The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-09-30

ceived collegiate education in Massachu-
sets, and, choosing mercantile life, entered
the counting-room of a prominent firm in
Boston. Volunteering into the United
States army in 1868, he was honorably
discharged in 1865, and came to Virginia,
entering into business partnership in
Richmond, which proved Improbable.
He abandoned the steam engine for the
plough, purchasing farm, upon which he
remained until an official position under the
United States government was offered him,
which he accepted, and was sent to the
southwestern portion Of Virginia, where
he subsequently took an active part III the
reconstruction Of the State under the act of
Congress. Afterwards his field Of duty
was changed to Halifax county, most
delicate and difficult post, where he acquit-
ted himself with eminent success, earning
the gratitude of the colored men and COM
manding the respect of all with whom he
was brought in contact.
A vacancy occurring in the collectorship
Of the Fourth Revenue district, Mr.. Stow
ell was nominated by President Grant for
that office, and his nomination was
promptly confirmed by the Senate. In the
management of the then complicated reve-
nue. business of the district, Mr.. Stowell
was noted as honest" and "capable, !"
and in 1869, on receiving the nomination
as Republican candidate for Congress in
the Fourth district, he resigned his trust,
which he had administered with equal
integrity and ability. rn.. .g
In 1869 Mr.. Stowell was elected to the
Folty-first Congress by handsome major
ity over both his legitimate political oppo-
nent, and an independent candidate running
as Republican. In 1870 he was re6lec-
ted to represent the Fourth district in the
Forty-second Congress by 1900 majority,
when the district was confidently counted
Democratic; and his course in Congress
has won him the reputation of being a con-
scientious, cear-headed representative,
true to the principles he was pledged to
support, and mindful of the interests of
his constituents.
Standing firm in the faith that all men
are entitled to the enjoyment Of life,
liberty and the pursuit Of happiness" be
supported and voted for the Kuklux bill I,
the measure which is denounced by the
Greeley men of to-day, though they will
fully ignore the fact that while it has COM
PEELED the midnight assassin to stay his
murderous hand, it has not laid a feathers
weight of restriction upon the law-abiding
citizen anywhere.
The following are some Of the measures
which Mr.. Stowell has introduced by bill
or advocated in Congress, viz: A bill to
extend for one year the time during which
impoverished debtors could avail them
selves of the provisions of the bankrupt
act, and to validate the 1000 homestead
exemption to them, embodied in the State
Constitution aided to improve the naviga-
ton of Roanoke river and secure an ap-
preparation of $50, 900 for the work, which
would be Of incalculable benefit to the
people of Mecklenburg, Charlotte and Hal
flax counties; bill to improve postal fa-
cilities by securing the establishment of
some fifty new postoffices and several new
post routes in the State; to secure sus-
pended or back pay due to needy constitu-
ents and encouraged agricultural expert
ments, by placing the facilities offered by
the Agricultural Bureau at the disposal of
his constituents. eva
Tobacco, the great money staple Of all
the counties in his then district, claimed
his constant, earnest, and practical effort
for reduction of tax from thirty-two cents
per pound tax to fixed rate Of twenty
cents per pound-a great boon to both
planter and manufacturer. His services in
this regard were highly appreciated by
those interested as evidenced by letters
from Boards of Trade and prominent indi-
viduals as well as votes of thanks passed
at public meetings of citizens.
| Mr.. Stowell is pronounced friend of the
measures proposed for completion of James
River River and Kanawha Canal educa-
tional interests have his cordial sympathy
and practical cooperation, and he advocates
utilizing portion at least of the fund de-
rived from the sale of public lands for edu-
cational purposes in the more needy States.
The eminently proper and equitable bill
which provides for joint dsinterested
guardianship of the purity Of the ballot.
box, by appointment of two supervisors,
one from each political party, was advoca-
ted by him; and in the long struggle over
the Civil Rights bill, Mr.. Stowell was al
ways in his place, urging its passage in such
form as would make it real, substantial,
practical, safeguard Of personal rights,
more especially as dependent upon the
action of impartial juries. When the bill
came from the Senate with the jury clause
stricken out, Mr.. Stowel made special
effort to restore it, and finally to avoid the
defeat of the entire measure, he voted for it
in its present form, as being evidently the
only one which could be successful during
the session.
With the experience acquired in Legisla-