Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-03-03

Nelson Smith, chairman Of the general COM
mittee of the Tammany organization, is without
doubt one OF the best posted men on political
economy and general political information in
this country. The following short biographical
sketch of Chairman Smith will be found inter
esting Born in the pure air Of the Catskill
mountains, in the eastern boundary Of Della
ware county, and reared under the close super
vision of his father Samuel Smith, it can
readily be seen that the foundation Of young
Smiths career was under favorable surround
ings. His father was one Of the pioneer mill
wrights of this state. He superintended the
construction Of most all the grist and mills
extending from the Hudson river for nearly $50
miles. Afterward Smith. ST.. built large tam
merry and formed partnership with his eldest
son, under the firm name of Samuel Smith 4
Son.
Nelson Smith spent most of his boyhood
days when not in SCHOOL, in the association of
this large business, for in connection with the
tannery there were the village store, machine
shops, &c. Through the interest he manifested
in the inner workings of his fathers business
he soon attained practical and thorough bnsi
ness and mechanical knowledge. absorbed. as it
were, but as he was quick and observant this
early training assisted him materially in after
life. He was educated in Middleton Delhigh
and in the city of New York. Studied law
with Samuel Gorden, leading member Of the
Delaware and surrounding county bar and
HcluOcI vi IOISIess, anu WIN JuuBt WILLIAM
Murray. afterward judge of the supreme court.
Began practiciug law III New York city very
soon after reaching his majority.
During his career as a lawyer Mr.. Smith has
devoted himself to his profession. When asked
(which has frequently been the case) to accent
public Office or trust he invariably would answer
that he prefers the Office he now holds-refer-
ring to his law Office. His professional life has
been a.success. Mr.. Smith has been a member
of Tammany Hall for more than twenty-five
years. and during this time be has been one of
its most honored and valued members but
always very reserved, not seeking anything for
himself or promotion. From the very first
year he entered the wiglnan he has been on the
general committee and on the committee on
organization. In 1884 he began to take active
part as public speaker aud supported Mr..
Cleveland, for whom he has always had the
greatest respect and admiration. Again in
1888 he spent weeks doing campaign work
through New York state, and in 1892 be opened
the Cleveland campaign in Tammany Hall on
the 9Th day OF September as chairman of the
general committee. Mr.. Smith is one OF the
prominent sympathzers and advocates
of home rule in ireland. and il recog
nized such in New York. This comes
from having spent his youth in u section
where the land held under a system OF
| leases introduced prior to the revolution under
grants from the English crown. and almost
identical with landlordism in Ireland, causing
bitter fight between landlord and tenant at the
time (lsi5). This system amended in
1916.
When the Irish Land League Of America was
formed In 1880, Mr. Smith, who was q true sym
pathizer with the cause. was CHOSEN president
Of the central branch; be held this position
until the organization was changed to the Irish
National League.
Mr.. Smith was one Of tho Cleveland electors,
is a prominent club man of New York city and
has contributed numerous magazine and news
paper articles on the subject of political econ
omy and government i'll general. He 10 es-
teemed and respected by all who know him.