New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-09

practice was lucrative and he did to enter
upon the life of a member of Congress. But he was
persuaded TO run and was the only man in sight.
He had already served in the lower house of his
native State been Speaker of It, and had made in
many ways brilliant record. His public appear
ance is always fine. and he has inherited Sft
Of oratory. his father Augustus Brandegee, having
for many years been the recognized 'spellbinder''
Of Eastern Connecticut. Not only is his manner as
an orator good. but he is forceful. witty, has
genius for epIgrans and his subject matter is well
thought out. Re is retiring to a degree hardly
expected of q who has been in the public eye
so much for the last few years. and gives the
impression at times that the whole it is rather
a bore to be public man.
At his best. for he is a man of moods, he is
delightful companion, full of anecdote and ready
at repartee-a fine fellow. Perhaps the key to his
general attitude in all that has happened to come
his way for the last few years is best give in his
speech Of acceptance. after O'Clock Friday morn
ing. at the end of the twelve hour long caucus
when he said: Il know that you do not consider
me the best qualified man for the position. but that
have been chosen account of the sense of fair
ness THAI exists among the Republicans Of Con
necticut." This not only a tribute to McLeau's
recognized ability, but was in good sense the at
utude of his own mind. He is a thoroughly trained
lawyer, his speciality having been corporate law,
and he is regarded by lawyers. both in and out OF
the State. as exceptionally capable in this line. He
has not been much Of d visitor to the Capitol. and
until he was chosen Speaker Of the House his face
was not especially familiar in the State. His prac-
tee of law largely in New-York and New
London
In the Buckley Fessendeu contest he lined up
with Fesseuden, and was regarded as his leader IN
Eastern Connecticut. entering into what natu-
rally the Buckley field and winning many votes
for his man, showing what he could do when he IS
aroused 10 political action. The most notable fact
about the contest which VIII put Mr.. Brandegee IN
the Senate is that it was from beginning to end a
good natured one, and no bitterness is left t4X-
Governor Mclean had strong friends who stood by
MIN the 100 mark for more than twenty bal
lots, but there is not the slightest doubt that, had
the break from MCDean's forces been much larger
than II was 1t would have gone to Brandegee
Gus. The Republicans of the State out of the
contest splendid shape, the general feeling being
that the choice Of BTandegee will prove 10 be q
harmoniZer far sectional matters are con
cerned, and there is strong impression that Nc
Lean will be in line six years from for the
honor that he was waiting for-the succession Il
Senator Buckley.
Mr. Brandegee in the Senate will be. first of all
q close student, for that is his temperament, anC
he will be a careful man for the interests Of Con
nectcut. and, although he that it viii take
/ any man a long time to I'LL the place occupied by
| Senator Platt. he win be heard from effectively
| when the real opportunity gets him on his feet
and he will have a fine selection of what that op
portunity will be. his friends will be great!
| mistaken.
His selection Senator will make election t
the lower house necessary in the Sd District, ant
| the probabilities are that Frank T. Brown of Nor
wich If he cares TO enter into the contest hav
sidered Charles SearIe Of Putnam. would be tn
man, after the long term Of service of the lat
Congressman Russell, Of that county, it is doubtful
| If Nev-London County will yield the point.