USA > Illinois > Cook County > History of Cook County, Illinois : being a general survey of Cook County history, including a condensed history of Chicago and special account of districts outside the city limits : from the earliest settlement to the present time, volume II > Part 61
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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
The people voted by an immense majority to issue $1,000,000 in county bonds required to pay off the old county indebtedness.
In the spring of 1888 both Democrats and Republicans grew care- less and permitted the nomination of undesirable candidates for al- dermen. There were several independent candidates. For the town offices special Citizens' tickets were nominated and were composed of Republicans and Democrats who desired the best government pos- sible. The United Labor party put a ticket in the field. In Hyde Park there was a Citizens' ticket; also in Jefferson and South Chi- cago. The United People's ticket in Lake was headed by Elmer Washburn. There were to be elected in April, 1888, thirty out of forty-eight aldermen. The importance of this election was urged upon the people by the press. The party machines were somewhat lukewarm and the danger of such apathy was pointed out. There was a consolidation or a division of parties in order to secure good men. In the Twenty-second ward, for instance, the Democrats and Republicans of the better classes were so disgusted with the party candidates for aldermen that they resolved to support the Radical Labor candidate. At the election of April, 1888, every town officer was elected by the Republicans. They also swept the city. The Radical Labor party cast a still lighter vote than before. Of the aldermanic candidates the Republicans elected nineteen and the Democrats eleven. This gave the new council thirty-two Republi- cans, fifteen Democrats and one Socialist. The total vote in the city approximated 54,200. The Republicans cast nearly 30,000 and the Radical Labor party 3,600. In Hyde Park a split ticket was elected. In Lake there was a sharp, close contest. The United Peo- ple's ticket was elected by majorities ranging from 150 to 700. In Evanston, Jefferson, and Cicero the Republicans or People's and Citizens' parties won victories. In Lake View the Republican ticket was largely elected.
Early in June, 1888, preparations for the Republican national convention at the Auditorium were in progress. The opening day was June 19. For four years the country had been in the hands of the Democracy and it was now demanded that the Republican should be returned to power. An interesting incident of the convention was the introduction to the audience of John C. Fremont, the first Republican candidate for President. Fred Douglas, the colored man, made an impressive speech during the opening ceremony. The leading candidates for the Presidency were Gresham, Harrison and Sherman. Other names were mentioned but these three were the favorites. Mr. Estee was elected permanent chairman of the con- vention. On the first ballot Mr. Sherman led in the number of votes. On the fourth ballot General Harrison jumped from less than 100 to 217 votes. On the eleventh he had 278, and on the eighteenth 544, which nominated him. Levi P. Morton was nominated for Vice- President. As a whole the nominations suited Illinois Republicans.
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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
Both parties in October, 1888, prepared for a vigorous campaign. The first registration day was October 9. The Labor convention, which was held here on October 6, voted solidly against any fusion with the Democrats or other partisans. At this meeting the Union, Unity, Industrial Reform and Radical Labor parties united. They nominated an independent ticket. Early in October Melville W. Fuller took the oath of office as Chief Justice of the United States under the appointment of President Cleveland. The total registra- tion of the old city, excluding the towns just added, was on the first day 89,804, and in the city, including the towns just admitted, which were Hyde Park, Lake, Lake View, Jefferson and Cicero, a total of 114,675. Throughout the city clubs, committees and organizations carried on a stirring campaign, both on local and national issues. The death of John Wentworth in October, 1888, occasioned great regret. An immense Republican meeting held here October 17 was addressed by John M. Thurston and others. The registration for Chicago and its recently annexed towns aggregated a total of 172,- 138. The registration of the city of Chicago was 133,937. This registration met the highest expectations of all parties. Mr. Blaine appeared here on Saturday, October 20, and was greeted by an im- mense audience at Battery D. His reception and his speech were one of the most notable events in the history of this city. Mr. Fifer, Republican candidate for governor, and General Palmer, Democratic candidate, addressed Chicago audiences in October. The speeches delivered by General Palmer greatly pleased the Democracy. The result in Chicago was mortifying to the Republicans. They had promised 10,000 majority to the Harrison national ticket. Two years before the Labor candidate for state treasurer received 25,000 votes in Cook county, the Democratic candidate 26,000, and the Republican candidate 43,000. The coalition of the Democrats and the Fusionists now caused a great change. Cook county gave Gen- eral Harrison a majority of only 497. The county more than offset the Cleveland majority in the city, and thus gave the county to the Republicans. Owing to the Socialists' influence, there was a major- ity of more than 4,500 against Joseph W. Fifer for governor. The Republican candidates for county commissioners were defeated. The delegation from this county to the next General Assembly was Republican by more than two to one. The Democrats did not get a single state senator. Of the forty members of the General Assem- bly from Cook county, twenty-six were Republicans, thirteen Demo- crats and one Labor man. The representation in Congress remained practically unchanged. It was conceded that the fusion of the Dem- ocrats and the Laborites in Chicago was the cause of the practical defeat of the Republicans.
