New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-12-06
THE NEW SPEAKER OF TIE HOUSE.
Try TELEGRAPH To THE rrlnrxrI

WAsHINGToN, Dec. j.-Gcncral Kcitcr became to-
day the second person in the line o. possible sue
cesslon to the Presidency in case of vacancies oc-
curing and probably the number of those Who are
at all familiar with his personality is small a COM
pared with the number of those to whom he must
now become an object of strong interest
General Keiier Is an excellent specimen OF the
sturdy men whom Western farm, and schoolhouScs
graduate in public life. lie born, and has lived
al his life in the fertile firming country Of Clarke
County, Ohio, in the southern ha'f Of
the State. His pareutase Is American
on both Sides his father being
native of Maryland and his mother of OHIO. He
worked on farm and read law there after leaving
school and COLLEGE, and grew up among population
much like that OF theWestcrn Rescrye-mdcpcndcnt,
Woodworking, intelligent and given to much read
ing of the best newspapers. They are mostly all
small farmers well-to-do and active the best class
of American rural population. With these people
General Keicr is said to be a favorite having won
his way in his profession and in politics by hard
patient work and application and having earned
the respect of all of them by the sterling qualities
of his character.
He has brisk, Western manner entirely without
assumption. In figure he is rather thick SET some
thing less than tell, with broad shoulders and
square. firm build throughout He has a high,
gray, and grayish hair carelcssly thrown back from
high forehead. His eyes gray, and ms general
expression is that of direct, straightforward and
energetic man.
In legislative work he Is regarded as careful and
thorough. perhaps little slow. but alwlvs getting
10 the bottom. Many members of the House recall
the debate on tie posse comitatus clause in the
Army bill, in which he surpassed the Republican
leaders IN his comprehensive understanding OF tho
whole subject He is PLAIN speaker making no
attempt at oratory, but having, on occasion,
certain rugged, natural eloquencr. II Is noticed
that the Democratic members generally speak of
him with respect md liking
A biographical account of him gives this pictur-
esque example OF his bravery in the wcr. TO which
his new prominence gives interest: Immediately
succeeding the desperate conflict at Sailors Creek
General Keifer was the principal actor in affair
which nearly cost him his life, while assisting with
the reformation of troops, information reached him
that body Of the enemy was concealed the woods
on his right He rode into the woods to recon-
noitre in person, where, after proceed
ing s5Ort distance, TO .his surprise
ne came suddenly upon Confederate troops lying on
the ground, evidently ignorant of the surrender
that had lust taken place. The approaching night
together with the density Of the woods and the
smoke of battle. saved him from instant idcntifca-
ton. To attempt hastily to withdraw would have
led TO his recognition and proba Die death.
The idea of surrender did not occur to him. He
sorted TO ruse. Ina loud tone he gave the com
mand, Forward, "and waved his sword toward The
recent scene of battle. This command was prompt
lv obeyed. The faster he moved the faster
the enemy followed until all reached the
edge of the woods, where the better
light enabled them to his Uniform. lnstantlya
number of muskets were lcyclled. al him, and but
for the prompt command, Don't fire from the Con
federate commander, who rushed forward, striking
up the guns, he must have fallen. General Keifer,
amid the confusion, dashed away at full run to his
own command, and caused it to charge forward, and
leading the advance, he demanded and received the
surrender of the whole body of men. who proved 10
be a marine brigade, little used to land service,
commanded by Commodore j. X. Tucker, since
Chief Admiral of the Peruvian Navy; Captain
John ID. Semmes and about thlrty-nVe other officers
also captulated Tucker and Scmmes each claimed
to have saved his life.
General Keifer after ward, as act Of gratitude,
used his influence to obtain the parole of these Of
fcers, who having deserted the United States Navy.
were not entitled under the orders to parole.