Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-06-11
An Able Republican Leader.


very interesting sketch of Hon. David
II. Mercer of Nebraska, which was first
published in the Washington Post.
Mr.. Mercer has come to the front very
rapidly during the past few years as
a recognized leader of the Republican
party in the National House of Repre-
sentatives. He has, in marked de-
gree, the qualities that command sue
cess in public life. He is a gentleman
Of sterling character, indefatigable in
dustry, and has a clear headed grasp
of affairs. His splendid physique, and
powers of concentration, combined
with executive faculties of the very
highest order, give him a wonderful
capacity for hard work. He is a nat
ural leader of men, strong, resolute,
tactful, and unswervingly loyal in his
friendships. His pleasant address and
uniform courtesy, have made him de-
servedly popular with his fellow mem
bers, and have enabled him to ac-
compIish most substantial results for
the district he so ably represents.
Mr.. Mercer was born in Benton
County, Iowa, July 8, 1857. The fol-
lowing year his parents removed to
Adams County, Illinois. At the close
Of the Civil War his father, who had
served under General Sherman as
captain of Company L, Seventy eighth,
Illinois volunteer infantry, took up his
residence with his family in Brown
vile, Nebraska. Here the future Con-
gresham attended the public schools.
In 1877 he entered the Nebraska State
University from which he was gradu-
ated in 1880. During this period he
taught school, clerked in a store,
worked on a farm and edited news
paper, to assist in defraying his college
expenses. For a year after leaving
the State University he studied law in
an office, after which he entered the
Senior class of the law department of
the Michigan State University. Gradu-
ating in 1882 he returned to Brownville
and entered upon the practice of his
profession. The people of that place
were quick to recognize the strong
qualities that have since brought him
into prominence in our national life
He served them as city clerk and police
judge. He was also twice elected to
the responsible position of Secretary OF
the State Central committee. In 1885
he moved to the hustling city OF
Omaha which has since been his home
Here he was soon established in the
successful practice of his profession
He was for several years chairman OF
the Republican city and county COM
mittecs: was elected Secretary of the
national Republican Congressional
committee, and in 1928 served as
Chairman of the Republican State Cen
trail committee of Nebraska. He was
elected to the fifty-third congress and
is now serving his fifth consecutive
term as a member of the National
House. From the first he has grown
steadily in the influence he has exerted
in that body. Upon the death of the
late Congressman Milliken-whose
close friend he was-he succeeded to
the Craftsmanship of the important
Committee on Public Buildings and
GrOunds-a Iosition he has filled with
conspicuous ability am. success. He is
recognized today as one of the strong
ana growing men of the Republican
party-a rugged. honest, vigorous type
of the self-madc American citizen
The people of his own State have rea-
son to feel proud of the substantial re-
suits he has been able to achieve fol
them during Ills service in the Nationa
House. The people of this congress
sional district will have a warm cor
nor in their hclrts for the old-timt
friend and CO. worker of Seth l.. Mill
ken. who has been also the persona
friend Of his successor, and who has
in many ways shown his friendship foi
our people.
We believe that there are still higher
honors in store for this party leader
who has in his distinguished public
career. given such conclusive evidence
of his ability to wear them worthily.