USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > History of Dubuque County, Iowa; being a general survey of Dubuque County history, including a history of the city of Dubuque and special account of districts throughout the county, from the earliest settlement to the present time > Part 38
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At the Breckenridge and Lane ratification meeting July 7, 1860, there were present Judge Charles A. Corkery, P. Quigley, Warner Lewis, J. J. E. Norman, S. G. Fenimore, William Myers, J. T. Lovell, John Strohl, Hardin Nowlin, John D. Jennings, A. D. Anderson, Ralph Sawyer, Samuel Duncan, W. W. Bird, James H. Williams, J. H. Emerson, H. H. Heath and others. Speeches were delivered by James H. Williams, John T. Lovell, John D. Jennings, Patrick Quigley, H. H. Heath and John Strohl. The campaign committee consisted of John D. Jennings, Patrick Quigley, C. S. D. Jones, J. H. Williams and J. H. Emerson. The resolu-
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tions announced adherence to the Charleston platform and approved the Cincinnati platform of 1856. The Herald denounced this meeting and the movement it represented and called those taking part therein "secessionists," "dissensionists," "Breckenridge fizzles," etc.
On August 4, 1860, Samuels and Vandever, congressional can- didates, held a joint discussion of the issues of the day in Dubuque. Both made strong, artful and eloquent speeches and were ap- plauded vigorously by their respective adherents. Mr. Vandever opened and closed the debate.
A meeting of all men favorable to the formation of a Bell and Everett electoral ticket was called for August 30, 1860. Those who signed the call were William H. Clark, M. D. Bissell, Thomas M. Randolph, Joseph Chapman, G. B. Smith, G. F. Bissell, M. F. Patterson, William C. Friend, Thomas M. Monroe, J. M. Harri- son, Alexander Young, W. B. Robbins, Thomas Monroe, E. Mc- Craney and J. H. Thompson.
Lincoln Clark and Joseph A. Chapline, Democratic and Re- publican candidates for elector, held a joint debate here August 20, 1860. It was claimed by the press that each did the other up. Some half dozen hickory poles (Democratic) were raised in Du- buque in August, 1860. The Wide Awakes made their first ap- pearance here forty-five strong on July 28, 1860. They marched to the park and were addressed by Shiras, Langworthy, Vandever and others. Another debate of the political issues was held in Dubuque September 10, 1860, between Lincoln Clark (D.) and FitzHenry Warren (R.). The latter opened and closed the dis- cussion.
An important event here in September, 1860, was the speech delivered by Governor W. H. Seward, of New York. His party arrived at the Julien House September 21. The Republicans did their best to make the occasion notable and brilliant. The governor was escorted to the square by the Wide Awakes, led by the Ger- mania band. In the carriage with the governor were General Nye, Charles F. Adams and Governor Patterson. The governor spoke from a temporary stand erected in the square. F. V. Good- rich presided. The speech was profound and eloquent, argumenta- tive and logical and lasted two hours. He was followed by Charles F. Adams, a son of John Quincy Adams, and he in turn by Gen- eral Nye, one of the wittiest, keenest, most eloquent and most pop- ular speakers on the stump of that day. The Herald said: "This gentleman is too well known to need much notice; of an imposing presence, massive head and easy carriage, he captivates the audi- ence before saying a word. He spoke about an hour and alter- nated between flights of pathos and rich humor-the latter bring- ing down the house every time. He is a very engaging speaker and carries the audience right with him." He was followed in a
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short speech by Governor Patterson. This was the most enthusi- astic public meeting of the Republicans of the county during the campaign and was attended by from 5,000 to 8,000 persons.
The Democracy of this section claimed to take a middle course between the Abolitionists of the North and the secession fire-eaters of the South ; declared that the election of Douglas to the presi- dency meant the safety and integrity of the government and that the election of either Lincoln or Breckenridge meant disunion and war. The Republicans and the Breckenridge men here denied such consequences, while admitting and deploring the gravity of the situation.
