The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-03-09

W r
SENATOR GEORGE q. VEST.
When President Cleveland took up
his official duties at the White House
he invited into bis Cabinet some of the
most conspicuous and ablest of the
democratic leaders in the Uuited States
Senate. Their places were filled by
new men who, under the traditions OF
the Senate, were not expected to par
ticipate in public affairs to any great
extent until the probationary period
Of two years had elapsed. The organ.
ization Of q Cabinet out Of the best
talent in the Senate left the democrat.
ic eide of that body at a great disad-
vantage for the time be ing, Garland
and Bayard were both powerful de-
baters, foremost in the political dis
cussions of the Senate, and stood at
the head of their party IN this respect
as far as personal leadership is recog-
nized in the chamber. Their retire.
ment brought to the front at once one
of the cleverest dlsputants in either
House Of Congress, Senator George
Graham Vest, of Missouri.
Senator Vest is man of many
marked peculiarities. He is a rapid
and vigorous talker seemingly:never at
loss for word, and while never Or
nate or flowery 10 his remarks. he OBJ
serves nicely of expression and
discrimination in the use of effective
words that is the great feature of his
addresses. The only draw back 10 his
manner of speech il certain nervous
ness of manner indicated by q jerking
Of his head when excited, which is fur
Their accentuated by a high key in
which his voice is pitched. During
the present and the past Congress he
has been the chief champion Of his
party in the Senate, and has never
shirked a contest with his long.head-
ed and quick-witted opponents on the
other side. With naturally aggres-
i've disposition, he enjoys the heat Of
debate, but never Deedlessly prolongs
one after all hands have had q chance
to announce their sentiments and con-
victions.
The Missouri Senator is q typical
Western politician. He serves his con-
stituents not only in the, way of throw
ing light upon economical questions,
but helps them to get any offices that
may be lying around loose. If the
roster Of the Government officials were
Analysed, it would doubtless show that
Missouri was by no means in the rear
n the distribution of these favors. |
Consequently the Senator is no civil.
'ervice reformer, and he does not hes
tate to admit that he is not. He has |
. powerful influence in his own State.
,ut he does not assume the attitude Of |
! political boss. His reputation as q |
awyer is an exceedingly high one.
Senator Vest has had varied legis-
alive career. He was q member of the
Missouri House of Representatives as
ar back as lS60-61. Subsequently he
vas elected to the lower House of the
Congress, where he serv.
d one term. At its expiration he was
lected to the Confederate Senate, in
1hich he served until the Confederate
tates resumed their allegiance. Four
ears afterward he was elected to the
United States Senate, succeeding
ames Shields, who. had been elected
} fill the vacancy caused by the death :
Louis v. B0gy. His present term
ill expire in March, 1891.
One Of Senator Vests most recent
rilliant efforts was the presentation J
the claim Of st. Louis for the coming
'ational Democratic Convention. His
idress was in his happiest vein, and
ent great way toward swinging the
de toward st. Louis, as the sequel
lowed.