The spring campaign of 1889 was one of the most spirited ever conducted in the city. Both parties were thoroughly united and de- termined to succeed. Germans, Irish, Swedes and other nationali-
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ties were industriously sought and urged to vote either the Repub- lican or the Democratic ticket. The Central Labor Union was influ- ential during the campaign. The Democrats nominated Dewitt Cre- gier for mayor. The Republicans renominated Mr. Roche for mayor. A few days before the election it was known that the result would be close, although it was believed generally that the Republi- can ticket would win by a small majority. The Republicans them- selves thought they would have about 10,000 majority. The Re- publicans claimed that the fight was really in favor of law and order as against the gang rule which had ended in the Haymarket massa- cre and the conviction of the boodlers. The Democrats claimed that the Republican administration was weak and inefficient and that the reforms promised had not been carried out. There was more enthu- siasm shown among business men than ever known before. Many local questions figured in this campaign. Rapid transit, prohibiton, Sunday closing and high license were the deciding subjects in this campaign. The result was that the Democrats not only received their full party vote but also received the large floating vote opposed to any restriction as regards Sunday closing or the sale of liquor. Mike McDonald had charge of the Democratic campaign. The league between Mr. Cregier and the gamblers was well understood by every one familiar with the situation. This campaign was really an attempt of the disorderly and saloon elements to gain control and resume the power, liberty and immunity they had previously held under Mr. Harrison. Mayor Roche was detested by the vicious elements, owing to his rigid enforcement of the ordinance against gambling and immorality. No stone was left unturned by either party to secure the support of any and every race, faction or religion that could be influenced in the city. In this respect the campaign was notable. It was acknowledged just before election day that no campaign had ever been more thoroughly or enthusiastically con- ducted. The skill of Mike McDonald as an organizer and campaign manager was abundantly shown during this campaign. Probably at no time in the history of the city were the Democrats so united, determined and confident as during this campaign. Every intrigue or scheme likely to win votes was adopted regardless of its charac- ter or consequences otherwise.
The result of the election was the success of the whole Democratic ticket. The combination of the rank and file of the Democrats with the laboring people and the gambling element was sufficient to win success. Evidently the people did not want a rigid enforcement of the law such as Mayor Roche carried into effect. The South town elected Republican officers, but the West and North towns were car- ried by the Democrats. In Hyde Park the Republicans were defeated and the candidates of the Citizens' party were elected. In Cicero the entire Republican ticket was elected. The People's ticket succeeded in Jefferson. In Lake View and Lake the Republicans were suc- cessful.
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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
One factor which contributed to the Republicans' defeat was con- ceded to be the weakness of their aldermanic ticket. The most of the nominees for that important position were men, of small caliber, named by one-sided caucuses and unsupported by the mass of, think- ing and intelligent Republicans. The party was rent by intrigues in almost every ward. Local jealousies and other considerations named the weak men. No honest man could find fault with the Roche ad- ministration. It was just, fair, clean, honest and able. It suppressed vice more than had been done before for a decade, but in doing so encountered the hatred of the elements that were compelled to obey the law. Cregier's plurality was 12,058. The city clerk, Amberg, Republican, was elected by a majority of 133. The new council had twenty-five Republicans and twenty-three Democrats. The new aldermen elected were thirteen Democrats and thirteen Republicans. For governor, Fifer received 58,107 and Palmer 65,912 votes.
