Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-01-20
our NEW SENATOR ELECT.

As announced in our issue OF last
evening, Hon. James <. Bailey, Of Mont
gomery, was elected United States sena-
tor for the short term yesterday, on the
tenth day since the election began, and
at the s~eventy.third ballot, which stood:
Bailey, So; Key, 3S; Bate Z; every mem,
Der voting. This result was not generally
expected here. as an idea prevailed some-
how that Key might pull through. Nsi-
Their OF, them was our first choice, but as
between the two we preferred Mr.. Bailey.
he has no political record, and is an I'M
exceptional gentleman, whose friends
claim for him large ability and enlarged,
comprehensive views, and whose integri-
ty of character, consistency, and moral
worth mont win question. We are glad
the election is over, and feel that no great
mistake has been made as regards the
proper and safe representation of the
best interests and reputation Of Tenres.
see. Mr.. Bailey is a man of moderation
aud conservatism, vigor and breadth Of
thought. , he is far removed above
p~artisanship and the trickery and demS-
goguery OF professional politicians. Born
in Montgomery county about the year
1922, be has lived there all his life, and
enj oys the fullest confidence and respect
Of a community noted for the number of
able men it has produced and the intel
lisence and prosperity Of the masses.
he began the study of law at the age OF
twenty and became q partner with Geo
c. Boyd an eminent lawyer. He has
since the war. as well as before, devoted
special attention to ~chAncery practice
aud has built himself up as one Of the
strongest and most successful lawyers Of
the State. BE represented his county
in the Legislature in . lS5O-5l, but has
rarely figured in politics. BE was a mem
Der OF the military and finance board Of
the State, appointed by Gsv. Harris in
1861, add in the fall Of that year became
colonel Of the Forty.ninth Tennessee
regiment; was captured at the fall Of
Fort Douelson and carried to Fort War.
rem. After being exchanged he became
judge advocate Of a military commission,
and remained in that position until the
surrender. He recently acted as a mem
Der Of a commission appointed to try
agreed cases on the docket Of the Su
preme Court, and presided for some time
in the place of Judge Nicholson during
the illness OF that venerable jurist.
Mr.. Bailey is 9 man Of quiet and student
like habits, is Systematic, discriminating
and accurate in all be does. This is
evidenced in his act for senator. He
made but few speeches in the last year
or two, but they we're to the purpose.
We certainly differed from hin. in his
high tax views, but at the same time ad-
nit his honesty of purpose aud high
moral courage in sustaining the unpopu
lar side Of a question upon which be
could have remained silent. 1t is not
likely that he will make MANY mr. hr;l.
liant speeches in the senate, but what be
does say will command attention and
carry great weight. Such men need only
to be known to be respected. BE is a
man Of brian and good presence and ad-
dress, and we predict will be quite as
distinguished and honorsd at the end of
his term as the average representatives
Of Tennessee ia the United States senate
since 1896.