The New York herald., 1875-10-09
THE SPEAKERSHIP.
PEN PICTURE OF MICHAEL 9. KERR.
From the 81. Louis Republican,

From the ST. Louis Republican,
Ar Kerr Is tall, strongly built broad .shouldered
man. 10 IS not In the schoolgirl acceptance OF the
term, handsome; but he has fine, frank countenancs
ana MS manners are impressive and agreeable. His
voice on the floor OF Congress as frequently heard It
years ago) is exceptionally clear and distinct, with
somehngof the intonation delberation Of George
W. Julan's, for which not unfrequenty mistook Il,
II Is not as heavy and sonorous as General Nathaniel
?. Banks, as stited Fernando Woods nor as
tcked and penetrating jolly Sam coxs nor as nasal
as handsome Sam Randalls. Whether Mr. Kerr is or
is not familiar with parliamentary rules do know
So far the work Of the House Of Representatives Is
concerned the democrats will have 10 'do their hand
somestn 10 place Speaker there who can excel the
republican Speakers, Banks, Grow, Cofax and Blame
Pennington ! never saw, and know him by port as
only dignhed gaoot Of the cold SCHOOL, Of gentle
men-whateveT that "school' Of human Ash may slg-
niiy Grow was young and bright Banks was slower,
but acknowledged TO be the most dignined and most
agreeable and correct Speaker since the retire
ment OF the democracy. Colfax was as oeaginous
as Nenango county, Pennsylvania and as thorough as
professor in his knowledge Of 'rues, and as quick as
chain lightning. Blaine WAS more brusque generally
correct and more lmpctuous "driver" than any of
them Kerr would perhaps be slower, but think sat
isflng and sure. His diction would be better than
Fernando Woods lady who sat in the diplomatic
gallery year ago and shocked and disgusted with
Mr. Woods dietIon says he spoke or Professor Henry
Of the Smithsonian Institute as 'Profess or Henery,h
and when his dgniaed bosom swelsd with patriotic love
Of this country he called II 'my count-e-ry." Mr..
Sammy Cox would quell the uproar in the OF the
winds with Of his inmitahe saes OF button burst
ing wit, humor, huresque, ridicule. With Cox in
the Speakers chair and Proctor Knott Of Kentucky
(him who drew tnat wonderful picture OF Jay Cookies
bonanza zone and the herds of bualoes carrying tho
millions of bushels of wheat TO Duuth), the floor L
would be all play and no work in the next Congress
Michael 9. Kerr is native of Titusville, Pa where
he was born not quite half century ago--March IL
1921 At twenty -four years Of age he graduated the
Louisville University and in 1852 began the practice OF
law in this city Two years later he elected city
attorney and in 1855 he was chosen prosecuting ator
ney Of this county. In 1885, the year OF Fremont's
Presidential campaign, Mr. Kerr elected to the In
diana Legislature and Ave years after his legislative
service he chosen the democratic State ticket
in 1862 reporter to the Supreme Court OF the State
in which office he edited five volumes OF the reports
In 1864 he was first elected to Congress- beginning his
service in that body in December 1866. In 1866 1868
and 1870 he was elected TO Congress He has thus
served eight years the national legislature and in
December commenced his lth term or ten years Of
service.
Mr.. Kerr is student and gentleman OF honor, and
man OF knowledge and ability When in Washington
city and familiarity acquainted with his political oppo
nents had some knowledge of the opinion entertained
of him by them. IL invariably complimentary.
He is temperate In his habits and regular and crcum
spect sanctfed chronometer. He not believe
in sumpuary liquor laws but is a practical teeotalerp =