In the fall of 1889 the new primary law was put into effect and was pronounced successful. The law took from the committeemen their previous autocratic power. The most important object of this election was the selection of fifteen candidates for county commis- sioners, ten from the city and five from the county. There were also to be elected a recorder of deeds, judge of the Circuit court, and judge of the Superior court. The fight was good men against incompetents. Michael C. McDonald conducted the Democratic campaign. His ability, skill and experience were necessary to Dem- ocratic success. The boodle claims figured in the contest. It meant a great deal whether honest men or dishonest men were elected county commissioners, because upon them would rest the decision of whether to fight or not to fight such claims. Mr. McDonald made a strong fight to secure the election of his candidates for the County Board. A strong attack upon President Senne of that body was made by his opponents. Nearly all charges were denied and shown to be false. The Republicans and Democrats divided the victory at the November election. The Republicans elected their recorder, Circuit judge and five of the county commissioners. The Democrats elected their candidate for Superior judge, president of the County Board, and ten of the county commissioners.
The importance of the April election, 1890, was duly recognized. Both parties organized and conducted spirited campaigns. It was thought by many that the City Council was a more important body to Chicago than was the State Legislature or Congress. All real- ized that the city fathers had immense power over fortunes and hap- piness. The problems at this time were clean streets; smoke nui- sance; good drinking water; separation of police department from the vicious and gambling elements; the proper handling of city funds ; absence of boodling ; preparing the city for the World's Fair; control of gambling and vice; extension of city improvements ; good schools ; control of the city by men of such honesty and good charac-
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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
ter as would create a good impression during the World's Fair. The elections in the towns were not lost sight of. Town officials were usually extravagant and were paid high salaries. Accordingly there usually were vigorous fights for those positions. Personal interests and considerations ruled this election. There was a multiplicity of candidates. In most wards there were three-Republican, Demo- crat and Independent. The Democrats swept completely the three town tickets. The Republicans won in Hyde Park and Lake View and only partly in Lake. This was the first time for many years that. all three old towns were controlled wholly by the Democrats. The Democrats had thirty-four members of the new council and there- fore held a slight majority in that body. The total registration at the April election, 1890, was 149,441.
The campaign in the fall of 1890 was one of the most enthusiastic and bitterly contested ever conducted in the city. The Democrats held their convention on the last of September. It was one of the most turbulent, disorderly and riotous ever held in the city. The contending factions fought to a finish before the ticket was finally selected. Numerous fist fights on the floor of the convention hall occurred. As a whole the nominations were those of strong, able and presumably honest men. During the campaign General Palmer, Senator Cullom and other prominent men assisted their friends in this county with speeches and influence. The campaign committees were particularly active in seeing that no portion of the county was neglected and in making every attempt to secure factional votes. The Civil Service Reform league issued an interesting campaign document to which very little attention was paid. The Republican papers roasted Mr. Lawler, Democratic candidate for sheriff, and declared him to be a demagogue and friend of the gamblers and plug- uglies. The Citizens' committee of one hundred, representing the British American Council, the Patriotic Order of Sons of America and other organizations named a full ticket at this election. Both old parties during the last week of the campaign held parades and ratification meetings throughout the city, and particularly in the down town districts. There was much trading done. The Demo- crats strained every nerve to secure legislative members. There was nominated at this time what was called an Independent ticket for county commissioners. It was issued in the interests of a non- partisan board based upon a business platform. A number of the most prominent men in the city were connected with this movement. It was conceded that this contest was not one for political advantage, but was in the interest of good and honest government. The result in many instances was so close that it required the official count to settle who had the majority. The Republicans secured six of the ten city members on the County Board, including the president. That number, with the five county members, gave the Republicans the majority on the County Board. As a whole, it was a Repub-
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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
lican victory. James H. Gilbert, Republican, defeated Mr. Lawler, Democrat, for the office of sheriff. Hull, Republican candidate for county treasurer, was defeated by Kern, Democratic candidate. The new delegation in Congress was three Democrats and one Republi- can. Wolfe, Republican candidate for county clerk, defeated Haert- ing, Democrat, by a substantial majority. Lane, Republican can- didate for superintendent of schools, defeated Mrs. Mulligan, Dem- ocrat, by a large majority. Frank Scales was elected County judge over the Republican candidate, Mahert; Kettelle defeated Ball for Superior judge; Brentano defeated Garnett for Superior judge. For state treasurer, Cook county gave Amberg 72,291, Wilson 77,- 904 and Link 920. Wilson was a Democrat and Amberg a Repub- lican.
