The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1903-10-03
GLIMPsEs OF MR.. BoNAPARTE.
characteristics of Man Who is to Probe Govern.
ment Scandals.

ment Scandals.
I'he following sketch of Mr.. Charles
J. Bonaparte, the we'll known law
yer, whose beautiful country resi-
dence is located in lower Long Green
Valley, in the nth district of Balti-
more county, is taken from the New
York Tribune, and will no doubt
prove interesting to the readers of
THE UNION
When it was announced til
Charles j. Bonaparte, Of Baltimore,
had consented to undertake the in
vestigation of the charges affecting
the administration of Indian Terri
tory Gin addition to his work of pro-
scouting Postofice "grafters } Balti-
more people who have known the ins
and outs of Mr.. Bonaparte's life said
that the President could not have
made better choice, for if a man
ever deserved the title of Fighting
lawyer" it is the relative of the for
mer French Emperor who has made
the Monumental City his home.
There are number of familiar fig
ures to be seen on Baltimore streets.
One is Cardinal Gibbons, but equally
as we'll known as the eminent prelate
is Mr.. Bonaparte, walking with a
long, swinging stride, his head going
from side to side, apparently keeping
time with his steps. 1t is peculiar
motion, this swinging of the head.
1t generally means that he has some
thing weighty on his mind. When
he is pondering over subject his
most intimate friend might look him
straight in the eye and not be recog-
nized, for the Baltimore attorney is
one of the deepest thinkers. There
is reason for this studious manner,
however, for he is one of the leading
members of the bar, and, besides his
extensive law practice, there is side
issue to which he gives much atten-
ton.
The politicians OF both parties we'll
know what this side issue is. Mr..
Bonaparte has been an enemy of the
professional politician for over 20
years. He is not merely an enemy,
but one of the aggressive kind. He
has done more fighting against rings
and ringsters than any dozen reform
ers in the State of Maryland, and
from the bosses down to petty ward
executives, all dislike him as much
as the devil is supposed to dislike
holy water. One reason why he has
been requested by the President to
assist in these investigations is be-
cause he has reputation for never
letting up after he has once become
engaged in fight, when he believes
it to be against wrong. He has the
tenacity and perseverance of his fa-
nous ancestor. While he is an able
lawyer and a witty and an interesting
speaker, his reputation has been ac-
quired largely by his determination
of character.
Personally, Mr.. Bonaparte would
not be considered handsome man by
any means. Strangers, seeing him
on the street, might think he was &C.
centric or that his mind was affected,
on account of the peculiar motion of
his head already referred to. He is
of a nervous temperament, and when
conversing with visitor in his office
or at home is continually shifting
about in his seat. This is due to the
constant working of his mind, which
may be said never to rest except when
he is asleep. He is of an unusually
cheerful disposition, however, and
can appreciate good story or a joke
as we'll as anyone. Probably this is
one reason why he is reputed to be a
wit himself.
1t is only necessary to announce
that Charles ]. Bonaparte is to deliv-
er an address at public meeting to
have the hall crowded with not only
men, but women. 1t is a common
expression heard on the streets when
such an announcement IS made :
Lets go down tonight and hear
| Bonaparte give it to 'em." By "'em"
is meant some of the political leaders,
for in his position as a member of the
Civil Service Reform Association, the
Baltimore Reform League and other
bodies organized for the betterment
of the community he is frequently
called upon to speak in opposition to
some public measure or against some
party candidate whose reputation is
none to good. Unfortunate for most
of the regular politicians of the
| State Mr.. Bonaparte has their rec
ords so vividly in his mind that he
can sketch their careers from the time
they entered public life. There is
probably no man living who is as
familiar with Senator Gorman's say
ings and doings as he. The fund of
information which he possesses is as
tonishing, but it is more astonishing
how we'll minor things are retained
in his memory. As a result, some oi
the "lett-handed" compliments which
he bestowS upon the Senator from
Maryland, as we'll as his subordinates
in the city and State, have been high
ly effective.
Although so restless in manner,
Mr.. Bonaparte is not lacking in ne
cessary dignity, and is entirely al
home upon rostrum or before jury,
He is deliberate in his manner oi
speaking, and knows just how to give
emphasis to telling point by paus
ing at the right place and for the
| right length of time. When he be.