The New York herald., 1869-03-27
o , I r o An z.
Fdward Bates.

telegram from st. Louis mentions the death OF
Edward Bates, ex-member OF Congress and ex-
Attorney General OF the United States at his resi-
dence in that city, ON Thursday afternoon, in the
seventy-sixtn year OF his age
Mr. Bates was native OF Belmont, Goochland
county va, where he was born on the 4th OF Sep
tember 17e3 His parents being in easy circum-
they gave the deceased an excellent educa-
tion While boy he was offered q midshipman's
warrant. but declined it, although in 1913 he served
In the Virginia militia at Norfolk, during the last
war with Great Britain. In 1914 he moved to st.
Louis entered the law ONCE Of the late Rufus Cas-
ton and In 1916 was admitted to the bar His sue
cess in his profession was so signal and immediate
that after two years Of private practice he received
the appointment OF Prosecuting Attorney for the
st. Louis Circuit. filing the position creditaby and
gaining considerable reputation for legal skill aud
ability. In 1920 he was elected q delegate to the
state Constitutional Convention In the proceedings
OF which he took an active and prominent part.
During the same year he was appointed Attorney
General Of the State OF Missouri holding the position
for two years. when he resigned for the purpose OF
taking his the lower house Of the State Legis
latpre, to which he had been elected.
During this period Mr.. Bates had held only local
or state offces but he had become widely known as
one OF the abest lawyers in the West. He was
member OF the whig organization, to which he mad
early linked his fortunes. In 1924 he was placed In
O higher sphere OF duty, being appointed United
States District Attorney by President Monroe. Dur
ing the latter part OF 1925 he was elected Repre-
sentative to Congress, serving from 1927 to 1929,
when, failing 10 be returned he retired to private
e ior rev months n n rso ne was eecsea @ 70 70 .he
lower house OF the Legislature.
Excessive labor incident TO large practice, enfee-
bled his health to such an extent that In 1885 his
physicians ordered HIM to move into the country,
weere he could obtain abundant exercise, HIS
the seSentary life he had led as from any other
cause. He accordingly left ST. Louis for the interior,
where he resided several years, practising his pro-
fession and travelling much on horseback around
the praries. Being at length restored to health. he
once more sought his city home IN 1S42, and for
the SUPPORTER and advocate OF whig principles and
candidates. AS before, MS legal business became
quite large, enabling him to live well and 70 amass
comfortable property. During the year 1850 Presl-
dent Fillmore offered him the position Of Secretary
Of war in his Cabinet, but Mr.. Bates declined the
Office Three years later he elected Judge OF the
ST. Louis Land Court, holding the Office until 1856.
when he resigned. He was presiding ofncer OF
the whg nea 81 eanu saSre 10 shni IN dsSo:
powerful political organization.
The deceased did not ally himself to the republican
party Immediately upon its formation. The citizen
OF slave State. he hesitated about joining party
whose open opposition TO slavery could not fall TO
them. In 1850 however. when II was evident beyond
doubt that the whig party was hopelessly extinct.
he came out In favor of Mr. Lncoln's election, not
form pleased HIM. for he placed but little faith in
political declarations, but because IL was tar better
democrats.r Mr. Bates, In fact, belonged to that
class OF old line whgsf that deested the democratic
party and principles with an almost personal ant
mostly. His advocacy OF Mr.. LIncoln's claims to
election was rewarded BY his appointment az Attor-
ney General OF the United States by the new
President As such his administration OF
the once was signalzed by the opinion he delivered
In July, 1861, favorable TO the Presidents power to
suspend the habeas corpus For this Interpretation
OF the constitution Mr.. Rates was severely censured
by many eminent lawyers, and. In turn, vigorously
defended by men Of high regulations for legal ability
The deceased resigned the Attorney Generaisnip IN
December 1894 aud was succeeded by Mr.. James
Speed, OF Kentucky.
OF the many politicians that this country has pro-
duced but few have been consistent TO principle
was Mr.. Bates. lie held but few ofIces, although
man Of popularity and marked abilities. mainly be.
cause he would not abandon ioa OF the ideas he
entertained, and which, when once determined upon
In his mind. became fixed and unalterable. Or his
private character we know but little. and OF that
little everything is favorable. He had reached q
ripe old age at the time OF his DEATH and, dying,
leaves behind many warm personal friends who
knew him well and could appreciate his WORTH