National Republican., 1883-03-03
JUDGE JAS. B. EDMONDs.
Brief Sketch Of the New Commissioner Of the
District
what He Says viii be His Policy II Con.
1rmed.

Judge James b. Edmonds, the newly ap-
pointed commissioner of the District of
Columbia, whose name was sent to the senate
yesterday for confirmation, in place of Thomas
z. Morgan, was born in Saratoga county, NY,
in 1888, and hence is just 80 years old. His
ancestry were of New England stock, his
grandfather and granduncles being officers in
the revolutionary war. His father was a
physician, and moved, when the subject Of
this sketch was very young, into Washington
county, N. Y, where he died Mr.. Edmonds
received an academic education both in
Now England and New York. He read law
with Hon. John j. Taylor, of Oswego, Tioga
county, N. Y, one of the most prominent of
the state at that time,and proposed to go west
as soon as he was licensed to practice.
He was persuaded by Mr.. Taylor, however,
to enter into partnership with him, which he
did, and practiced law in New York for three
years.
The western fcver then broke out in him
in violent form, and ho went to Iowa, locat-
ing at Iowa City, then the capital of the state.
His practice speedily became lucrative, and
his reputation as n lawyer became famous all
over the state. For many years he was
associated with Mr.. Ransom in practice. He
accumulated largo fortune by his profess
sional labors, but seriously impaired his
health. Coming south about five years ago
to rccuperate, he stopped in Washington, and
found so beautiful city that he remained
Ills health improved, aud he determined TO
stay. He built the house No. 1925 X street,
wherein ho has lived ever since, He is mar
ried-his wife being most estimablo lady
but has no children.
In person Judge Edmonds Is tall and
strongly built over six feet in height, with
brown hair and beard, fluent speech, and very
pleasant address. In character he Is warm
hearted, generous, and just, aud intellectually
is keen, quick, and sagacious. He is a man
of sound judgment, acute discernment of
character, sterling honesty, and high execu-
tive abilities, and his appointment is satisfac-
tory to both parties. Politically, Judge Ed
monds is democrat, but has never actively
engaged in politics, and never believed that
the straight ticket" should be voted under
any circumstances. He is of too liberal a
mind and too sound u judgment to be q
| bgoted partisan During the war he was an
| active war democrat, and used his great influ-
ence and abilities increasingly for the union.
Judge Edmonds is q very energetic citizen.
He is a member of the Metropolitan club and
attends All Souls church. He is one of the
rare instances where Office has sought the
man, not the man the office. Without his
knowledge he was Endorsed for the position
by the entire Iowa delegation, and the cam
| paign was conducted in his favor by large
majority Of the members of both houses of
congress. Tho nomination was not unex-
pected, it having been predicted by The
REPUBLICAN overa month age.
Judge Edmonds was called on by repre-
sentative of THE REPUBLICAN last evening,
and in course of conversation said: MY
nomination is q surprise to me, as l certainly
made no effort to obtain it, and really, not
withstanding the high honor Of tho position,
am tempted to say l wish it might have
been rendered to some other. OF course ap-
preciate the compliment, and, if confirmed,
shall exert my utmost endeavors TO make an
administration satisfactory to ALL"
"Have you any form of policy2"
81 have not allowed myself to think about
that. shall, however, act upon what has
been lifelong conviction, that the incum-
bent of q public Office should conduct its
affairs with as conscientious devotion TO the
best interests of all concerned us he would his
own private business"