USA > Alabama > Reminiscences of public men in Alabama : for thirty years, with an appendix > Part 55
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VISIT OF EX-PRESIDENT POLK.
In March, 1849, ex-President James K. Polk took the South- ern route in returning from Washington to his home in Nashville. Measures were taken to give him a reception at Montgomery. About one hundred gentlemen got up a private entertainment at the Montgomery Hall. A public meeting was held, and a com- mittee appointed to meet him at Opelika, and escort him in a special train to the city. Col. John J. Seibles was chairman of the committee, and was accompanied by several gentlemen, to- wit: Col. Howell Rose, Seth P. Storrs, Col. Reuben C. Shorter, Jr., Gen. Rush Elmore, Col. Robert E. Coxe, Dr. Charles S. Lucas, and the writer, besides others whose names have escaped recollection. The route of Mr. Polk from Opelika was crowded
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at every station with multitudes of people anxious to see him, and hear him say something. After partaking of a very fine dinner, prepared by Mr. John Gindrat at Franklin, the party, consisting of Mr. Polk and his lady, Miss Rucker and Miss Hays, and the official escort, arrived at Montgomery in good time, and was re- ceived at the Montgomery Hall, in presence of a large concourse of citizens, by Mr. Yancey, on behalf of the city and State, in a short and pointed speech, to which the ex-President replied.
The dinner was given after night, in the large dining-room of the Hall, and was attended by about one hundred gentlemen. Col. John A. Elmore presided, assisted by several Vice-Presi- dents. In due time, the toasting and speaking commenced, and Mr. Polk, in reply to the toast of the occasion, made a speech which, of course, gave satisfaction. Col. Reuben C. Shorter was there, and a noble, humorous gentleman he was, too. His senti- ment was the most amusing, and was drank with great freedom. It was this: "Gen. Taylor. May he follow in the footsteps of his illustrious predecessor."
The fatigue of the guest excused his retiring at an early hour, say midnight; but did not interfere with the fun and wit and pastime of the occasion.
Captain Coxe, of the steamer "Empress," had detained his fine boat for the purpose, and the distinguished party, at noon next day, left for Mobile. Mr. Polk was in a low state of health when he passed through Alabama, and the continued and long drafts made upon him, by the popular courtesies on the trip, no doubt contributed to his death in the June following.
NOMINATION FOR GOVERNOR.
The Spring of 1849 opened with a good deal of maneuvering in State circles. The biennial election was to be held, and the elements of discord and rivalry in the Democratic ranks gave out the sounds of an approaching contest in the nomination for the Executive. Gov. Chapman, who was really entitled to the posi- tion, had, in a correspondence with Mr. Philip Woodson, Jr., the influential editor of the "Huntsville Democrat"-in reference to the dissatisfaction in many quarters of the State, especially North- Alabama, at his appointment of Senator in Congress-with great magnanimity, waived his right to a candidacy for reëlection with- out the formality of a convention, according to the usages of the party.
A Convention was at once called to meet in June, and public meetings were held in most of the counties. The solicitude grow- ing out of the occasion was increased by its novelty, and a very large attendance of the leading men of the party was the conse-
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quence. Judge Bridges, of Wilcox, was made President, and R. C. Shorter, Jr., of Montgomery, Secretary. Among the promi- nent members of the Democratic party present and participating, may be mentioned Mr. Yancey, who had been selected by the friends of Gov. Chapman with a view to his support; John Coch- ran and Eli S. Shorter, of Barbour; Judge Heydenfeldt, of Rus- sell; Columbus W. Lee and William M. Brooks, of Perry; James E. Saunders, of Mobile; Judge Roach, of Wilcox; John G. Har- vey, of Greene, besides many other friends of Gov. Chapman, were unable to rally a two-thirds vote, and when he fell below a majority vote, he was withdrawn. Then the contest was between John Erwin of Greene, John A. Winston of Sumter, Judge Stone of Lowndes, and Judge Collier of Tuskaloosa. After balloting two days, Judge Collier was nominated unanimously, and was, as will be seen, elected without opposition.
THE LEGISLATURE.
For the first time in many years the Whigs had a majority in the Senate-the count standing, Whigs, 17; Democrats, 16. In the House the Democrats had a majority of ten. This year (1849) the Whigs brought forward their talented, popular men, and in many counties and districts that were Democratic, they succeeded in electing their candidates.
