New-York tribune., 1876-08-21
Bachelor OF Laws having made excellent reputation
FOR acnteness and rapidity in acquiring knowledge

Albany Indiana In 1882 where he took mp residence
which continued 10 the day OF his death He entered the
Law office OF Judge Smith, and soon began the practice ol
his chosen profession His industry and integrity speedily
gained him the respect Of the people of the town. and his
legal abilities became recognized. Two years afterward
he elected city attorney, and In 1882 Que year aer
was chosen prosecuting attorney of Floyd County HIS
career thenceforth became OF rapid progress ana
pronounced success. Before he left Erie Judge Gal
bath OF that district had said Of him: That young
man will make his mark in the world should he live and
not meet with serious pubacks His native ability, OF
which he has goodly share, frightened by appication
and his quick perceptions added To his sterling integrity
will soon bring him forward would not be surprised
to him go up, step by step until he reaches em
ncnce" This opinion not shared by one man alone
The esteem in which Mr.. Kc held extended to all
who made his acquaintance and hls exemplary charac
ter and student brought out many predic
tions of distinction in the future.
Once started in his profession NewAbany his career
continued 10 be of steady aud real progress
As prosecuting attorney for city and county, he ex
hb!ted rare qualities alawyer add soon gained hlgn
local reputation. In 1856 he elected member OF
the Indiana Legislature and in the following year was re-
elected TO the same position. Five years laer ne was
chosen reporter the supreme Court OF Indiana WI
he edited volumes of reports In 1854 he was chosen
a member OF the XXXIXth Congress as Democrat ana
served the Committees on Private Land Claims ana on
Accounts AT the Of his term he reelected and
served in the XLth Congre the Committees on Eec
tions aud Roads Canals During these years i'll public
life he had always been distinguished for his unimpeac
able integrity. The shadows Of suspicion never rested
upon him. and in the XList Congress- he was deemed
proper person 10 Democratic member OF the
Civil Service Committee In the next Congress he was
member OF the Ways and Means Committee, and in 1872
was a candidate for Congressman-at-Large Godcyes
Ortiz the Administration nominee elected over him by
majority of only 1876 At the next Congressional election
in 1874, Mr. Kerr again the Democratic candidate
being elected by majority of 1909 votes out OF 2G373,
over James Cravens, Independent Granger and lufa
tion Democrat Mr. Blaine, while Speaker he'd MI Kerr
in high esteem Of fine judicial perceptions and
placed him in positions OF responsibility where he com
manded the attention of the House.
On the assembling Of the present session OF Con-
greSs the choice of Speaker was the all-absorbiug
question The Democrats were in a majority, ana
the four names mentioned for the place were Mr.
Randall Mr. Cox, Mr. Fernando Wood. and Mr.
Kerr the contest being at last practically con
fined 10 Mr. Randall and Mr.. Kerr. The record which
the latter exhibited a candidate was lifelong
devotion to the Democratic party, pronounced and un
compromising advocacy of free trade an extreme States
Rights man before the war, and leader among the
Democrats IN opposition the legislation which followed
it, The contest in the Democratic caucus was very AM
mated and on the third ballot Mr.. Kerr was declared
nominated. His election was generally received as
triumph Of the better elements of the Democratic party
His hardmoncy sympathics were regarded as very aus
pciOus of the record the Democrats would make on tat
subject in Congress-an augury unhappily not full
filed The intense labors which were incident 10
Mr. Kerr's new position broke down his al
ready shattered health, and lie sought relief
in absence from the chair for few days, MI.
Cox acting as Speaker in the interim. Mr.. Kerr,
however, found little help in rest, aud contein-
plated resigning the Office. But the entrealics of
friends induced him to take vacation instead in the
hope that with his mind entirely divorced from public
affairs, he might He returned TO the Capitol
somewhat improved on May "a, but was soon obliged
TO relnqush his duties.
In the midst of these physical isorunes Mr. Kerr was
suddenly called upon to meet attack which, IN view
of his former reputation and his ply steal condition at the
time aroused for him the sympathy OF the entire people
II was in short an attempt apparently for partisan pur
poses, to blacken character which had pre-
viOusly been unsulied. One Lawrence Harvey,
an employe in the Custom-housc IN this city,
made Il statement before the House Commit
tee on Expenditures in the War Department to
the effect that he had received certain sum of money
from Augustus p Green for securing him position in
the regular army and that with $3.50 he (arney) had
secured the appointment through Mr.. Kerr, 10 whom
that Of money was paid. Mr.. Kerrs condition was
such that could barely summon sufficient strength to
appear before the committee but he made prompt and
emphatic denial Of the whole story. Ample testimony
was produced before the committee proving his
Harney be of bad reputation, and going 10 show
that Mr. Kerr received the money! ana the com
mitee Republicans well Democrats, made report
unanimously exOncIatng him from all shat had
been charged in the Two Republican members
of the committee addressed the House i'll warm
eulUgy OF Mr. Kerr on the day the report was made
His health imISoved somewhat after this report
was male and hopes were entertained Of uil restOra
ton He recovered far that Il was finally announced
that he would leave the Virginia water-cu9 where he
was staying and 20 TO his home Ill indiana. But this
hope was never realized He sank i'll hcalththc reports
each day were discouraging He telegraphed to
friends in Washington, Il much worse and hope is
growing weaker" and TO his law partner in Indiana
The end of it all is at hand / wish II could he
painless but fear not When the news comes to you at
home bear il bravey and rcSigncdlys for VIII. Ny
heart s turns TO you with warmes love" And ON sauf
day. after his life had been Tor some time despaired Of
| he passed away.
The record which Mr. Kerr made in public life was in
great contrast with that Of many of the pub
lie officials and representatives during :hc past 10 or 10
years HIS opinions on the slavery, reconstruction,
and tariff questions not in accord with the ma
iority of public men, ard in his own party lie was
an extremist Few in Congress were more thorough
Bourbons tnan he. But his opinions were honest ;
he believed in them and fearless IN their advocacy
on all proper occasions. As public speaker,
Mr.. Kerr effective. lie was tali and strongly
bnilt, with open cOuutenance ana Impressive
manners, and gravity and determination th"t
gave great force TO all he said. lie vas an
| honest, upright, and consistent Democrat firm IN
what he believed be the right, prompt in taking
his stand, and frank to give his reasons. Nlen
he was chosen Speaker IL had been Il years since
his party been in the majority IN the House ie thus
had opportunities acquire great distinction in office
and osc who admired his talents and respected bis
integrity will deeply regret that further lease OF lie
! was not given him.
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! DANGERS OF ROTTEN TELEGRAPH POLES.
Coroner Croker held an inquest on Saturday