The Lexington advertiser. [volume] (Lexington, Miss.) 1904-1985, 1907-05-03
A SKETCH OF E. F. NOEL.

/ Holmes county presents a gubernato-
rial candidate in Hon. Z. F. Noel, who,
in 1903, made the three e-cornered race
for that office, polled about $4,000 votes
out of less than 100000, in the first
primary, and as against distinguished
and able men who had made previous
eanvasses for that office. As will be re-
membered, a widespread impression then
existed that Mr.. Noel's support was To-
cal and small, losing him thousands Of
votes; but for this he would have oocu-
pied the first or second position, in all
probability. On his part, the race was
opened and closed with kindly feelings
for his competitors and their supporters,
| thousands of those who were then
against him being now for him, as can
be learned in any part of Mississippi.
He made the canvass of 1908 personal
one, visiting every county in the State
and every town, relying then, as he will
again, not on bureau of stenographers
supplied with addresses of all the cleo
tors in each county, but on personal ac-
quaintance and the meeting of the cleo
tors of each locality, face to face, Civ
ing his views and learning theirs. 1t was
his first contest for State office,
Mr.. Noel was the youngest man elected
to the Legislature of 1882, and took an
active part in all the reforms considered
by that body; and then introduced and
succeeded in getting passed through the
House of Representatives a proposed
amendment to the Constitution, making
the terms of all State and county officers
four years, instead of having part of
them two years, as was then the case
with sheriffs, assessors and other of
ficers. This measure was defeated in
the Senate, but was put into the State
Constitution eight years later. The pres
ent primary election law, giving to every
voter direEt voice in the selection Of
all the elective officers and United
States Senator'S, was his handiwork OBJ
tanned after two most bitter fights, in
different legislative sessions. The only
constitutional amendment ever adopted
by Mississippi Legislature, making all
judges elective, was prepared by him,
and received three fourths of the votes
cast on that question in the general elec-
tion;, but was defeated by court rul.
ing which added to the votes cast against
it all votes which were polled and ex-
pressed no choice. The amendments were
at the bottom of very long ballot and
many by oversight omitted to vote on
that question. For four years MIR. Noel
was district attorney, and for eight years
a member of the State Senate.
In his private life Mr.. Noel is one of
the finest types of manhood in the State
of Mississippi All his life he has been
moral and temperate man, not using
tobacco or intoxicating liquor He has
always been a devoted son, faithful
brother and friend and tender and low
ing husband in his married life. He has
always in his public life been un-
wavering and hard working Democrat.
He has served his county and district in
many capacities, as legislator and prose
cutting attorney for his district, and in
other official positions, with signal sue.
cess. No man in the State has ever
served his country in any official capacity
with more fidelity and sincerity than 4.
f, Noel. As a public prosecutor he was
just, energetic, searching and firm. He
took no unfair advantage, but presented
his case strongly and irresistibly, and
when he was convinced that the defend
ant was innocent he would not seek his
conviction, but Immediately 30 informed
the court and nolle pressed the suit. Dur.
ing the last six years he has devoted his
time and attention almost entirely 10
the practice of his profession, enjoying
one of the largest and most lucrative
practices in the State, standing at the
head of the local bar, and practieing in
all of the surrounding counties in the
State.
In 1898, directly after the call for vol