Brackett, Edward Augustus

Thomas Brackett Reed Jr. (1839–1902) was a prominent American politician and parliamentarian from Maine who served as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for multiple terms. He significantly expanded the power of the Speaker's office, earning the nickname "Czar" Reed from opponents due to his stringent control over House proceedings. Reed's political career included representing Maine in the legislature and serving as Attorney General before his extensive tenure in the U.S. House. He championed the Lodge Bill to protect African American voting rights, though it ultimately failed. Despite a presidential bid on a hard currency platform, he lost the Republican nomination. Reed resigned from Congress in opposition to American imperialism following the Spanish-American War, a stance that led to his political isolation.

Born in Portland, Maine, Thomas Brackett Reed Jr. came from a modest background. His father was a fisherman and later a warehouse watchman. Reed attended public schools and showed an early interest in public affairs. Initially intending to become a minister, he received financial support from his church congregation for college. He attended Bowdoin College, where he studied theology, classical languages, and mathematics, alongside rhetoric and oratory. During his time at Bowdoin, Reed developed a reputation for his memory, particularly in reciting religious texts, and participated in various college activities including rowing and debate. He was a member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity and an editor of the yearbook. His close friendships included Samuel Fessenden, whose later death in the Civil War profoundly affected Reed.

After graduating from Bowdoin, Reed pursued legal studies and was admitted to the California bar in 1863. He also served briefly in the U.S. Navy as an acting assistant paymaster during the Civil War, stationed on the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers. Upon returning to Maine, he was admitted to the state bar and began a private law practice, handling civil and criminal cases. His legal career provided a foundation for his later political ascent. He also served as Portland's city solicitor for three years, representing the city in legal matters.

Reed's political career began in the Maine legislature, where he served in both the House and Senate. He quickly gained recognition for his parliamentary acumen, particularly in navigating party caucuses and legislative procedures. He later served as Attorney General of Maine, where he raised his public profile and advocated for legal reforms, including changes to spousal privilege and bail bond procedures. His most significant impact came in the U.S. House of Representatives, where as Speaker, he implemented rule changes that dramatically increased the power of his office. This control allowed him to manage the legislative agenda effectively, leading to his "Czar" nickname. His political philosophy emphasized strong party governance and limiting the minority party's obstructionist tactics.

“The best system is to have one party govern and the other party watch”

“Tell them I kept a grocery on a gunboat down in Louisiana in wartime.”