The announcement that Stephen A. Douglas would speak in Dubuque on October 11, 1860, was sufficient to kindle the Democ- racy of the county to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. On Octo- ber 10, 1860, the Democracy began to assemble. Henry Clay Dean arrived on the roth. The senator was to arrive by train from Anamosa and a reception committee of sixty-two, accompanied by the Germania band, left for that place on the afternoon of the 10th to meet him. The Herald of the 12th said: "The announcement that Douglas would speak at Dubuque a short time since ran through the county and its surroundings like a shock of electricity -people doubted, wondered, finally rejoiced. Never has a prouder ovation been offered-never one more worthily bestowed and in no case has it been mere liero worship." On the way to Anamosa many humorous incidents occurred. At one station in Dubuque county, as the train stopped, one member jumped off and called to a German standing there, "Hurrah for Douglas!" He promptly replied, "You pe dampt mit yer Dooglas! I hurrahs for Lincoln." When they reached Anamosa they marched downtown to the plat- form in front of the Fisher House, where Douglas was then speak- ing and all were overwrought with nervous excitement, enthusi- asın and anxiety to see the great man. One more enthusiastic and excited than the rest, catching sight of him, yelled out, "There he is : there he is, God d-n him," and ended with a tremendous cheer, "Hurrah. hurrah for Douglas!" Immediately upon the arrival of the delegation, it became known who they were and Douglas ceased speaking long enough to propose "three cheers for Dubuque," which were given uproarously. The delegation remained there all night and the next morning all embarked on board car for Du- buque. With the Dubuque delegation was Hon. T. S. Wilson. At every station Douglas showed himself and was enthusiastically cheered. At Farley a special train from Independence awaited the Douglas train, on board being the Independence Invincibles, a fine company of 100 men.
At Dubuque when Douglas arrived the depot grounds and Jones street were black with people. He was hurried past the crowd into a carriage and transported quickly to the Julien Hotel, followed
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by the procession, which continued "up Fourth to Locust and around again to Main to escape marching under a Lincoln flag suspended across Main street. This was a studied insult which we believe no gentleman would be guilty of perpetrating." (Her- ald, October 12, 1860. )
"The procession was composed of the various clubs from home and abroad, citizens, strangers, etc., and together with those fol- lowing on the sidewalks numbered not less than 10,000 people. By I:30 p. m. a denser crowd had gathered at the square than ever before was known. We believe that from 15,000 to 20,000 people would be a fair estimate. Hon. D. S. Wilson welcomed Douglas in an eloquent address and was followed by Senator Douglas in a long and brilliant speech, which was published in full by the press. At night the torchlight procession and a speech by Mr. O'Neil closed this memorable day. Henry Clay Dean did not speak, owing to lateness of the hour. The torchlight procession was the longest ever seen here, consisting of nearly 2,000 persons, of whom 900 belonged to Dubuque. In the procession were groups of clubs from Table Mound and other townships. A prominent feature in the display was a squatter sovereign's wagon, gotten up mainly by Thomas Falierty. It was a huge tent mounted upon a large express wagon furnished by A. A. Cooper and drawn by eight horses. The tent was illuminated beautifully and upon every side were appropriate mottoes. The entire procession was one mile in length, with the marchers, some two, some four and other six numbers abreast. It is impossible to describe the imposing beauty and effort of the long procession. The night was clouded, adding very much to the effect of the display. Many buildings along the route were illuminated, while a dense crowd stood on the side- walks or walked along with the procession. They were finally disbanded by J. H. O'Neil in an eloquent speech." (Herald, Oc- tober 12 and 13, 1860.)
Late in October both parties organized and carried into effect the plan of holding political meetings in all portions of Dubuque county. Such were held at Key West, Buncombe, Gordon's school- house, Hempstead, Epworth, Worthington, Dyersville, Evergreen, Pin Oak, Peter Fries, Renner's schoolhouse, Peosta, Cascade, Glasnevin, Centralia, Pott's tavern, Ehler's schoolhouse and else- where.
A strong effort to fuse the Douglas and Breckenridge wings of the Democracy in Dubuque county late in October, 1860, resulted in failure. Resolutions offered before the latter were several times defeated.
The Democrats of Epworth made preparations to erect a large hickory pole and prepared the pole for the following morning. During the night their rivals hauled it away and the Democrats were forced to prepare another and erected it and were addressed
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by Governor Hempstead, Colonel Ross, Frank H. Jennings and J. G. Armstrong.
John A. Kasson spoke here on the issue October 27, 1860; he addressed the Republicans at the Julien theater. The Republican county convention met here October 27, 1860, and nominated can- didates for delegates to the judicial convention and a candidate for district clerk.
THE OFFICIAL VOTE OF DUBUQUE COUNTY NOVEMBER 6, 1860.