The General Assembly met on the 12th of November. In the Senate, every member was present on the first day. Gen. Dennis Dent, of Tuskaloosa, was unanimously elected President. He was selected on account of his long service in that body, where his personal relations with his political opponents had always been friendly; and, although an intense Whig, he was personally pop- ular. Jennings F. Marrast was elected Secretary; W. M. Kidd, Assistant Secretary; and L. G. Million, Door-Keeper.
In the House, Gen. L. P. Walker, of Lauderdale, was elected Speaker, without opposition; A. B. Clitherall, Principal Clerk; J. H. Cooper, Assistant Clerk; W. J. Greene, Engrossing Clerk; and J. H. Owen, Door-Keeper.
Gov. Chapman transmitted to the House, on the same day, his annual message, which occupies thirty-two pages of the House Journal-an able and business-like document.
The Governor, toward the close, devotes seven pages of his message to a topic wwich will be sufficiently explained by the first and last paragraphs of the discussion, hereto subjoined:
First paragraph-
Having thus placed before you, for your consideration, every subject connected with the domestic policy of the State, and the immediate interests of her people, 1 33
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I should feel that I had not discharged my whole duty, if, before retiring from office, I did not call your serious attention to the question of slavery in the Terri- tories, and the action of Congress on that subject. A more important subject never presented itself to the consideration of a people; for it concerns not merely our property, but is a question of State and individual honor-of self-preservation.
Last paragraph-
I recommend that provision be made by the Legislature at once for the calling of a Convention of the people of the State immediately upon the passage of the Wilmot Proviso in Congress, or any similar measure having a tendency to exclude slavery from the Territories, or abolish it in the District of Columbia, or interfere with the removal of slaves from one State to another. I recommend, also, that provision be made, that, in any such contingency, our sister States similarly affected, be invited to unite with us in general Convention, to consult upon the state of the Union, and the best means of preserving our common rights.
The two Houses contained a large addition of talent in such men as Murphy, McLemore, Watrous, Gunn, and others, of the Senate; and Robert H. Smith, William G. Jones, James, Irby, Watts, Ligon, Hall of Autauga, L. M. Stone of Pickens, H. C. Lea, J. T. Rather, and others, of the House. The leading men, so far as the arrangement would allow, are signified by the Chairmanship of Committees:
In the Senate-
Mr. Murphy, on the Judiciary ;
Mr. Stewart, on Finance;
Mr. Manning, on Banks and Banking;
Mr. Judge, on Federal Relations; Mr. Watrous, on Internal Improvement;
Mr. Buford, on Education;
Mr. Abercrombie, on Propositions and Grievances.
In the House-
Mr. W. G. Jones, on the Judiciary ;
Mr. Bridges, on Ways and Means;
Mr. Jemison, on Banks and Banking; Mr. James, on Federal Relations;
Mr. Hill, of Sumter, on Internal Improvement; Mr. Lea, on Education.
The session of 1849 may be considered one of great practical importance. Much business was transacted, and many able re- ports made upon the various questions referred to the Committees.
As sole Commissioner for winding up the affairs of the State Bank and Branches, the Hon. Francis S. Lyon submitted a report of his management, which was referred to a Select Committee, to
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examine the account and vouchers. That Committee, through Mr. Jemison, the Chairman, made the following report:
The Joint Committee appointed by the two Houses of the General Assembly to audit and settle the accounts of F. S. Lyon, Esq., Commissioner and Trustee appointed to settle the affairs of the State Bank and Branches, showing the receipts and disbursements by said Commissioner and Trustee on account of the State, have performed the duty assigned them, and instructed me to report.
They were furnished by the Commissioner with an account in detail of moneys received by him since the passage of the act of 4th February, 1848, appointing him as sole Commissioner and Trustee to settle up and close the affairs of the State Bank and Branches; also the expenditures by him on account of the State during the same period, which account is herewith submitted for the information of the two Houses.
