Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-01
Personal TRAITS OF t. II. REED.
Friendly and Appreciative sketch
of the Ex-SpeaIScr.
,rx~.-tt.a.1~ r~f~.raA

washington TimesD
Thomas Bracket Reed was never ap-
precated outside of Washington until
within the last half dozen years. because
OF a combination of physical lethargy and
Intellectual indifference. which Kept him
from putting forth his strength. If he had
been Of Blaines nervous, excitable, and
snowy temperament, he would have had
throughout his twenty years Of Congress
the same prominence that Blaine had
throughout his congressional career
But here in Washington, Reed has al
ways been recognized by those who had
the chance of hearing his remarkable con-
versatlon, II not by those who heard his
speeches and read what he wrote, as an
unusual and original man, from whom
almost anything might be expected In the
way of intellectual achievement.
"a lazy giant was the way he was
summed up a dozen years ago. and the
only question was whether the giant
would ever think 1t worth while to arise
and show what he could do. Six years
later he did arise, and he soon made his
name household word all over this coun-
try. and his .doings familiar 10 all who
read newspapers and magazines in other
countries
the public estimation. and has just as
steadily developed his intellectual re-
sources, until now he Is recognized at
something like his real value. His ambi-
ton, that seemed 10 slumber so long.
woke with a fierce appetite when ii did
wake, and his masterful will has been
seeking TO crafty il, and in the process
he has steadily grown int he public eye.
The new man from Maine is a real
Maine man. and not, like Blaine, Penn
sylvanian. for he was born in the very
city Of Portland, which has ten times
sent him to Congress, and he has lived
almost constantly In Maine getting his
education in her schools. and being gradu-
tied from her leading college, and having
practiced for thirty years at her bar.
He is a genuine Yankee in everything
except physical appearance. Everybody
knows how round ana stOut his body
Is. how rolling his walk. and how cherubic
mis- face at a distance. for near TO 1t II
ooks like Bismarcks and you can see
the power behind 1t. He has all the Yam
kee shrewdness and sagacity. and the
Yankee wis comes forth in his Yanke
voice, and even with Yankee pronuncia-
ton. ana the Yankee drawl
He has all the strong New England
traits, and some of the fine ones. His
feet are always on the ground, and his
eyes are always on a level with those
OF other men, There is nothing Of the
ranscendentalist about him, and he is
philosopher rather than n poet. but he
mas IDEALS as well as ideas, and he adj
hires and practices the sterner virtues.
He Is not known 10 be a member OF
nv church, and Is not known as being
a regular attendant of any one here, but
no one doubts that he is an upright man.
His private life is irreproachable, and
his home life is beautiful. His VIE and
lis daughter and he are three most de-
voted and intimate friends.
He has never been rich, and probably
never will be, for he is not a money
maker. and he has neglected his praeuce
a good deal of the time that he has oeen
in public life, and he was elected 10 the
State House OF Representatives tnree
years after he was admitted 10 the DAT
He has never been able TO Keep mouse
here or to entertain extensively anu TINS
winter. at least. he and his family VIII
have a small fat In Vice-President Nor
-on's hotel, the Shoreham, and up on ire
nth floor at that. He has mad ntte
eisure OF late years for his law pracuce'
md has made almost as much money ny
writing for the magazines as he mas from
most of HIS law cases, However, he mas
,lways lived comfortably, and his YANKEE
thrift has kept him out OF debt lie Keen
y enioys what are called the good innings
Z this lie by most people
He likes society. at least the conyersa-
,ional part OF It. and especially dining
mt. although, like most pubic men. ne
1islikes public dinners He Is fond OF
The theatre. and of music. and of art
md of literature. in French. as well as
english.
he Is fond Of fun OF all good sorts.
,nd especially of the kind that Is found
n Gridiron Club dinners under the robe
II secrecy. Indeed. his fun and his love
II fun are the most serious drawbacks
se has as IA presidential candidate or
,andidate for the presidential nomination
even in this country, where we 'augn
more than they do anywhere else In the
world. But these help TO make him
cry delightful companion.
He likes to be out OF doors and usually
walks 10 and from the CAPITOL stopping
10 look In the show windows OF course.
he has never been able to ma'nfs'"