Democratic electors 3,059
Republican electors 2,092
CONGRESS.
Samuels (D.) . 3.2II
Vandever (R.) 443
SECRETARY OF STATE.
John M. Corse (D.) 3.114
Elijah Sells (R.). 2, 115
CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.
J. F. Bates ( D. ) 2,976
J. P. Farley (R.) 2,124
James A. Langton (Indp. ) I37
The Republicans held a magnificent jubilation on the evening of November 12. 1860, to voice their joy at the results of the elec- tion. There were many bonfires, torchlight processions of the Wide Awakes, broadsides of artillery, etc.
The Herald of November, 1860, said: "The Finale .- Well, we (the Democracy ) are licked and like Lazarus, by dogs, to borrow an idea. The smoke from the battlefield has lifted and we find ourselves flat on our backs. Although sometimes a degrading one the horizontal position has its peculiar enjoyments and advantages. With his back to the earth one fronts the stars."
"We hope our Republican friends will not hereafter claim all the decency, morality, etc., after the fact becomes known that on Mon- day night 200 kegs of beer were drunk. The Wide Awakes will give a grand ball Friday night. The tickets read that Malon Shavours (colored) is one of the managers. Good, if truc. It also reads 'all Republicans invited without distinction of color." We suspect that there is a 'nigger in the woodpile.' " (Herald. November 14. 1860. )
"Those of our readers who have thought we were hasty in ex- pressing our opinion that some of the Southern states would secede
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will probably have reason to think as we did when they read the telegraphic news in the Herald this morning. We merely antici- pated the action of the South, from circumstances which could scarcely result otherwise than as we predicted. Let those who have brought these disasters on the country look to the consequences." (Herald, November 14, 1860. )
"The North has made no aggressions on the rights or interests of the South." (Times, November 22, 1860.) Late in Novem- ber, 1860, the National Democratic Club of Dubuque assembled and passed resolutions rehearsing practically their arguments of the last campaign and justifying the South in resenting the inter- ference of the North with its institution of slavery. These reso- lutions were denounced by a writer in the Herald of November 28; he said: "The resolutions are simply a justification of the South in its violent and revolutionary measures."
"Two short weeks only have intervened since it became known that Abraham Lincoln was elected to the presidency and in these two weeks the calamities which have befallen the country have no precedent in the election of a chief magistrate. The disasters which the country is now experiencing were foreseen and foretold, but such was the mad fanaticism of some and the reckless disre- gard of consequences of others and the incredulity of many, that the warning voice of those who foresaw the evils was disregarded and treated with scorn and derision." (Herald, November 22, 1860.)
The early secession reports from the South particularly affected the Dubuque markets, hecause of its direct dealing with St. Louis, New Orleans and other down-river points. Much of the grain and flour had usually been consigned to New Orleans houses, but now it was deemed unsafe and all was chaos. They had to seek new points and consignees.
"So much for electing a man-the exponent of personal liberty bills, nigger suffrage and equality, Beecherism, Stoweism, nigger- ism and a dozen other isms and tomfooleries upon which the en- tire North under the lead of Abolitionized Massachusetts has gone mad." (Herald, November 23, 1860.)
Rev. John C. Holbrook, in the pulpit here on December 9, 1860, said: "Rather than deprecating the present commotion. I regard it as one of the most hopeful signs of the times. Rather than com- promise by any sacrifice of what we have gained I would let the Union go. Let the slaveholding states slough off, then we at the North will remain a free nation that will not be scoffed at by the other powers of the world." This coming from the pulpit caused many dissenting comments. Mr. Holbrook said his statements had been misrepresented and misunderstood. He denied the con- stitutional right of a slaveholder to take his slaves into any por- tion of the United States to reside there: but further said that if
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it was his constitutional right he would assent thereto long enough to have that right set aside by the courts. Slavery had no exist- ence anywhere by natural law, and could exist nowhere until legis- lated there.
On February 26, 1861, W. B. Allison, E. C. David, Dr. Hen- nion, J. W. Taylor, John Bittman and half a dozen other left here for Washington to be present at the inauguration of President Lincoln.