Your Committee inquired into the mode of keeping the accounts at the sev- eral Banks, so as to test the accuracy of the several items with which the Commis- sioner stands charged, and to satisfy themselves there had been no omission to charge moneys for which he was accountable. They found that all moneys col- lected under his supervision at each Bank went into the custody of the Assistant `Commissioner of the Bank where collected, whose duty it was to keep a regular account of all collections. These accounts have been all reported to the General Assembly. Whenever any money has been withdrawn from any Bank on the order of the Commissioner, the amount was charged to his account at the Bank whence it was drawn, and the Assistant Commissioners have rendered accounts of all moneys paid by them to the order of the Commissioner, or placed to his credit, and subject to his order.
On settlement of accounts of the former Board of Commissioners at the last session of the General Assembly, there was found to be on hand a balance arising from Bank collections, the sum of $1,067,019 84. This sum was charged to the present Commissioner; in addition to which, it will be seen from the debit side of the account herewith submitted, he has since received the several amounts with which he is therein charged from the State Bank and Branches, and from the State Treasury. Upon a careful examination of each item on the debit side of the account, and a comparison thereof, with the entries made at the several Banks by the Cashier or Assistant Commissioner of each, your Committee became fully satisfied with the correctness of the debit side of the Commissioner's account. They then proceeded carefully to examine each item on the credit side, growing out of payments of interest on the foreign debt of the State, the reducing the principal of the State debt, and the purchase of Treasury Notes, as shown in the report of the Commissioner to the present General Assembly, made 19th ultimo.
The vouchers relating to each item of expenditure were severally and care- fully examined, and the result has been that every item was sustained by a proper and satisfactory voucher, and the credit side throughout found to be correct, as stated.
Your Committee next proceeded to count the bonds discharged, and Treasury Notes on hand, and found, as stated in the report of the Commissioner, the sum of $2,476,666 57 of the Bonds of the State have been taken up and canceled, and that there is on hand, in six per cent. Treasury Notes and United States Stocks, $1,100,000, and the further sum of $564,314 64 in specie funds unexpended, and on deposit in the Bank of Mobile, and Merchants' Bank, New York.
Your Committee, moreover, inquired into the outstanding circulation of the several Banks, as reported by the Commissioner, and find the same correct, accord- ing to the returns from the respective Banks. They also find his report of collec- tions made at the several Banks sustained and verified by the detailed statements from each.
Your Committee have likewise examined with care the profit and loss account presented by the Commissioner, and find the same correct.
Finally, your Commitee are, from their investigation, fully satisfied of the cor- rectness of the statement of receipts and expenditures of the Commissioner, as stated in the account which accompanies this report, and they are likewise sat-
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isfied of the correctness of the statement of receipts and expenditures of the Com- missioner, as stated in the account which accompanies this report, and they are likewise satisfied that the several statements and results shown by the report of the Commissioner to the present General Assembly are correct.
In the opinion of your Committee, the very arduous and responsible duties devolved upon the Commissioner have been discharged with ability, fidelity, and untiring industry, and with most decided benefit and advantage to the State. The office has been one difficult to execute, and by no means free from risk and danger to any incumbent, however cautious and prudent in performing its delicate and responsible duties. In the performance of these duties by the present incumbent, we have seen nothing to condemn, but much to admire and approve. Under his conduct and management of the affairs of our hitherto miserably mismanaged State Bank and Branches, and the other funds of the State placed under his con- trol, a new era has occurred in our finances, a brighter sun has shone on our pros- pects; it is, therefore, with regret that your Committee have learned that he desires to retire from his present position as Commissioner and Trustee, and that this desire has, in a great degree, arisen from the insufficiency of his compensa- tion, which has been mostly paid out in traveling and other unavoidable expenses, leaving a mere pittance to remunerate him for his exclusive and entire attention to the business of his office, to say nothing of the constant and unceasing anxiety attendant upon the discharge of its duties. We can not believe that, for reasons of this sort, the State will consent to part with the services of the first public functionary who has shed a ray of light and hope upon the deep and discouraging gloom that for years past has cast its impenetrable shadow over her financial prospects.
The present Commissioner has performed more than three-fourths of the labor necessary to bring to a close the affairs of the State Bank and Branches, and has, from his experience, acquired a knowledge of its complicated duties, which could not soon or readily be acquired by any other, however able or apt; added to which the very unexpected and gratifying results of his past labors having given him so firm a place in the confidence and affections of a generous and just people, we are satisfied this people would desire his continuance on terms that will, to some extent, compensate him for past as well as future services, and for the sacrifices in his private and individual business. From those who serve them well, who serve them ably, and who serve them faithfully, the people of Alabama will not withhold a reasonable compensation.
