New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-27

ing either one !" but fear if a grasshopper
should attempt to hop through Representa-
tive Lynch's limbs, it would feel the pressure
Of wise! Perhaps, however, some of these
gents will give ne hammering if I continue
to write about them in this style, 80 I'll
mention only the perpendiculars, and give
the obtuse angles the go-bye. doubt that
there is another man of the same age of Mr..
Lynch in the country who has met with such
remarkable and continued success in politics.
When lad, he was placed in Photographic
gallery to learn the business Of an artist, and
| in this he made rapidprogress, so that he can
draw as fine picture now on paste-board as
he can Democratic opponent to an audience.
When twenty-one years of age he was APP
pointed one of the Justices Of the Peace for
the city of Natchez, by Gen. Ames, then
Provisional Governor Of the State. He filled
this position with great credit to himself,
his race, and to his appointer. And at the
election of 1869 he was elected member of
the lower House of the Legislature. 1t was
while in this position he showed himself a
man of no ordinary talent, but one of great
natural gifts-able to comprehend profound
subjects, and to grapple with them success
fully. In debate, he gives his opponent
nearly all the ground he wants, but is I'M
merciful in his charges, and directs them with
| telling effect. In our first Legislature he was
member Of the Judiciary Committee, also
the Committee on Education, and Chairman
of the Committee on Election. In 1871 he
was re elected to the Legislature, and was
elected Speaker of the House by the unani-
nous Republican vote. He presidcs with
great dignity and discretion, so that he is now
called the 'boy parliamentarian." In 1872
Sixth district, and during the campaign he
had several joint discussions with his dis
tinguished opponent, Judge Hiram Cassidy.
He never came out second best, and the peo-
pie showed their appreciation for him by CIV
ing him more than six thousand majority over
his opponent. And thus, from an artists gall
lery to Justices bench, to the Legislature,
to the Speakers chair, and soon to seat in
Congress, he has made continuous line of
unbroken success. A strong personal friend,
a genial companion, l wish Speaker Lynch
continued success and happiness through life.
Among the most prominent white members
of the House is
HON. o. c. FRENCH,
colleague of Mr.. Lynch. Mr.. F. has been
in the Legislature the same length of time
that Mr.. Lynch has been, and they have all
ways worked together tremendously. He is
a man of very striking appearance; with his
hair forming cape on his forehead; eyes
twinkle while speaking; fine Roman nose !;
heavy moustache and imperial; and quick
and careless carriage. He leads off in the
main questions under discussion in the House,
and is match for any Democrat on the floor.
He is chairman of the Committee on Rail-
roads, and is largely interested in that enter
prise. He is director of the Southern Pa
cifc Railroad Company, and owns large
amount of stock in it. He came to this State
in the army, was captain Of company, and
has been, up to the winding up of the Freed.
mems Bureau, one of its Commissioners. He
is also Secretary of our State Executive Com.
mittee, and represents this State on the Ma
tional Executive Committee of the Republi.
can party.
He is genial gentleman, and is greatly
respected by all classes of citizens.
Another subject which must not omit tc
sketch is
| HON. r. W. HOUSTON,
who is, what we call, "Floater; that is
representing two counties which have one
or two representatives each, besides the
"Floater." Mr.. Houston represents Wash
ingtOn county, which is entitled to two ant
ahalfrepresentatives; and Issaquena county
which is entitled to one and a half represent
atives. And the half from each of the above
named counties form a achole Representative,
in the person Of my little friend Houston
Here is little fellow that everybody likes
The members look upon him as sort of pet
He is about twenty-three years of age short
but inclined to be stout high forehead blacl
hair 3; black and glossy moustache and i'm
perial; thin and nicely shaped nose sucl
shaped mouth as have heard ladies ad
mire, (and you know what they mean b.
that y light-brown complexion; and from hi
habiiments could well be called Beau Brun,
nell. Mr.. Houston is probably the younges
member in the House, but takes an activ
part in the matters Of legislation, and is a
attractive speaker. He generally speak
with slip Of paper held between his thum
and fore finger, and shakes it violently at tn
Speaker. He recently introduced bill b
which all teachers shall be paid in currenc
instead of warrants, as is now the case
many counties.
, Another prominent member Of the House
HON. FRED. BARRETT.
Mr.. B. is native of Pennsylvania, son
Jesse Barrett, who was Judge of the 22d j
dicial District of Pennsylvania, and is abo,
thirty years Of age. He was, in his boyhoc
days, an apprentice in the printing Office
the Cleartield Republican. In 1871, at Il
call of the President for troops, he left Il
medical college, at which he was studen
and enlisted in the army, but was discharg,
in 1868 on account Of physical disabilitie
He returned to college after his dischar,
and graduated in 1866 in the Jefferson Met
I | ool ColJoua in Dh;lo 6alpb;o