The Sedalia weekly bazoo. [volume] (Sedalia, Mo.) 187?-1904, 1893-12-19
THOMAS s. MARTIN.
He Will Be the Next Senator
From the Old Oornin.
ion.

RICHMOND, Va, Dec. 12.-While
Hon. Thomas Staples Martin, who de
feated General Fitzhugh Lee in the
democratic legislative caucus for the
nomination of United States senator
for the term beginning March 4, 1891,
can scarcely be said to be q nan of
great national reputation, he hiss long
been a vital force in Virginia pslitics.
He is not distinguished in spear
ance, but has good, open nunfe-
nance and a bright. intelligent eye.
He is rather below medium height,
has a large head. is thick ser and
clean-shaven, with light ewes ane very
little hair. He is now in his forty
sixth year and native of the o,unty
of Albemarle, where he, was reared
and has always resided
He was educated at the Virginia
N 'litary institute and University of
Virginia, and began the practice OF
law at the age of q. BY his force Of
character, clearness of intellect
and fine qualities as a lawyer
he soon rose to the front rank q. his
profession and acquired lucntive
and extensive practice. In addition
to his work as a lawyer he took warm
interest in politics and the welfare Of
the democratic party, and his fine
judgment made him a party leader of
very great value.
He has, in a rare degree. the fac
ulty of attaching to him those with
whom he is thrown in contact. and it
is this personal influence and the ON
fidence which his friends always have
in his ability and good Judgment
which gave him success over so dis
tinguished competitor as General
Lee. He has never touched WHISKY
nor tobacco and was never society
man, but gives his time exclusively to
business.
Losing his father just as he reached
he Yeas maturity. he has been the
lnselfish and generous support of a
widowed mother and dependent sisters
md is still a bachelor.
He is one of five brothers and lis
devotion to his mother is subject of
Comment on the part of his friends.
In his personal character he has !
'lways been singularly free from sus-
'icion or possible imputation or selfish
n unworthy motives. As an illustra-
ion he acted as counsel for the state /
n the settlement of much vexed and
debt settlement and !
made no charge, either for his services |
# travelling expenses.
When the vacancy i'm the senate
vas occasioned by Mr.. Barbour's death
'lr Martin was one of the first to be. |
ONE an avowed candidate, and
trough the instrumentality of his
riends the Endorsement Of largely
nOre than a majority Of the members
f the legislature was secured in a !
hort while.
The legislature was not convened,
owever, and the governor appointed
General HuntOn. The nomination
ow is, therefore, equivalent to the
econd Endorsement by the General
assembly.
Mr.. Martin is a man of quick per-
option, and his great forte is in pre-
enting facts concisely and clearly,
Oupled, of course, with good judg-
lent.
For years, as member of the state
committee, he has been
ne of its chief and best advisers, and
s a lawyer, his friends claim, there is
o man Of his age who stands higher
d his profession. Recently he was
rguing q case in the United States
upreme court at Washington, and it
J said one OF the associate justices
Did the chief justice to allow his ar
ument, as he would probably be the
ext United States senator from Vir-
inia. When it was over the chief
lstice said: 'If he is the Sc he
ill do credit to the state"
Though on the state committee be-
're, MIR. Martin first appeared as
otential factor in state politics in
$50, when, as the manager of John
'anieTs forces, he comprised the de-
sat of Mr.. Barbour, who afterwards
ecame great friend of Mr.. Martin
nj always sought his advice. From
nat day to this he has been a power
every campaign.