Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-02-20
NOxHI
N. p. Bank.

The following sketch of the Speaker OF the House o
Representatives published 10 "Cleason's rctoriai
June 49, 1882 has been handed to Us tor poDcauon
friend. Il is interesting, as showing the cstmatepnt
upon Mr. Banks BY his admirers nearly Tour years
Eds. Spec. s..,f
Mr.. Banks is native of the town Of Walthan,
famous for the early coniingents its farmer fuf-
nished to the first battle fields of the Revolution,
and (the descent on cotton is easy) famous also as
the sile of the first cotton mills in New England.
Banks was born there on the 30th Of January,
1916, and growing up in so busy town., he was
early bred to mechanical labor. Until the age Of
twenty six, he literally fulfilled the law Of lie
given to Adam since then 'the sweat OF his
brow" has been caused by tiilins the stubborn SOIL
of politics. In 1912 and subsequently we ind
him an editor at Waltham and Lowell. and IN
lS4S, after much previous opposition, we find him
sent into the legislature from his native town
During his very first session, WaItham had
striking proof of the ability Of her young rePresen-
tative, in the success which attended his efforts
for enIarging the boundaries of the town, and on
other and more general questions. We remember
very yivdy hearing sumo Of his first speeches
a manly figure. an excellent voice, an easy now
of choice words, an indescribable Consciousness OF
his sincerity, an accurate information, made up
style of speaking very effective with an Intelligent
audience. On the Western stump, perhaps, there
would not be play and humor enough 10 Banks
style, bot before New England auditory, we
know no man more likely to succeed, in the best
and highest sense of success. The wide spread
character he has won in four years Of public. lte
may be estimated from The fact, that he has
been elected 10 every Office for which ne has con-
sented to stand. Against powerful opposition no
has been successiyely elected to the House and
ho nf no lp
sessions, and to preside over the Convention OF hs
party, assembled last year at Worcester. These
positions, and other more private abors connected
with the committees on education, on canals, and
railroads, and on the valuation of the State, one
might suppose would gil up all the hours Of the
most systematic life. But, though in MIR. Banks
case shower of duties fell suddenly upon HIN,
they did not altogether take him away from his
noble efforts at seifculture. In lS49 he was ad.
mitted to the bar of Massachusetts and amid all
his political engagements he has contriyed 70 make
time, by untiring industry, to master the French
and Spanish languages. His English reading is
both extensive and well digested. In his orderly
mind, as in long prepared procession, every fact
falls into its proper place, and comes mp promptly
to order Few men could have entered the excl
ted and stormy convention at Worcester, in the
autumn of 1851, over which he presided, or tho
House Of Representatives, without being sTack
with the ease, dignity, and abundant information
of the young President. Beneath his rule were
old and able men, distinguished in the State while
he yet had his satchel on his back, or while the
hum of the cotton mill drowned his voice. But
these men were among the most eager to acknowl.
edge the sound judgment, excellent taste, and
many accomplishments Of the presiding oificer.--
From every legislative or popular body with which
he was ever connected, whether caucus, or con-
yention, or committee, Mr.. Banks has received
formal votes of appreciation and confidence: In
the yigor of early middle age, this distinguishes
man may look back with a just pride on his past
career, so emnenily successful. The congression,,
al district in which he resides has twice nomiusted
him for the national councils, and each time he
declined. He has steadily progressed in the cul-
tivatiun of his mind, and 10 The study OF his pro-
fession, which we predict he is destined 10 Prac'
,se with the same high and honorable success
that has hitherto attended on his career.