Indiana State Sentinel

Heads of the Senate.
BY NEMO.

Benjamin W. Edmonston, the Senator from Dubois, sometimes called the "Red Rover," may be distinguished by what John Ewing used to call his "red cap." Mr. Edmonston never enjoyed any but the most limited means for acquiring an education; but his natural aptness and an investigating turn of mind, have measurably overcome this disadvantage. He has a keen perception of character, and a strong native sense of justice, combined with a soundness of judgment, by which he masters with ease almost every subject within the sphere of his legislative action. While others are hesitating in doubt as to their course of action, Mr. Edmonston has mastered the subject, deduced the principle involved, and traced it out to its practical issues. In speaking, he simply announces the results of his reflections upon facts, and so clear are his ideas, that although his language may want perfect accuracy, he never fails to express himself to the purpose.

On the back seat, behind Mr. Edmonston, sits J. S. Davis, the Senator from Floyd. Mr. Davis is a lawyer, and his speeches give marked evidence of the mental discipline which the study and practice of his profession are calculated to produce. He has a nice discrimination, a keen sense of the ludicrous, and of course is fond of polemic debate. It is not easy to take him at fault; he is watchful of the weak points of his adversary, and not very merciful in regard to attacking them. In his personal intercourse no man can be more agreeable; and he is highly esteemed by those who enjoy the advantage of his acquaintance.

On the extreme right sits George Berry, the Senator from Franklin. The Doctor is "no orator as Brutus is," but woe be to the wight who incurs the penalty of his sarcasms. The few words he ever utters on the floor of the Senate, are full of meaning, and generally not wanting in wit. The pen is however his most formidable weapon. He is an able political writer, never makes the least compromises of principle, nor will he permit himself to pardon any derelictions from it. In domestic and social life no man is more indulgent or kind: but in political conflicts he never gives nor asks for quarter.

John Beard, the Senator from Montgomery, has not been in that body for some years until this winter, but will soon make his influence felt. He will never waste the time of the Senate by making long-winded speeches, but will exert a sway far more potential than that of the best speeches. If he wants the Senate to pass a measure, they may as well come down at once, for "Captain Scott" will have them. Not that he is arrogant or overbearing, for no man could be more unassuming : but he seldom asks for what is wrong, and makes up his mind to have what he does ask. No measure of great public utility will fail to find in Mr. Beard an efficient and devoted advocate.

James G. Read, the Senator from Clark, is an old and experienced legislator, and has often presided over the body of which he is now a member. As a presiding officer, Judge Read is prompt and decided, and as he preserves his own dignity, he finds little difficulty in preserving that of the Senate. Though grave and sober in his deportment generally, the Judge can easily relax the severe tone of Senatorial gravity whenever a suitable occasion offers; and at such times his humor and drollery are perfectly irresistible. His fund of anecdote is ample, and the man who can listen to his relation of them without aching sides and a hearty guffaw, must be made of sterner stuff than most men. The long familiarity of Judge Read with political life and the contentions of party, seems never to have abated in the least the natural kindness of his disposition. His manners are simple, his bearing unpretending, and his treatment of antagonists in debate, courteous. Few men are less opinionated, and none more willing to yield preconceived opinions to the force of argument.

Andrew L. Osborn, the new Senator from Laporte, is a fine specimen of a self made man. He is probably not thirty-five years of age, yet he has accomplished much for himself since he came upon the stage of active life. He was bred a mechanic, yet such was his perseverance that he studied law and has for several years practised his profession with decided success. In the power of clear discrimination and logical deduction, Mr. Osborn has few superiors. His humor is rather wayward, at times exhibiting itself in the playful sallies of wit, and not infrequently in vehement invective and pointed satire. His sympathies are warm and easily aroused, and under their influence he is decidedly an eloquent speaker.

R. Winchell, the Senator from Grant, is a remarkable man. He is tall, with black hair and eyes, and a forbidding expression of countenance. All his mental manifestations are of deep intensity. Every thing with him is in the superlative degree. In speaking, his earnestness amounts often to the most ardent enthusiasm. A stranger who should enter the chamber while he is speaking, would conclude that he is in a towering passion. His denunciations are violent, his opinions always decided, and his views inclined to ultraism. Still he is sincere in his opinions, just in his ultimate aims, and faithful in advocating all that he deems right, and especially, whatever he regards as for the interest of his constituency. He scorns all subterfuge, and the cunning devices of fearful souls; while he pursues his purposes, deaf to remonstrance, and indifferent to obstacles or opposition.

The finest looking man in the Senate, is M. R. Green, the new Senator from Switzerland. He is a rather large, dark complexioned man, with a pleasing expression of countenance. The mountain breezes of his native New Hampshire, have given his cheek the ruddy hue of perfect health; and he seems to be formed for enjoying life with high zest. His face gives assurance that he is not indifferent to the pleasures of social intercourse. He is certainly an intelligent, companionable man, and if he is a bachelor, the ladies will do well to keep a sharp lookout for him.