In view of the foregoing facts and considerations, your Committec would deem themselves wanting in justice to the Commissioner, and faithless in their duty to their State, if they did not recommend that the General Assembly make provision for adequate compensation to him for his past as well as his future services, and to insure to the State the successful completion of a policy so wisely begun and so ably conducted thus far.
Your Committee have prepared, and most respectfully submit, the accompany- ing bill, the passage of which they earnestly recommend.
R. JEMISON, On the part of the House of Representatives. JOHN MORRISETTE, On the part of the Senate.
This document is given entire, as showing in detail the process of winding up the commission by the Trustee, whose conduct was highly approved.
COUNTING THE VOTES FOR GOVERNOR.
On the 16th November, 1849, the two Houses of the General Assembly convened in the Hall of the House of Representatives, to compare and count the votes for Governor at the last general elec-
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tion, when Mr. Speaker presented the official returns from forty- four counties, which were examined, showing a total vote of 37,925; of which HENRY W. COLLIER received 37,221, and the remaining 704 votes were cast for eight citizens who were not can- didates. Chief Justice Collier was therefore declared duly elected Governor of the State for a term of two years.
BURNING OF THE CAPITOL.
The two Houses had been in session a month and two days, and were industriously engaged in the dispatch of business, which promised an early termination of the session, when an event oc- curred, which in the disorder and the derangement produced, and the introduction of new questions, extended the session nearly one month longer. I allude to the burning of the State Capitol on the 14th day of December.
About fifteen minutes after one o'clock in the afternoon, when both Houses were in session, it was discovered that the Capitol was on fire over the Representative Hall-the volume of smoke issuing with rapid increase. Gen. Frazier, of the Senate, upon the first intimation of such a thing, hurried to the upper story, and into the room leading, by a trap-door, to the top, to see what dis- coveries could be made; but was met at the door by a dense vol- ume of smoke, which arrested his progress.
The Senate adjourned hastily; but the House broke up its sit- ting without the formality of an adjournment-such was the panic and confusion that suddenly seized upon the members. The fire extended rapidly from the south end of the building against a pretty stiff northern breeze, and in three hours, that superb, ele- gant structure-a monument of the liberality of the citizens of Montgomery, and the pride of the State-was in ruins; nothing left but portions of the blackened walls.
The combined efforts of the members and citizens, with the heads of departments, saved the public property upon the base- ment and second floor. The State Library on the third floor could not be entered without peril. After the archives of his office were saved, the writer conducted a number of gentlemen to that apart- ment, to assist in throwing the contents out of the windows; but the heat was so great and increasing, that they could not remain, and the large collection of public documents, law-books, manu- script Journals of the General Assembly, historical works, maps of the several States, and valuable papers, with a variety of pub- lications presented to the State in exchange for similar courtesies, and other volumes constituting a fine collection for public use- were all destroyed.
The archives and papers of the Executive, of the Secretary of
.
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State, the Treasurer and Comptroller, of the Supreme Court, and of the Senate and House of Representatives, including all belong- ing to the public offices in the Capitol, that were saved, were se- cured in rooms procured for the purpose in the city, until the Houses should determine the location of the different offices.
The day after the conflagration, the President of the Senate laid before that body several communications:
1. From F. Bugbee, C. T. Pollard, and other citizens of Mont- gomery, a committee on the part of the citizens, tendering the use of such buildings and rooms as would be suitable for the Leg- islature of Alabama to hold their session in.
2. From Mr. Talbird, pastor of the Baptist Church, tendering the use of the Church building to the Senate or House of Repre- sentatives.
3. From W. L. Yancey and others, a committee on the part of the Presbyterian Church, tendering their edifice of worship to the General Assembly.
On motion of Mr. Ware, of Montgomery, a joint committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Ware, Winston, and Aber- crombie, on the part of the Senate, and of Messrs. James, Watts, Rather, Hill, and Bridges, on the part of the House, to examine the rooms which have been tendered, and if, in their opinion, they be suitable for the comfortable accommodation of the General As- sembly, and for the dispatch of public business, they shall contract for said rooms, and also provide rooms for the accommodation of the departments and officers of the Government-the committee to report on Monday, 17th of December. Not being able to ac- complish their labors within the time specified, further time was asked, and granted, for the committee to make their report.
