The morning times., 1896-05-10
Copyright. 1896.

tN'DNIlEHb- i0'p-I
Boston May :, Russell-Rus-
telI-why that's the boy-govcrnor of
Massachusetts.
IL is not surprising that this impress
sion of William E. Russell has gone abroad,
for the pictures that have been circua ted
OF him and the stories told OF him have
largely hinged upon his youthful looks
and high office.
But IN Massachusetts nc has ceased TO
be thought of in the youthful role. and is re
garded rs the prominent lawyer, the cio-
quent orator and able statesman. TothoSe
who meet him ia everyday life he apears
as the practical mature man of affairs
rather than as the boy in politics. This is
only natural, for Mr.. Russell is now ap-
preaching middle life, being in his fortieth
year; he was born January g. 1857.
He certainly makes no endeavor TO keep
mp his reputation as a young man in poll
tics either 10y adopting the dress or man
ners OF youth. His smooth-Shaven face and
peculiar cast OF countenancc are the only
attributes suggestive OF youth at present
In fact, he is apt 10 impress a stranger a
being a singularly aged young man, if such
a term may be used. For his bearing is
always dignified, and his face is naturally
grave. These characteristics have de-
Telopcd very fast during the last two
years, since he left the gubernatorial chair
and devoted himself to the practice OF law
1t has been a period Of very hard work, and
the cares of a busy la wyer's life have drawn
noticeable lines across the erst while smooth
forehead and around the mouth giving a
some what rigtd outline 10 his beardlcSS facr.
One who would know what manner OF
man eX-Gov Russell is should see him in
has law office IN the Exchange Building
on State street, Boston. The door leading
10 these apartments is remarkable in its let
tcrng, hearing on its glass panel the name
OF Russell in eight places. You would think
that all tie Russclls OF Boston had gathered
here and engaged in the Law business to-
Eetber. In reality there are but two firms
Of RusSeils-Russell x Russell, composed OF
Coy Russell and his brother Charles. Theo-
dore, and lis cousin, Arthur II Russell, and
the firm of c. I. and I. ii. Russell. the
senior partner of which father OF the gov
ernori Is but lately deceased.
The e&-governur's private room j., Il
large, square, well-ligbted apartment. in
tie center OF which is a square desk table,
hls conferences
On the wall back of this is n large
frame containing his portrait as governor,
surrounded by the pictu Of the members
of his staff in uniform. On each side are
Photographic groups representing him and
his council in the executive chamber, taken
in 1891 and 1898.
Another notable picture upon the wall
is group of ayorS of tic principal
Massachusetts cities. among whom Mr.
Russell appears as Cambrdge'S chief eN-
ccutiye. This photograph was taken when
be was ma yor at the age of twcnty-cight.
In the rest Of its appointments the room
looks like any busy lawyers office, with
no political SIEgestions; there are neither
leather luGBEes nor easy chairs 10 invite
a luxurious smoke and protracted discus
sion Of clectioneerinc methods.
Mr.. Russell receives the visitor. whether
he comes on legal or political business. by
rising and giving 4 firm but not cffusive
hand grasp.
Now my dear sir. what can do for
you is his customary way Of getting di-
rectly at the matter at issue without un-
necessary delay. If it is something that
can he disposed of quickly Mr.. Russell re-
mains standing: If il requires careful con-
sideration he invites his visitor to a seat
at the desk opposite him.
If the subject brought before him is of n
business or legal nature he brings a keen,
well-traincd intellect to bear upon il and
arrives at quick conclusions; if il is OF a
political character he discusses it from the
standpoint of a statesman rather than q
politician. He does not descend TO talking