Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1912-11-09

News comes from Illinois that the
outlook is very bright for the election
of James Hamilton Lewis as the next
senator from that state. Lewis ran in
the Democratic primary and won the
nomination of his party. The election
has apparently put seat in the SEN
ate within his grasp.
Lewis is a unique product of Geor-
gia. Born in Augusta, of humble par
entage. his success in life has been
due to his own energies and capacity,
marred though they have been, in the
estimation of many, by peculjarities
that have probably been assumed for
the purpose of attracting attention to
himself.
Removing from Augusta to Savan-
nah as a boy, Lewis, as the story is
told in Savannah, found himself strap
ped. Without minutes hesitation he
took the first job that offered, that OF
washing dishes at the old Planters
Hotel, down by the market. But he
did not remain there long. A few
weeks found him installed as office
bow for Chisholm & Erwin, afterwards
Erwin. Chisholm & DuBignon, one OF
the leading law firms of the city. Be-
tween running errands, copying pa
!. pers. and doing the other usual work
! of such an employe, Lewis studied
law. He was bright enough mentally
but even then had developed idiosyn-
Icracies that made him an unique per-
sonality and at times greatly rasped
the sedate Judge Chisholm. Young
, Lewis forged ahead in his studies
however, despite his proneness to
fancy vests. exaggerated hair dress
and a remarkable vocabulary OF words
of five syllables. He was admitted tt
the bar, but found little encourage
ment in the shape of clients and fees
Finally the Western fever seized him
, The great Northwest became thu
; dream of his life A score or more
times a day he would bring up the ad
vantages young man would have II
that new and rapidly developing coun
q try, until the mere mention OF Wash
ington or Oregon threatened to throw
, THE law firm of Chisholm & Erwin in
to nervous prostration. So it cam
about that a request for a pass t
Portland was quickly honored b,
Judge Chisholm, then general counse
for the old Plant railroads.
Lewis" said the judge, as he hand
d ed him the free transportation, her
is that coveted pass to paradise. Their
is no return coupon attached. NJ
only regret is that couldn't get it t,
E Honolulu But maybe Portland !
far enough West for youth of you
boundless aspirations"
The old Savannah story went tina
Lewis Immediately touched the inda
q 50. i,,>Pulses, 10
$50 and left on the next train. Blu
d that may be one of the frills that tim
t attaches to all tales about men VIII
have attained prominence.
Landing at Portland, completed
= broke, Lewis found a hotel of moder
ate pretensions and requested lodging
q on credit.
The proprietor gasped with aston
ishment
t why should ! let you, a complet,
stranger have board on credit" he in
quired.
"Oh, you won't be sorry" sail
Lewis, with all the complacency il
the world. I'm make good and pay
you. All | need is a client or two tC
start me off.
The hotel man hesitated looked
Lewis over, broke into a laugh and
said: We'll, your nerve wins. You
can stay here day or two. I'll take
chances on you"
me next night Lewis came back TO
the hotel, thoroughly worn out man.
I'm at work" said he, as he showed
a time check, Got a job down on the
wharf longshoring."
The Georgian's grit captivated the
hotel man.
You're all right said he Go on
and make a man of yourself We need
fellows like you out here"
/ Lewis stuck to the wharf job some
DAYS, while the landlord watched him.
Then he gave Lewis financial assist
ance and the coveted law office was