The Portland daily press., 1872-02-13
Notes from the Capital.
THE NOTABLE MEN OF THE HoUsE-fEN AND
INK PORTRAITS


this legislature has so signally distinguished MN
self in debate thus far during the session as MI
wahh of wateryille, making, as has been gene
rorr concaded. even by his opponents, the most
effective speech of The past four days, hot and
heavy warfare of words. Personally, MI webb
is an exceedingly pleasant gentleman, tall, slim
and not particularly robustlooking With dark
brown hair and eyes, low, full and projecting
forehead. straight, aquiline nose, and wide, well
cut mouth, that has habit of COMPRISING itself
little scornfully whenits owner is not well pleas
ed. and expanding into broad laugh at the
quickly appreciated joke. brown, well kept
moustache, and family appearing side-whis-
kers are additional and becoming appendages
of the pale, scholarly face. Besides this, it is
necessary to say that he is inclined to nicely in
matters of dress, is very frank and unreserved
in manners, putting one Immediately at their
ease in his presence, and causing them very
soon to forget that he has ever been stranger.
Has wearied air when sitting or walking, and
has habit of lounging with his elbow upon
the nearest resting place, and his hand support
ing his head, springing apparently from not
over vigorous constitution. Speaks in clear,
smooth voice that is easily and distinctly heard,
and gives the subject matter of his arguments
in concise and definite language, rendered point
ed and effective by shrewd arrangements and
witty illusions.
Another gentleman, who if not exactly to be
classed among thu House orators, is yet a tell
ing speech-mal1er whom all delight to hear,
and for whom everybody inquiries, and in whom
all are interested is Hon. David Barker, Names
delightful poet, A nervous, sensitive and re-
firing man, untitled for the rough discordant
passages of life, but with generous, sympa-
thetic nature that touches the best chords in
the hearts of those who are fortunate enough
to make his acquaintance. Possessing also
large fund of humor, wit and ready anecdotes,
he makes, we suspect, most delightful and
| entertaining companion to those who are able
to draw him out from his natural shyness and
reserve. A tall, broad-shouidered, eompactly
built man. with thick black abundant hair and
long, heavy pointed beard, now slightly sprink-
led with grey, and large, pleasant black eyes,
sheltered under projecting brow, and with no
look of the poet about him save in the general
expression of the face which is mild and pleas
ant and the restless movements of mouth and
eye indicating the organization and tempera-
ment peculiar to most poetical and aesthetic
writer's. AS before remarked, Mr.. Barker is an
effective though rare speech-maker as he in
variably speaks to the point and illustrates with
some apt application that inevitably gets him
the better of the argument.
One of the non-speech making but important
members of this House is Gen. Butler of Hamp-
den, whom it is safe to say as largely repre-
sents the Democratic party as any other MEM
Der, his corporal capacity being simply i'm
mense. Under the Falstaffian proportions how
ever is generous, whole souled kindly nature,
that shows itself in the broad, good-humored
countenance and twinkling mirthful eyes, No
one would look into the round, jovial face and
doubt for an instant that its owner was on the
very best terms with himself and everybody
else, was inclined to take the world on its most
presentable side, and believed in safe and sure
salvation. Though not blessed with fuency of
speech in public, Gen. Butler is yet an active,
shrewd and energetic politician, and justly eccu-
pies distinguished position in the Democratic
ranks-a party which has never been accredited
with lack of brains In further consideration
OF his personal appearance, we brify submit
that he is light of complexion, with light hair,
large, full forehead, pleasant blue eyes, well
shaped nose and mouth is attentive to matters
of Dress and has a general air of courtliness
and easy self-possession.
Opposing Gen. Butler in political belief, but
like him a non-participant in the exciting de-
bates that attend the passage of nearly every
measure brought before this august body, is
Hon. Eben Woodbury. of Houlton, as solid, sub
stantial and sturdy an individual as one would
wish to see, with kind, benevolent face, and
an expressed air Of candor and sincerity. A
trifle above medium weight, with broad, stout
shoulders, and robust powerful form. Has
black hair, combed smoothly and precisely into
place, a low, square forehead, dark grey eyes,
large, firm nose, and grave, serious mouth.
Wears no beard save very short, closely trim
med side-whiskers, and gives one the idea of a
methodical, precise, honest and earnest man,
| who wants all the adjustment, balances and ac-
counts of life exactly right, and when he lays
down an article knows exactly where to take it
up again. A successful business man, and with
large experience in political life, he is looked
upon as one of the strong members of the
House and of the party he represents.
The heavy member of the House, so called
from his great material weight is Mr.. Randall
from Island Falls. To use the deft language OF
the most admired orators of this assembly, "He
is a gigantic Colossal" being over six feet in
height, and weighing the not trifiing sum of
three hundred and sixty pounds. He doesn't
rise in his seat as often as some of his neigh
bors but when he does have anything to say
says it well, briefly and to the point. Is dark
of complexion, with straight black hair, black
eyes, and black beard worn full, but closely cut
| Has low, projecting forehead, and otherwise
large, but well shaped features. Is good
humored but not particularly jocose individual,
and looks as if he had long lease of life.
| His direct opposite is Mr. Reed of Waldoboro
Gee of the youngest members of the House.
Slight, slim, erect and with the appearance of
having been freshly taken from a bandbox. Is
dark complexioned, with black hair brushed
smooth and high, keen, bright black eyes, high,
full forehead, finely cut nose and mouth, and a
smooth, fresh handsome face Is pleasant but
somewhat reserved in bearing, deferental in
conversation is rare and not forceful speaker,
but is clear and defined in expression, and firm
in his convictions; well educated, and like the
irrepressible Keegan, still bachelor.
PERCIE.