The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-08-11

of ante -beilum days was potent. He was the author of the resolution adopt ed by both the Missouri State Demo- cratic and the National Democratic conventions in 1856, attacking the posi- tion held by Northern sympatEssers and denying the wisdom of abolition. The immediate result of the adopton of this resolution by the State con veution was a widening of the breach which already existed between the pro- slavery Democrats and the Benton Democrats. Consequently two oelesa- tions were sent to the National Con- ventton at Cincinnati, the one repre- senting the pro-slavery element and the other the Benton faction. The former were seated, however. and voted their convictions to @ man.
 In the following Missouri election It was Judge Price who carried the pro- slavery standard to victory ana 9ne overwhelming odds by which the op- posing Benton and Whig forces were defeated indicate that he was a great power in those days and that his con- yictions became the convictions Of those with whom he associated.
 The plank in the National Democratic platform supporting slavery, written by Judge Price, was the direct cause Of the divisions of the party into North ern and Southern wings, which occur red at Charleston in 1S6O This split resulted In the nomination of two Democratic candidates for the Presi- dent, and making Lincoln's election certainty.
 Judge Price's Early Life.
 William Cecil Price was born In Rus sell County, Virginia. on April 1. 1916. RoA 0rnrainnnf F1la anfa finn owner of that county and 1t was under the conditions then existing in South ern plantation life that young William received his first impressions of the great throbhing world about him. He attended the public schools in the coun- ty of his nativity and at an early age became a master of the primary sub jects commonly taught in these instt- tutions of learning. He attended col- lege at Knoxville. Tenn. where he es- tablished a reputation for honesty and integrity, as well as for his purely in- tellectual qualities. which were gener- ally regarded as of the highest type. His father, becoming victim of the ''Go West and grow up with the coun- try" idea, then prevalent in that sec ton of the country, took up his nova ble effects and headed for Missouri. It was III loOO that IISV AohAAAJ SNN- tied in Southwestern Missouri, where their name soon became synonymous with progress and where the subject of this sketch in after years became a most potent factor In State and nation al politics. At the age of 20 he began the study of law and a few years later was admitted to the Bar at Springefild, Mo, where he practiced. when not in the public service or engaged in the profession of arms. until only a few years ago. when his advanced age compelled him to retire from active life
 First Service as a Judge.
 His first public service was rendered in the capacity of Judge of the County Court at Springfield, which position he occupied from 1S42 to 1S45. when he was appointed deputy United States surveyor of lands under General Con way. He had the distinction of be- ing the first Probate Judge of Greene County, to which position he was elect ed in 1S47. He was elected to- the State Senate in 1851. rendering valua- ble service to his constituents as a member of that body for three years, when he resigned his State Senatorshtp to accept the more honorable and lucrative position of Circuit Judge, rendered him by Governor Polk. While representing his State before the land