INAUGURATION OF GOV. COLLIER.
When the Senate met on Monday, December 17th, Mr. Storrs from the joint committee appointed to make suitable arrangements for the inauguration of His Excellency HENRY W. COLLIER, made the following report:
PROGRAMME.
FIRST.
The two Houses will adjourn at 11 o'clock, A. M., on Monday, the 17th instant, form a procession at the Montgomery Hall, receive the Governor elect, and repair to the Methodist Church, where the inauguration will take place.
SECOND.
The procession will form in the following order:
1. The military.
2. Citizens.
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3. Mayor and Aldermen.
4. Committee of Arrangements.
5. Governor elect and the retiring Governor.
6. Chaplain.
7. Members and officers of the Senate.
8. Members and officers of the House of Representatives.
9. Officers of State.
10. Judges of the Supreme and Circuit Courts, and Chancellors.
11. Senators of the United States, Ex-Senators and Ex-Governors.
THIRD.
The Rev. Dr. Hamilton will act as Chaplain.
FOURTH.
Gen. James G. Carroll will act as Marshal, with aids.
FIFTH.
After the inauguration, the two Houses will again form in procession and escort the Governor to his rooms.
SETH P. STORRS, GEORGE N. STEWART, JAME8 M. BECKETT, Committee on the part of the Senate.
· LEWIS M. STONE, JOHN S. STORRS, ENOCH ALDRIDGE, Committee on the part of the House.
The plan of the Committee was carried out in the ceremonies, and the new Governor, after delivering an address suited to the occasion, took the oath of office in the Sanctuary of the Most High, in the presence of a great multitude, official and otherwise, instead of the Capitol, where his election had been proclaimed one month previously.
In a few days, rooms and offices were provided and arranged, and the two Houses were again at work. But a new question was sprung-that of rebuilding the Capitol-and from the day of the burning to the end of the session, it was the engrossing, if not the controlling one. The old removal feelings were kindled anew, and on the proposition to rebuild at the expense of the State, there was a close division and count, while the Senate hung on a balance of uncertainty for some time. But the measure at length prevailed, money was voted, and the Capitol was rebuilt in two years, upon the old foundation, in time for the meeting of the Legislature in 1851.
From various causes, the session of 1849 proved to be a long one, terminating on the 13th of February, 1850. One of the measures of importance, was a ratificatation of an amendment of the Constitution, giving the election of Circuit Judges to the peo- ple, and providing for a Probate Court in each county, the Judge of which was to be elected by popular vote. This removed the
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election of these officers from the Legislature, where it had been lodged since the organization of the State. It showed, too, the progress of public sentiment, step by step, since that time. Under the original Constitution, Judges of the Circuit Court held their offices for life. Public opinion, in a few years, demanded that they should be elected for a specified term, and it was fixed at six years. But it did not stop, and the next demand was to elect those officers by the people, instead of the Legislature. This was accorded them.
MEMORIAL OF MISS DIX.
The well known and highly respected philanthropist, Miss D. L. Dix, of New York, visited Montgomery during the session, and presented a memorial to each branch of the General Assem- bly for the establishment of a hospital for the insane. The mem- orial was referred to a select committee. In the Senate-
Mr. Stewart, from the Select Committee to whom was referred the memorial of Miss D. L. Dix on the subject of the establishment of a hospital for the insane, reported as follows:
That they are very much gratified in having the opportunity, by reason of the valuable information communicated to them by Miss Dix, to present to this body the means of performing a duty so long neglected and so sadly delayed. It is a stranger who, having nobly devoted her life to the succor of the afflicted, now pleads their cause before us, and from no other motives than the pure dictates of Christian charity and benevolence: She admonishes us, and we must admit it as a lamentable fact, that the State of Alabama, one of Heaven's most favored social communities, whose population claim to be recognized as a Christian and civ- ilized people, alive and adequate to all the purposes of self-government, has ex- isted as a sovereign State for thirty years, and yet she has wholly omitted and neglected to perform one of the first of her moral, social, and religious duties- that pleasing duty of charity to the afflicted.
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