The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-01

Hon. George w. Smith, Representative ot
: Colorado county and Chairman Of Judiciar,
, COMMITTEE No. /, was born at Mount Vernon.
Kentucky, September %, 1899, came to
Texas in January 1S47, and in May of the
same year settled in Columbus where he
has since continued to reside.
Having selected the law as his profession
he earnestly devoted himself to II. and by
his strict attention to his duties as a LAWYER
so indeared himself to the people of his dis
trict as to be elected District Judge in 1858.
which position he filed with credit to him.
sell and to the satisfaction of the State
throughout the four long and weary years Of
our late unfortunate civil war
Viewing all the circumstances surround
ing secession, his better judgment did not
approve the movement in the beginning. but
hke General Lee, and thousands Of Others.
when ms State took its position in the
struggle, he felt compelled to 90 with his
people, determined that if we failed i
should be no fault of his; if crowned with
success he would rejoice with them in our
triumph
Although Democrat, his conduct was 81
mild and so free from persecution TO the
minority OF Texas loyalists as to command
their greatest respect; and after having been
reelected District Judge in 1864 Governor
Hamilton endorsed the partiality Of his fell
low citizens, and appointed him Judge of
his district in 1865.
In 1856 he was elected one of the iusticos
of the Supreme Court, in which position he
acquitted himself with his accustomed sue
cess, until Texas was remanded back 10
military government.
Chief Justice Pryor, of Kentucky, re-
marked OF him years ago, s'he has one of
the best legal minds in the country.
Judge Smith is a bold, free and very
ready oil hand debater, never failing to |
command the attention of the house.
Having acquired by his professional sue.
cess and business tact moro than compe-
tenoy, nc Is now careless as to the acquisi-
atiOn of property.
Although warm advocate of railroads. /
he IS opposed to the granting by our Legis-
lature of moneyed subsidies as unconstitu-
tional and unjust.
During the recent contest over the amend
ment to our Constitution, which permits
the Legislature to grant land instead of
money in aid of railroads, the Democratic
Statesman in leader opposed his position
and advocated the issuance of the bonds
claimed by the International Railroad Com
pany, end favor the immense land subsidy
claimed by the Texas Pacific.
f, Judge Smith we'll knowing the power of
the press
''With grave
Aspect rose and in his rising seemed
pillar Of state; deep on his front enerayen
Deiiberation sat and public care
alq Faq pIfiiaeeiy counsel in his face shone
While he said: ''We, the friends of the
people, are engaged in a life and death
struggle with the railroad monopolies of the
day, who are attempting to crush out the
lie blood of the State. / am surprised
Mr.. Speaker, to sec tho Statesman. the
organ OF our party, throwing hot shot and /
shell into our ranks In the midst of the
fight"
His speech on this occasion made pro-
found sensation, and he was requested by !
leading members of the House to furnish a
copy Republication and distribution. which I
he has neglected to do.
In these days ofpolitical corruption. when
Presidents, Vice Presidents, Governors and I
congressman have made Black Friday and !
the Credit Mobilier notorious, it is indeed {
credit to hold place in the estimation of 7
ms countTyIaen above the suspicion of being =
influenced as legislator by mereonary mo-
ives.
such position Judge Smith occupies. q
without fear of reproach from lobbyists, /
without price and free from intimidation, /
moved solely by the patriotic desire to do i
he best he can under the circumstances for !
IN oppressed and down tredden people,
]. NJ. VI. a