In the spring of 1891 Mr. Harrison desired the nomination for mayor, but was unable to induce the Democratic convention to think likewise. They nominated Dewitt C. Cregier for that office. This so incensed Mr. Harrison that he prepared to oppose savagely the election of Mr. Cregier. He secured the nomination for mayor on the Personal Rights League ticket on March 16, and immediately began a bitter denunciation of the management of city affairs by Mayor Cregier. He pronounced the administration of the latter the most shameful and corrupt in the history of the city. He charged the mayor with having 500 men on the pay roll in one ward, 700 in another, and about 1,000 in another-all for election purposes, and demanded to know out of what fund these men were paid. The Cregier faction succeeded in capturing the support of the Trade and Labor party.
Among the questions before the people during this campaign were the Sunday closing ordinance, the union labor question and the movement against gambling. Frank Lawler, the right-hand man of Mr. Harrison, stumped the city against the Cregier and Republican tickets: The Republicans nominated Hempstead Washburne for mayor and in their platform demanded the following: No increase of indebtedness; every dollar to be accounted for ; public inspection of accounts; publication of the city pay roll; day labor system in place of contract system; eight-hour day ; no one but citizens on the city pay roll; suppression of public gambling, and divorcement of the police from politics, etc. The city hall (or Cregier) faction of the Democracy during this campaign practiced the most objection- able methods in order to secure the success of their ticket. They colonized voters at lodging houses, padded the registration lists and in some instances on election day stuffed the ballot boxes. The old gang were determined to win. The business men of both par- ties united against the Cregier ticket and administration. An im- mense mass meeting of non-partisan business men was held at Cen- tral Music hall on March 21. Mr. Washburne addressed the audi- ence.
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The Democrats in their platform supported the following princi- ples : The eight-hour law ; the streets are the property of the peo- ple; legislation for the masses; the city to do its own work and not through contractors; the enforcement of the factory and tenement laws; the city treasurer to be paid a fixed salary ; the interest on de- posits to belong to the city treasury. The Republicans made the most of the attacks of Harrison and Lawler upon the Cregier ad- ministration. The Socialist-Labor party nominated Thomas Mor- gan for mayor and the Citizens' committee and the Prohibition party nominated Elmer Washburne. Thus there were five mayoralty tickets in the field. The Democratic State Central committee de- cided that Cregier was the regular Democratic nominee. This fur- ther complicated this unique, abusive, rascally and thrilling cam- paign. The speeches of Stephen A. Douglas and John Finerty in support of the Republican ticket were witty, sarcastic and brilliant. In every ward there were sharp, personal contests. All parties paid particular attention to the question of non-partisanship of the police force. A remarkable fact connected with this campaign was that although Cregier and his supporters in their speeches and documents stated substantially the facts, they were not believed, but were ridi- culed, condemned and finally ignored. The Republicans declared at this time that the County Board, under Mr. Edmanson, had been guilty of graft, corruption and scandal almost every day in the year. Among the policies advocated by the Citizens' party candidates, headed by Elmer Washburne, were the closing of saloons, the non- opening of parks to the public, and the stoppage of street cars on the Lord's day. The platform was called a Sabatarian one. The news- papers referred pointedly and sarcastically to "Cregier and his family trust." Thus savagely the factions approached election day. Hemp- stead Washburne received for mayor 46,857, Cregier 46,421, Harri- son 42,170, and Elmer Washburn 23,596. For the City Council the Republicans elected fifteen members, the Cregier Democrats sixteen and the Harrison Democrats three. Charges of cheating, fraud, false registration, colonization, and stuffing ballot boxes, were as numerous after the election as before. The elections in the various towns were vigorously contested. The North, South and West towns and Lake, with slight exceptions, went Democratic. Hyde Park, Like View, Cicero, Jefferson and Calumet, with a few exceptions, were carried by the Republicans.