"The policy of Mr. Lincoln appears to us to tend toward a per- manent disruption of the Union and to thus recognize the theory of the 'irrepressible conflict' between the systems of labor and the civilizations of the North and South. Those who expected Mr. Lincoln and his partisan advisers to coerce and subjugate the re- volted South will be doomed to disappointment. He will. on the contrary, while making a show of resistance to the course of the seceded states, remain passive to transpiring events until the gov- ernment there becomes so well established as to command respect." (Herald, March 23, 1861.)
There was much interest, though no excitement, shown in re- gard to the municipal election in the spring of 1861. Several tried to make the election non-political, but failed. The Democratic city convention was harmonious and good men were named for the offices. H. S. Hetherington was nominated for mayor. The Republican city convention was equally quiet and harmonious. H. L. Stout was nominated for mayor. As there had been some dis- pute over the point, it was resolved that the ticket should be called the Republican ticket. Mr. Rebman moved that it be called the Union ticket, but Dr. Thomas thought this would be borrowing Democratic thunder-the Democrats had lately talked so much about the Union.
The vote for mayor in April, 1861, was: Hetherington (D.), 1,041 ; Stout (R.), 1,294. Only a short time before Hethering- ton had run for mayor on the People's ticket. The newspapers did not know whether to praise or abuse him. "There were more votes cast with reference to private and personal interests and per- sonal regard than is usual in elections in this city. It cannot be regarded as a party triumph." (Herald, April 2, 1861.) The Times claimed the election as a Republican victory ; it was also claimed by the Herald as a Democratic victory.
D. A. Mahony, signing himself chairman pro tem of the Demo- cratic state executive committee, called a meeting of the state Democracy to consider the questions agitating the Union, and was taken to task for so doing by J. B. Dorr, who said he had no authority to issue such a call nor to assume the role of chairman pro tem of the committee.
At the Douglas obsequies here in June D. S. Wilson delivered the principal oration. It was the second largest audience ever
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collected in Dubuque, said the Herald, the largest having come in October, 1860, to hear Senator Douglas speak. Schools closed ; business was suspended. The man upon whom the citizens of Dubuque had crowned so much honor was fittingly remembered at his death.
The state convention of the Democracy called by Mr. Mahony was repudiated and another was convened in 1861. The Dubuque convention naming delegates to the latter resolved as follows : That the present war between the disloyal states and the govern- ment should not be regarded as sectional, nor anti-slavery, nor for subjugation, but solely for the maintenance of the Union, the preservation of our Magna Charta and the suppression of the re- bellion ; that at the time when the country is resisting a war of in- vasion and destruction indifference is impossible to the patriot and neutrality is cowardice if not premeditated disloyalty ; that this con- vention view with unqualified condemnation the course of those papers at the North which cry peace when there is no peace, ar- guing to the best of their ability against the side of the govern- inent and in favor of the cause of the Confederate states, deny- ing the achievements of the Union army and magnifying those of the enemy ; that the call of a state convention of the Democracy by Dennis A. Mahony was a wanton usurpation of authority-a bold, reckless effort to disorganize the Democracy and force it in opposition to the war; and that this convention is proud of the glorious conduct and achievements of our noble Iowa First. These resolutions show that at the outset of the war the Democracy of Dubuque county, until led away after false gods by Southern apostles, was ready to support the administration in its efforts to crush the rebellion. That many of the Democrats of this county should be led astray by such artful pleaders and logicians as Mr. Mahony and the Southern wing of the Democracy here is not to be wondered at; in fact, under the specious sophistry of such men the majority of the Democracy soon came to regard President Lincoln as a tyrant and usurper and the war one of subjugation. outrage and crime. No wonder they opposed the war.
In the fall of 1861 Col. W. H. Merritt was Democratic candi- date for governor. The election of October, 1861, was one of the most exciting that had ever been held here. The Union Democrats and the Republicans united, but were defeated by a reduced ma- jority. The Democratic majority throughout the county was about 760. The contest between Cummings (R.) and Hewitt (D.) for the shrievalty was fought with a rancor and bitterness rarely wit- nessed here. During the battle Mr. Hodnett, who was connected with the Herald, attempted to cowhide Jesse Clement, editor of the Times. and either succeeded or did not, depending on the parti- san view. Hodnett was tried, convicted and sentenced to twenty-
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five days in jail, but managed to evade service. The following appeared in the papers :
Barnes to Pettit: You pour forth your slimey abuse, etc. I brand you, Henry W. Pettit, as a base liar, and you dare not resent it .- Barnes.
