St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-05-06

prophecies who charmed the hearts Of those
who knew her in the earlier days.
BLANCHE E1LIoTH.
BRAINY SENATOR SMITH
"A man: Of Whom Every one In New
Jersey is Proud.
About ten years ago young man began to
rise into prominence in the politics of New
ark, N. j.: On the 4th of March, last year, he
took his seat in the United States Senate as
the successor of Rufus Blodgett. On Tues
day, April II, this year, he made speech in
the Senate against the income tax; which at
tracted the attention OF the whole country,
and it is now conceded, with relation to the
fate OF the Wilson bill, that he is one of the
most influential members. of the upper
house. Surely the character and career of
man who has advanced so rapidly must be
an interesting study.
James Smith, Jr, the gentleman of whom
have been speaking, was born in Newark,
N. J., in 1851. He was, therefore, only forty
two years of age when he entered the United
States Senate, being one of the youngest men
In that body. He was educated at private
schools In bis native city and at a college in
Wilmington, Del. His business life was be-
gun in the dry goods trade in New. York city,
but, as he did not take kindly to that pur-
suit, he soon returned to Newark, and en-
gagged in the manufacture of patent and
enameled leather. He is now the sole owner
OF one of the largest concerns in that indus
try in the United States, the product of which
Is sold both here and abroad, and his firm
has gained the reputation of making the best
carriage feathers in the world. Mr.. Smith
had not been business man very long before
his fortune and income justified him in enter
ing into politics. The firSt public Office that
he sought was that of alderman in the city of
Newark, and he was elected as Democrat
in Republican ward by more majority than
all the votes cast for the Republican candi-
date This remarkable success resulted in
his becoming a leader of his party. In the
following autumn he was, unanimously nom
mated for mayor, but as he had written
letter to the; convention declaring that he
would not accept a nomination, he stood by
his decision and declined to be a candidate.
Essex county at that time was strongly Re-
publican, but under the direction of Mr..
Smith the Democracy was, so strongly organ
lied that the county, became as firmly Demo-
cratic as it had been Republican, and finally
all the offices were held by members of his
party, which continued in power until the re-
cent tidal wave of Republican victory. Mr..
Smith had repeatedly declined political hon
ors, both state and local, that others attempt
ed to thrust upon him. When the board of
street and water commissioners was created
in the city Newark he consented to become
its president. THAT however, was an Office
not at all in keeping with the powers as poll
tician that he had attained, for he was now
recognized as one of the leaders of the UNI
daunted Democracy of New Jersey
Although Mr.. Smith had not been partic-
ular adherent Of Grover Cleveland, he saw in
1892 that the people demanded the nominal
ton of Mr.. Cleveland for president, and he,
conforming to their wishes in the matter
went to Chicago as deIegate-at-large from
his State, instructed to cast his vote in the
National Convention for that gentleman. He
accepted an invitation to make the journey
in the private car of w. C. Whitney, who was
in charge of Mr.. Ceveland's interests. Mr..
Smith made host of friends in that conven-
ton, and came home with a record as one of
the shrewdest OF the nations politicians
The legislature thatwas elected to begin its
sessions in January, 1898, was to elect a
United States Senator to fill the place about
to be made vacant by the retirement of Ru-
fus Blodgett It had been supposed that
Leon Abbott, then governor of the State,
would be the nominee Of the Democratic
caucus. But, strange to say, Mr.. Abbott,
seeing at the last momentth he was doomed
to defeat, withdrew from the contest, and Mr.
Smith was the unanimous choice OF the men
OF his party. So it happened that man who
was only an alderman in the city of Newark
In 1854, was able, ten years later, to claim a
seat IN the Senate of the United States and
to WELD the power Of the most conspicuous
and most popular Democrat in New Jersey.
Thefe have been very few achievements, even
In our politics, to compare with this.
But this is not all. Mr.. Smith Droadens
mentally as his opportunities increase and
continually develops new talents that sur
prise his friends, if not, indeed, himself
Before he went to the Senate none of his
nelgnDorS so much as suspected him of being
an orator. He was known as a plain, practi-
Cal taiker, capable of expressing his views
IN ninfelhsIble language, and as man often
called upon to preside at important political
meetings. But that he would ever have sutfi-
Gent command of the graces and magnetism
OF public speaking to hold the attention of
the members OF the Senate and to fill the gal
lerles with interested listeners, was beyond
any ones belief. Yet, before Mr.. Smith had
been g. Senator anywhere near year, the
period prescribed by old-fashioned sssena-
torIal courtesy" within which new member
OF that august assembIage must remain
silent, he delivered an address upon the then
pending silver bill that was so full of sarcasm
and wit and common sense and mental
force that it was reckoned one of the finest
efforts OF that era of speech-making, and
when sat down he was Congratulated upon
his unexpected success, and it was apparent
that he had gone up several pegs in the esti-
nation of his colleagues. His recent utter
ance in denunciation of the income tax pro-
posed in the Wilson bill was still ADLER. Several
OF the New York newspapers thought enough
OF it to print it in full, Notwithstanding that
it occupied more than page of their valu-
able space. 1t will be conceded, T think, that
the future holds glorious possibilities for
Senator who can thus auspiciously enter
upon the second year of his term.
Mr.. Smith is as charming personally as he
Is superior politically. always ready to
oblige a friend or serve constituent, the
people of New Jersey admire him and are glad
to see him going higher and higher on the
ladder of fame. Such ability, true kindness,
ready wit and executive ability form rare
combination, and, after all, it is not to be
wondered at that they have led their possess
or to such unusual success.
GEORGE M. SMITH.
The oldest Christian fan in existence dates,