The age-herald., 1900-08-07
HON. JOHN V. SMITH
 CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN

the ablest young men of this country. And personally, he is one of the most loveable of all men,
 Through the years that are to come the people of Alabama will hold for his ac- ceptance any honor of their own which he may be pleased to ask of them. Of that much there cannot be any doubt, for every observant man amongst the people is aware of MT Smiths merits and of the powerful hold he has upon the peoples confidence and affection.
 MT. Smith, in the canvass before the pri- mary elections in April, was a leader for Morgan and the leader for Sanford. It is not too much to say that he was the chief force which carried the Third Congress- ional District for Morgan and for Sanford, and it was he more than any other one man who assisted Sanford and secured for that distinguished leader the Democratic nomination for Governor. His tact and resourcefulness in leadership won the high est commendation of friends and opponents alike; and his absolute fairness and relia- bility won the confidence of all men.
 MT. Smiths boyhood friend and school mate, the brilliant and learned Professor Charles Thach, of the States great college at Auburn, well says that MT. Smith, by natural equipment, and by the training of a varied and successful public service, is admirably furnished for distinguished public career, and for the highest honors to which he may aspire.
 MT. Smith was born in Harris County, Georgia, March 15, 1860, and is thus in the first flush and vigor of his powers. At an early age he removed with his father, Judge J. W. Smith, to Alabama, residing at vari- ous times in Chambers, Lee and Tallapoosa Counties. Much of his early life was spent on the farm He attended college at Au- burn, and upon leaving it's halls for lack of means to finish his collegiate education, he for several years taught school. He studied law and was admitted to practice in 1881 under Judge H. D. Clayton. In 1880 he married Miss Cornelia E. McTyeire of Russell County.
 He has ever been a faithful party worker and has served 1t in every capacity in its organization. In 1884, while residing in Crenshaw County, as chairman of the County Democratic Executive Committed he conducted lively and successful cam 5 paign for Colonel Herbert against White head, the Populist candidate for Congress.
 Since 1885, until within the last few years, MT. Smith has made his home in Scale, Russell County, where he has most successfully prosecuted the learned profess sion, the law. He soon became one of the leaders of the Alabama State Bar and a trusted party man in his adopted county. He served as chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of Russell, Register in Chancery, and, in 1888, and again in 1890. was a distinguished representative of that county in the State Legislature. In 1892 he was elected Solicitor of the Third Judicial Circuit, and in 1898 was reelected without opposition. As a member of the General Assembly, Smith of Russell' was name both respected and beloved. He rightly yielded commanding influence in that body He was looked up to by his associ- ates, and his opinions were highly respect ed. He gave shape to much important leg islation. Of thirty old members twenty six worked and voted for his election for Solicitor.
 Ills record as Solicitor speaks for itself. The reports of the Auditor and the Attor- ney General show that his record is among the very highest, if. indeed, 1t is not the highest.