL, highly respected and worthy far
mer, now resident in the town OF Wales, county
of Erie.
He removed, with his fathers family, to Aurora,
in 1926, and commenced the study of the law in the
office of President Fillmore. Here he continued,
relying entirely upon his own excrtons teach
in District School, for support while acquiring
profession, until 1882, when he removed to the
city of Buffalo, and was there shortly afterwards
admitted to the bar attorney, and entered
into partnership with Mr.. Fillmore.
His business talent, industry, and sound judg-
ment caused him to rise rapidly in his profession,
and soon gained him the reputation of an able and
learned lawyer, and reliable practitioner.
The partnership was dissolved in 1887, and Mr..
Hall continued extensive and successful prac
tice until loil. lie WAS then appointed first judge
of the court of common pleas, and for the term OF
four years continued TO discharg the duties of the
office honorably and satisfactorily. His Judicial
career distinguished by comprehensive
learning and sound discrimination in its exer-
else, by promptness and energy in the despatch OF
business, and by kindness aud affability of man
ner, which gained for him the respect and esteem
Of the entire bar, and an unusual degree OF popu-
larity among the citizens at large.
In the fall of 1915, Judge Hall was elected
member of the Assembly from the city Of Buffalo,
and in this capacity he faithfully and ably repre-
scented the important interest. OF his constituents.
With a power of physical endurance rarely
equalcd, he devoted himself to the public bust
ness, and carly developed qualities OF mind calcu-
lated 10 render him useful and able legislator.
Many important questions connected with the
political and financial interests OF the State came
before the Legislature for discussion and adjust
mcnt and on ali. occasions Judge Hall was found
TO advocate an enlightened and liberal course of
policy, that has done much to dcvelope and
make available the physical resources and intel
ectual power OF the State, and give her an honor
able position among her sister States OF the Union
He aimed to be useful rather than briant-to be
known by wise course of legislation and faith
full application 10 the business and duties OF his
position.
In November, 1916, he succeeded Hon. W. A.
Mosely, az the Representative in Congress for the
32d district. He took his seat in December, 1915,
and served but one term, imperative reasons OF a
personal character having compelled him TO de-
cline election, much to the regret and against
the general wishes of his constituents.
He carried TO the National Legislature those
characteristics which had distinguished him in the
councils of his native State. He placed upon
the Committee on the Judiciary, and in that posi-
ton, his ample legal knowledge, as well as the
candor and industry which he brought to the in
vestigation of every subject, gave him influence
and rendered him a valuable and efficient member.
Although ready at debate, and an excellent tacti-
clan, never find him seeking reputation as an
orator by the roundness of his periods or the cle
gancc of his diction, but discussing every question
with view to the practical utility and the peril
neney of his words. II was in this spirit that he
discussed the bill requiring all moneys received
from customs TO be paid into the public treasury;
and though his proposed amendment failed to re-
commend itself TO the favor of the majority, he
gained the credit of ability in its discussion, and of
a desire to advance the best interests of the coun-
try. But perhaps the most elaborate speech which
he delivered during his term was upon tnc IA
checo' slave case, in which displayed an init
mate acquaintance with the whole science Of the
law of nations and of the Ter belii which had be-
come involved in the discussion he proved him
self parliamentary debater of superior capacity,
and possessed Of powers Of a high order.
Representing commercial constituency and the
interests Of city at which concentrated vast
commerce, Judge Hall was largely occupied with
business of local character, and no matter inyolv
ing the interests and well being of those whom he
represented, in however small degree, failed
when presented TO him, of obtaining It's due share Of
attention; nor did he allow devotion 10 these in
teress to call him from participation in the du-
ties more Immediately connected with his position
one of the Judiciary Committee; in all questions
of general interest we find him deeply interested,
and exerting among his fellow members no incon
adorable an influence for what he believed 10 be
the right.
AS a speaker be is calm and dispassonate; rarely
seeking for illustration, relying for strength
upon the graccs Of oratory, he carries conviction
by carncstne5s of manner, and by soundncss
and honesty of argument that indicated a purity
and uprghtness OF purpose. He retired at the close
Of his term with an enyiable reputation rarely ac
CURED in short service, and having discharged
every duty connected with the Office in manner
perfectly satisfactory TO those whom he had served
Judge Hall now resumed the practice of his pro-
fession, and continued il till by a sudden and al
hictng dispensation Of Providence the nation was
deprived of a great and good ruler, and the Vice
President WAS called TO the chair of the Chief Ma
gistracy Of the Union. Mr.. Fillmore finding him
self thus Unexpectedly invested with vast RESPONSE
Dllltehs lnNoiNlnR inc pTCetht anu lutuio
of the country at crisis Of unusal interest in the
history of the Republic, and requiring the highest
wisdom and hrmnoss in the administration Of az
fairs looked around him for advisers Judge Hall
was Immediately summoned to Washington, and
repaired thither to counsel and advise with his
friend in the and untricd relations in which he
placed.
Meantime the Cabinet Of General Taylor had re-
signed their places and refused TO continue in
the discharge of their duties till the excitement
consequent upon the death OF the late President
should subsido, and his successor might have
opportunity carefully TO collect the material Of
other. 1t was natural that ne should wish to retain
among bic advisers his former pupil and partner in
business and now confidential friend. With his
large capacities and business qualifications he
well acquainted, and in his integrity and patriot
ism he had the fullest confidence. In view Of the
circumstances he was appointed Postmaster Gene
raj position for which he seemed peculiarly fitted,
and the duties of which, all who know him have the
fullest confidence, he will discharge to the satisfac-
ton of the whole country.
The General Post Office Department Ia one OF
the most important connected with the Govern