On September 26, 1891, the Democrats named Jonas Hutchinson for Superior judge ; Charles E. Babcock, superintendent of schools; L. E. Cooley and W. S. Bogle, drainage trustees; John S. Cooper, president of the County Board, and fifteen county commissioners. The factions of the Democratic party united in this convention. The Harrison wing and the Cregier wing held separate caucuses and even sat apart in the convention, but finally united on the above ticket. The preparation of the platform was left to the campaign
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committee. The Republican county convention was held on October 1. The ticket was as follows: Theodore Brentano, Superior court judge; Orville T. Bright, county superintendent; William Bolden- weck and B. A. Eckhart, drainage trustees; J. M. Green, president of the County Board, and fifteen commissioners. The Republican newspapers boasted that their ticket was the strongest and best that had been nominated for several years. It was a cut-and-dried slate ticket. A special committee of seven selected these candidates in advance of the convention. The People's Trade and Labor party nominated Michael Healy and C. G. Dixon for drainage trustees ; Robert Nelson, president of the County Board; Homer Bevans, county superintendent. The Prohibitionists organized and put a full ticket in the field. Early in October the campaign committees on all parties began active work. The new Australian ballot was to be used and the newspapers contained full descriptions as to how it should be voted. The registration lists were purged, lodging houses were inspected everywhere throughout the city, and efforts to secure a pure and untrammeled vote were made. On the other hand the ringsters and wolves were as busy as ever. There was graft on the County Board and graft in the City Council. Boodlers seemed to be everywhere. The Republican newspapers singled out Mr. Cooley as the object of their attacks. Adolph Kraus, Frank Wenter, Aus- tin Sexton and Thomas Gahan were among the leaders who prepared the Democratic platform. During this campaign city and county consolidation was considered. Mr. Cooley's deep canal plan was thoroughly discussed. It received unlimited abuse from the Repub- lican newspapers. They declared that if his plan were put in opera- tion it would mean enormous taxation. At the election in November the Republicans were successful. A Republican Board of County Commissioners was chosen. Boldenweck, Cooley and Eckhart were elected drainage trustees. On the balance of the ticket the Repub- licans swept the county with majorities running from 7,000 to 14,- 000.
In March, 1892, voters were urged to study the character of al- dermanic and town candidates. The leading newspapers said there was ten times more aldermanic corruption than at any time since 1871-72. One paper said, "In 1871 aldermen were paid for getting places for policemen, for allowing bay-windows to be constructed in violation of the ordinances, and for permitting a railroad to lay down a switch track. Today they sell franchises to gas and com- pressed air companies. They sell rights of way to trunk lines and force elevated and street railroads to pay tribute to them. There should be investigations, indictments and convictions." That paper urged the grand jury to make an immediate and thorough investi- gation. It was declared that the boodlers and bribe takers of 1871-2 were bunglers, and that it took some time for aldermen to learn how to conceal their crimes. The council of 1876 was overwhelmingly
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honest. Almost every man was absolutely incorruptible in official duty. People, then determined on reform, deliberately selected good men. Why then in 1892 should not the present council be selected from the ranks of well known and honest citizens regardless of party? In twenty-eight of the thirty-four wards of the city there were from three to five candidates for each aldermanic vacancy. In each of the other six there were two candidates. This gave the citi- zens plenty of material, such as it was, from which to choose. Everybody liked the Australian ballot. It became popular from the start. The existing council was Democratic and was likely to re- main so, but there was no reason why it should not be honest as well as Democratic. The city authorities at this time made vigorous and praiseworthy war on poolrooms and bucket shops. That was one item to the credit of the city administration.
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