Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-02-12
Gbe aaiIg sW.
The Now speaker.

history presents such striking lhustrauon OF
the triumph of native genius, combined with
yesrs of application and the stimulus OF
laudable ambition, over every obstacle which
poverty could throw in the way, that famil'
iar:ty with some Of the details OF mis- previous
life cannot bat be interesting. Raised from
the condition Of poor boy, without any
means Of education but such as he himself
wrested from the untoward circumstances
around him, to really the second post OF m
Auence and power in the Republic MS case
presents a remarkable instance of the oenen
cent workings of our FREQ institutions and
affords an example well worthy OF imitation
by Others of our American youth.
NATHANIEL PRBNT1ss BANKS was born In
waltham, on the 10th of January, 1916, and
he is consequently now eorty years of age
He is a descendant. on one side, from the
Prentiss family Of New Hampshire. All the
school education which he ever received was
previous to his twelfth year, in the district
school of his native town, where he was con-
sidefed an apt and quick scholar. He then
went to work in a cotton factory. Subse-
quently he assisted his father, who vas
house carpenter. He next learned the ma
chinists' trade, and worked at it in Waltham
and Boston. During this time, his evenings
and leisure hours were devoted to study of
history, politics, and general literature.
Mr.. BANKS commenced his political life in
1910, as supporter of Martin Van Buren, and
the sub-t treasury scheme. In 1916, he COM
menced the study of the law, in the office of
the Hon. Robert Rantoul, Jr., then United
States District Attorney, in Boston. In lS4s
he was admitted to the bar, and commenced
practice in Boston.
Mr.. Banks's public career was commenced
in lS4S, when he was elected member of
: the Legislature from Waltham. There were
only about twenty Democrats in the House
that session. 1t was the year that the party
ran down under Cushing and Cass. It is
needless to say that Mr., Banks took an active
part in the proceedings Of the House. He
was also member of the House for the three
subsequent sessions, being reelected every
year from ls4S to 1882 during the two last
years of which he served as Speaker, being
elected by the coalition between the Free Soil
ers and Democrats. In 1850 he was elected
so both the Senate and House, but chose to
accept seat in the latter.
Mr.. Banks was one of the most prominent
leaders of tie coalition movement before the
people, and made very large number Of pop.
ular addresses. He was esteemed one of the
most active liberal Democrats in the State
His style Of oratory was effective, and he SEEM
ed to be general favorite, on whom the diff
ferent political factions were inclined to look
kindly. In 1858 he was member of the
Convention called to revise the Constitution
Of Massachusetts, and was chosca to preside
over its deliberations, for which service, as in
similar position in the Legislature, he I1sessaTr
ne h..bsast encoms sas1 81 fsiss 's n
quarters, for his ability and impartiality as a
presiding officer. That Convention numbered
among its four hundred members, the most
distinguished men of all the political parties
in the State. At this time Mr.. Banks was
also member of Congress, having been elect
Cd as Democrat at the previous fall.
In 1854 Mr.. Banks received the nomination
for Congress, of the regular Democratic party
of his District, and of the Know Nothings and,
Republicans, and was re- elected by about
seven thousand majority, the largest majority
ever given for any candidate in any Congress
sional District in the County. This fact was
sufficient consolation to him, to make M
for the boiling of thu administration " nation
ais" under the lead of the Boston Post, and
other recipients of executive patronage, whose
opposition to Banks was based on the fact of
his steadfast and answering opposition to the
Nebraska act.
Mr.. Banks has a wife and two Children
BE is fond of retirement, although he has led
q somewhat boisterous political life. All his
studies, even that of law, have been pursued
chiefly IN private. BE possesses great fond
ness for literature, and by his own unaided
efforts is said to have acquired good knowl-
edge of the principal languages of Europe
He is strictly temperate in his habits. never
having, it is said, drank even drop of intox-
icating liquor in bis life.
The history Of the poor Waltham boy is thus
traced from the machine shop to one of the
highest positions Of eminence in the Repub-
lie. He has thus literally hammered out his
own fortune. He-is a fitting represen-
tative of the great cause of Freedom, the sue
cess Of which, in his election to the Speaker
ship, casts thrill of joy throughout the free
States. We trust that should still more
brilliant future be yet in store for him, it may
also rebound, as in the present instance, to
the honor and glory If the country.
A LoUD CALL FOR HELP FROM KANzAs.--
We ask nnr readers To Iarnsa the folln,rirn