Pettit to Barnes: Your statement about me is correct, but I object to your spelling slimy with an e .- Pettit.
"Have We a Government ?- The course of the party in power warrants the inquiry, Have we a government? or rather, Have we men at the head of the government who know how to administer it? The experience so far has been that the Lincoln administra- tion has been worse for the country than a failure. It has inflicted injuries on the United States from which it may never recover. The sooner the party in power be got rid of the better." (Herald, December 18, 1861.) "Another Military Prisoner .- The telegraph informed us last evening of the arrest of Gen. George W. Jones and that he has been sent to Fort Lafayette. The arrest was made by Prime Minister Seward, under the sanction of His Majesty Abe the First. Verily, we live in a free country." (Herald, December 21, 1861.)
"By way of preparation for the next spring and fall elections, the emissaries of treason are busy at work both in this city and county. Throughout the county they are calling people's meet- ings and passing through them resolutions manufactured for the purpose and alike in substance, if not in words, to be published in the Dubuque Herald, declaring that the war was caused by Yankee speculators and Abolitionists, denouncing the war tax and calling on the people to unite in a crusade against the New England manufacturers, the banks, railroad companies and Abolitionists. It needs but a glance at their resolves to see that they are distin- guished treason." (Times, February 18, 1862.)
"The so-called Democratic convention which met at the court- house on the 24th inst. and was presided over by the editor of the Herald, had in its members some well-meaning men; but in the main and in the intent of its fuglemen it was nothing but a gatlı- ering of the fag ends of the Breckinridge traitors of this city. It was a Jeff Davis-Mahony crowd which did the bidding of its chair- man, even to the adoption of certain resolutions, which he said he wanted passed to endorse his political course and the course of his paper, the Herald." (Times, March 30, 1862.)
In the spring of 1862 the Republicans, Abolitionists and "shoddy" Democrats united and renominated H. L. Stout for mayor by acclamation and also a full city ticket. In 1861 they called their city ticket "Union"; in 1862 they called it "National Union." They resolved that slavery was a great evil and "the sum total of all villainies:" and that concessions to armed rebels, so ardently advocated here, would appear to be a weakness and would
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strengthen the rebellion. Ben M. Samuels was president of the Democratic Club.
The Democratic convention was stronger and more pronounced in its views than the Republican convention. John H. Thedinga for mayor and a full ticket were nominated. The Times charged that the resolutions written in advance were prepared by Mahony. They recited that the assumption of arbitrary power under the pretense of a military necessity was an act of despotism and un- constitutional and continued :
"Resolved, That in taking a retrospective view of the past his- tory of the country we perceive the rise of a fanatical party which has manifested itself in the phases of Abolitionism, Prohibitory Lawism and Higher Lawism in opposition to every principle of the constitution and to popular rights ; and to the success of which that party has acquired in the country and in the control it has obtained not only of the Federal government, but in the govern- ments of the Northern states, we trace the first cause of the Re- bellion which has been so calamitous to the people of these United States.
"Resolved, That as Abolitionism was the cause of the existing rebellion we do not perceive any prospect of peace, founded upon the security of the people in the protection of the constitution, until the Federal, state and municipal governments shall be rescued from the control of Abolitionism and till the treason of abolitionism shall be treated as a crime by the government and as a dangerous and reprehensible evil in the body politic by the people."
The resolutions at half a dozen meetings were similar and ended by declaring that the Democrats were right to oppose such a party ; that the appointment of Stanton over Cameron was justified; that arbitrary arrest and the disregard of the habeas corpus should cease; that as war was forced upon the country it should be prose- cuted along old constitutional lines; that the existing financial pol- icy should be condemned, and that a recognition of states' rights should prevail. The Democrats elected their entire city ticket by substantial majorities-319 in case of the mayor.
"The Democrats of this city were almost beside themselves last night with exultation. It was not merely the rejoicing of the lips, but the outburst of the heart. No wonder that they exulted. For months past every term of opprobrini was cast upon them, every contumelious epithet which the mean, corrupted heart of Abolition- ism, Republicanism and shoddyism could conceive was applied to them, till to be a Democrat became almost a martyrdom. Once more Democrats can feel that their principles are in the ascendant and that the time is not far off when they will be able to save the Union by restoring to the administration of the government men who will conform to and enforce the Constitution as their rule of government. Let us have such a celebration of the event as
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