Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-11-22
Mr.. H0BART'S CAREER.
He Was Always Remarkably Success
full, Both in Business and
Politics..

WASHINGTON. Nov A.-Garret A. Ho-
bart was -eminently successful both in bus
mess and politics. His reputation as a
man of affairs and as one of The shrewdest
business men in the country was perhaps
greater than his reputation as 4 political
leader and statesman until his election to
the vice presidency three years ago. Mr..
Hobart was born in 1874 at Long. Branch,
n. ]. His ancestors on his fathers side
were English and on his mothers side
Dutch. Thirty-three years. ago he was
teaching school, Three months later he
entered upon the study of. law with Soc
rates Tuttle. a prominent lawyer in Pas
sale county, and who was at that time
mayor of Paterson.
Young Hobart is said to have arrived at
Paterson with but Sl.50 in his pocket, and
from this small beginning he made his way
unatded to wealth and prominence. In 1869
he was admitted to the bar, and the same
year he married the daughter of Mr. Tut
tie. Mr.. Hobart made his way rapidly at
the bar of his native state and his bent
led him early into politics. In ISL he was
made city counselor of Paterson, and in
1872 was elected to the state assembly, of
which body he was chosen speaker in the
following year. Even during these early
years he displayed that accurate knowledge
ecutive ability which were the key of his
later success in both business and politics.
AT the end Of his second year in the as
the law and to the numerous business en-
terests with which he had become identi-
fed. But the demands of his party would
not admit of his remaining long in pri-
vate life. and in 1876 he was elected to the
state senate, of which body he was chosen
president in 1881. During his service in the
senate he was chairman of the judiciary
committee, and was the author of many
measures of Importance which are now on
the statute books of the state of New Jer-
sey.
His party became more and more exact
ing in its demands upon him. His was
recognized as safe and guiding hand
and from 1880 to 1881 he was at the head
of the state Republican organization of
New Jersey, and, as such, planned some
of the most brilliant campaigns conducted
by his party. From 1884 to 1856 he was a
member of the national Republican ex-
ecutfve committee. and had much to do
with the management of the national cam
paigns during those twelve years.
During all these years his business con-
nections became broader and broader. His
keen insight into affairs made his advice
and counsel of such value that he was
sought after by some of the largest cor
porations in the country, and at the time
of his election as vice president he was
a director in no less than sixty different
companies.
Probably the greatest business honor
which he attained was his selection as one
of the three arbitrators of the Joint Traf-
fic Association, composed of thirty-seven
of the most prominent trunk lines of the
country. Through his business connections
and his law practice, he built up large
fortune
After his nomination and election to the
vice presidency on the ticket headed by
Mr.. Mckinley he came to Washington and
took up his residence in the old Cameron
mansion. adjoining the site of the historic
old Seward home. on Lafayette square,
where Blaine died. The Hobart residence
during the past two years has been the
scene of many delightful social affairs. So
cially, the vice president and charming
a ont
barts genial temperament and charming
personality made him very popular, not
only In the senate, & over which he presided
came in contact with him.
Mr.. Hobart left but one child. Garret A.
Hobart, Jr.. boy of IA. Fanny. girl of
%, died in 1885. in Italy, while there with
her parents.
Mr.. Hobart was a popular presiding Of
been the habit of most vice presidents to
refer closely disputed points of order to
the senate for decision. Mr.. Hobart. how
usually decided ,na all such questions
mentary law. and the rules did not pro-
vide for decision by the senate He was
quick In disp9sing OF business at his desk
through any indecision his part His
firm and impartial manner won the respect
of all senators. while his genial and pleas
ant manner made him one of the most pop
ular men who ever filled the high office
which his death leaves vacant.
wherever MT. ftODaFt went ne was at
tended by an elderly. stockily built colored
man. almost jet black. who wore his silver
threaded beard a la Chester Arthur The
colored valet was faithful to his post at
his masters door. and bowed callers in
with the oteisance of a Frenchman in
waiting.
Asked once If he belonged to any church.
Mr. Hobart smilingly said he didn't know
whether he was counted good member or
not. but that for years he had been a
trustee of the Presbyterian Church of the
Redeemer in Paterson