The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-05-10


abroad for the pictures that have been
circulated of him and the stories told Of
him have largely hinged upon his youth
f1I looks ana high Office.
But in Massachusetts he has ceased to
he thought Of in the youthful role and IS
r.earded as the prominent lawyer. the
eloquent orator and able statesman. To
t1ose who meet him in everyday life he
a9pears as the practical mature man of
AFFAIRS rather than as the boy in politics.
This is only natural, for Mr.. Russell is
now approaching middle life, being in
his fortieth year; he was born Jan. 6,
1851.
Pie certainly makes no endeavor to keep
up his reputation a young man in poll
ties. either by adopting the dress or man
uers Of youth. His smooth shaven face
and peculiar cast Of countenance are the
only attributes suggestive of youth at
present ~ fact, he is apt TO impress
stranger as being a singularly aged young
man. if such a term may be used. For his
bearing is always dignihed, and his face
is naturally grave. These characters
ties have developed very fast during the
last TWO years. since he left the guberna-
torial chair and devoted himself to the
practice of law. 1t has been a period of
lawyers life have drawn noticeable lines
across the erstwhile smooth forehead and
around the mouth, giving a somewhat
rigid outline to mis- beardless face.
If the subject brought before him is Of
business or legal nature he brings
keen, wel-trained intellect to bear upon
ii and arrives at quick conclusions; if it
is of a political character he discusses it
from the standpoint of a statesman rather
than a politician. He does not descend
to talking of electiOneeering schemes. but
goes straight to the fundamental princi-
AS he rises to extend a greeting or adieu
you note that he is of slender build and
medium hight, being about five feet eight;
but his erect carriage and superb pose OF
head give the impression of much greater
pnNslcdl proportions His voice conveys
this last impression, too, for it is deep
and rich. To it he owes much of his
power over men, whether speaking to
them Individually or in open court, or on
the rOstrum.
Mr.. Russell has been as successful in the
practice of law as in politics. In the but
little more than two years that have
elapsed since his gOvernorship he has
built up an extensive law buslness-one
of the largest in Boston-which it is esti-
mated yields him about $4,000 per annum.
In this his political reputation has served
him well, bringing him clients from dis
tant parts of the union. He takes only
civil cases usually where large amounts
are involved. He is especially sought az
ter to appear in hearings before the legis-
lature. where his splendid powers of ar
Sument and oratory are brought into4full
play
One who would know what manner of
man eX-Gov. Russell is should see him in
his law Office in the Exchange building
on State street, Boston. The door leading
10 these apartments is remarkable in its
lettering, bearing on its glass panel the
name of Russell in eight places. You
would think that all the Russells of Bos-
ton had gathered here and engaged in
the law business together. In reality there
are but two firms of sells-RusseIl &
Russell, composed of Gov. Russell and
cousin, Arturh Fl. Russell, and the firm of
G. 7. K Il. H. Russell, the senior partner
of which Gather of the ex-governor is
The eX-governor's private room is a
large, square, well-lighted apartment in
the center of which is a square desk table
a which Mr. Russell sits and holds most
of his conferences
on the wall back of this is a large
surrounded by the pictures of the mem
bers of his staff in uniform. On each
side are Photographic groups, represent
ing him and his council in the executive
chamber, taken in 1891 and 1893.
Another notable picture upon the wall is
q group of mayors of the principal Massa-
chusetts cities, among whom Mr. Rus
sell appears as Cambridge's chief execu-
tive. This photograph was taken when
OF It's appointments the room looks like
any busy lawyers Office, with no political
SUGGESTIONS suggest there are neither leather
rious smoke and prOracted discussion of
electioneering methods.
Mr.. Russell receives the visitor, whether
he comes on legal or political business.
by rising, and giving firm but not effu-
sive hand-grasp.
your is his customary way of getting
directly at the matter at issue without
ba b dsay Of oBo k s9m 2 g
sell remains standing; If it requires care
full considera ton he invites his visitor to
seat at the desk opposite him.
W.
yers in Boston. He enters his Office at
a little past nine in the morning. and
often remains until half-past six or later,
and even then often goes home to write
briefs until far into the night.
Though his legal practice has to a con-
siderable extent kept him from direct as
ISOLATION with the people, he is as demo-
cratic in his way ever. He almost in
yariably rides to and from his Cambridge
nome in the street cars.
That he has not deteriorated in ora
tCrical powers was shown at the great oc-
casion of Jefferson's birthday on April 18th
az MontlceHo, va; When ne enunciated
such ringing principles as to elicit admi-
Iauon from opponents IS well as friends.
nat speech moreover was fair illustra-
lion of Mr.. Russens style of Oratory.-
not etfusive, not emotional, but strong,
logical. compelling interest from its clear
ness. This is the style of speech making
that he has carried on through long and
hard fought campaigns in his native state,
where he has had to contend against the
dolest and maturest minds. There was
no room for Oratorical fOurisheS; men and
arguments mad to be overcome to satisfy
MS hard headed constituents.
Ex-Gov Russen's residence is in the
beautiful and historic part of the uni
versity city of Cambridge. at the corner
OF Brattle and Charming streets The
grounds are large, with wide stretching
lawns, shaded by spreading elms The
mousse is of the Queen Anne style, and
has stable to correspond.
Mr.. Russell has lived here since his
marriage eleven years ago. 1t is a home
OF taste and refinement, full of attractive
OBJECTS and delightful hospitality is dis
pensed there. Out of the hall, handsome
IN its quartered oak fnishings and made
CHEEKY on these chilly spring evenings
ny bright open fire one may step into
me library. This is Mr. RusseH's den
illl OF books, pictures and relics of college
ME. 1t bears every appearance of being a
working room; and the busy lawyer and
statesman burns a good deal of midnight
OH there at work over his briefs and
speeches Across the han is the dainty
craving room, where the mistress of the
house presides with charming grace Near
ms is the dining room, with a most in
leFestlng fireplace, adorned with tiles
painted by Mr.. Russelrs mother, with
PICTURES representing old houses in which
her family have lived during former gem
eratiOns.