The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-02-03
Hon. Edward Bates.

hOus EuWuru butcss
The frequent mention of this gentleman as
among those from whom the Republican candi-
date for the Presidency will probably be select
ell, has created desire in ,he public mind to
learn his personal characteristics. The follow
ing portrait by n st. Louis correspondent of
the New York Times presents then, in pleas
ing manner.
"Mr. Bates is native of Virginia, and Is
about IS years of age. He came here at 20
years of age, and soon engaged IN the practice
of He was one of the delegates who franz
ed the constitution Of Missouri, and such was
his prominence even at this early period, that
he was selected as the FIRST Attorney General OF
the State. Since that time he has for the most
part devoted himself to his profession, though
he has been member of Congress and Judge
of one of the State Courts, and has had various
other high Offices rendered to him, both local
ard national He married q most estimablc
lady of North Carolina, by whom he has had u
numerous family of sons and daughters, eight
Of whom are still living. The Oldest son Is n
lwyer of very eminent abilities, though lac Is
chiefly devoted to farming in this vicinity
Another is a physician, and Others are qNalify-
ng themselves for various pursuits.
MIR. Bates lives in plain, though large and
commanding site, four miles west OF the city.
His style ofliying is simple but generous, the
administration of the household being conduct
ell with the utmost order and system. His ta-
BILE has all the abundance characteristic OF the
tceming West; the meal is never tasted till the
blessing Is asked for from on high. At an
early hour in the morning, the family, servants
and all, summoned by the big bell, are collect
ed in the parlor. Here chapter in the Holy
Book is read, aud the prayer offered. Family
prayer also closes the duties and pleasures Of
the day.
In person, Mr.. Bates Is little below the
middle hight, but of substantial form. Ills
general aspect presents mixture of modesty
and dignity lIis hair and beard arc full. and
silyercd In patches; his countcnance is cheer
full and lively, and during conversation exhibits
rapid transitions with the play of his mind; his
brow is prominent, and his eye piercing, man
itesting high development Of the perceptiNe
faculties. He is eloquent by nature, anu Is one
of the most finished orators of the great West ;
as q lawy err, he stands in the front rank.
have not heard him in public, but ! have
listened to his conversation which is in the
highest degree winning and instructive. In
early life Mr. Bates came much in contact with
the old French settlers of this region, and from
them, Il suspect, derived something of that
courtesy and refinement which characterize
MN, prODaDiy, 100, Ills nlttiCouisc "hhue",
and his habit of speaking their language con-
tributed to that perfection of elocution which
gives zest To all le says. At all events, his
mind is full. his knowledge exact, his recollec-
ton clear and positive. His Imagination is
lively, and humorous associations constantly
flash over his discourse. lie abounds In anec-
dotes historical. and personal, and frequently IL
illustrates his views by incidents connected with
his own experience and observation.
Though Mr.. Bates, as well from taste ~ the
claims of large family, has stunned political
life, he Is still known and regarded here rs a
prSound statesman, acquainted with the his.
tory of ancient and modern Governments, and
especially familiar with that of our own conn
try. On these subjects h" had long been a
copious and influential writer. In connection
with him, have been particularly struck, not
only with his mass Of political facts, but with
his powers of analysis, and the force and felici-
~ with which he scizcs and presents the genius
Ofpolitical systems subjected to his consderii-
ton.
Though Mr.. Bates has not accepted political
station, except in the few instances | have
mentioned, he has, for nearly forty years,
been the active aud efficient friend and pro-
moter of religious, charitable, and educational
institutions in this large and fourishing city.
To them he has contributed his influence, his
time and his eloqucnce.