The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-28
MR. HENDRICKS'S CHARACTERISTICS
A Talk with Hon. Oscar B. Hord About His
Personal Traits.

A Talk with Hon. Oscar b. Hord About His
Personal Traits.
A little off of Washington street. south on
Pennsylvania, stands. few steps in from the
walk, and as part of the Commercial Bank build
ing, an old brick residence of the plain and sub
stantial architecture of other days, once used by
the cashier Of the old State Bank. Years ago it
lost its character of home, and was turned over
to the uses of business. Above and below
stairs wide hall separates the apartments
on either side. On the upper floor are the rooms
of the prominent law firm, Baker, Hord & Hen
bricks. Entering on the right Of the hall,
door leads into the room so recently occupied by
the late Vice president There is in it nothing
different from what one usually sees in prosper
Gus lawyers Offices 1t is small, well-carpeted,
and we'll furnished with valuable library. In the
corner sat the table at which Mr.. Hendricks had
often transacted business. About everything is
a suggestiveness of a substantial country artor-
ney's place rather than that of one eminent at
the bar Here he met with characteristic cor
diality client politician capitalist friend, work.
ingman. Here the young men of the office
always had ready access to the great man,
whether on business, to tell bit of gossip,
relate new joke, OF call his attention to some
thing good in the newspapers There was never
any barrier between Thomas A. Hendricks and
the people, whether in office, at home or in pub
lie places. 1t WAS this phase of his character
that led to view of his inner life, yesterday
afternoon as depicted by his close friend
and law partner, Oscar B. HorG Sitting
in the quiet Of the snug Office with
the shades Of evening gathering fast, Mr.. Hord
feelipgly spoke: "One day in our Office was like
all others. Never any change--the same
pleasant relations with Mr.. Hendricks existing
without even a ripple, from day to day."
HE was not man of moodsa'
'Never. know of no one more equable in
temperament, or more agreeable in address. Mr.
Hendricks always had high opinion of the aver
age man. He has often said that the average
jury was underrated. Believing firmly that the
only thing to do was to warm them up, to bring
them to an interest in what was told them. he
spoke to them as man to man. This was the
secret of his success as an advocate"
II presume the same character was manifest
ed in his political lifeW
"Yes. He was a lover of humanity; fond of
studying its various phases. and always inter
ested in a crowd. Other eminent men in law
and politics pursue a different theory. They
think jury at all times cverestjmated, or the
prime essential of political impressiveness is
posing. Mr.. Hendricks was never effusive
He had grand air of secrecy with which
to impress one that he of ali was
highly favored in having him impart informa-
tion. He never strived for effect, nor was there
anything sensational in what he did or sought to
do. He was always free from any eccentrcity
of dress, which great men sometimes assume
His dress was always neat, but not extravaganza
He never called man by his Christian name
but observed the rule of the gentleman Of the old
school. These elements of character and ad-
dress regard as the secrets Of his great sue
cess"
what was the last legal business he attended
to2n
tion to the office since he was elected Vice-pres-
ident. He came in occasionally, but he was
about the Office very little. The last time
was, Tuesday evening, when, with
his usual courtesy and gracousness
he found warm welcome from every one, par
ticularly the young men of the Office. He was
always interested in young men. Whatever
they did secured his attention. He admirably
fitted himself to their condition, wishes
and thoughts. With them he never
assumed dignity above them
He liked their conversation, and drew
them out Laughed at their jokes, and in every
thing inciting them on common ground. That
evening the last he was here. one of the young
laugh at the oddity of express
sion and disposition of the property,
and his apparent good health gave
no premonition of his early death. 1t is true he
complained Of slight cold, and he himself re-
garded it as nothing more. OF Mr. Hendricks
no one could form complete appreciation Of his