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 62
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About the middle of March, 1892, the Grand Jury returned in- dictments against the following aldermen: Cremier, W. J. O'Brien, Jackson, Dorman, Gosselin, D. R. O'Brien and Gorman. These men protested their innocence. They were charged with bribery in the granting of franchises. It was argued at this time that both givers and takers of bribes should be punished. Why let a wealthy cor- poration be free to tempt aldermanic candidates? As high as five hundred new citizens were turned out of the naturalization mill in two days about the middle of March. All parties, whether they ob- tained honest men or not, were doing their utmost to achieve suc- cess. The Democratic newspapers demanded to know why Repub- lican aldermanic boodlers had not been indicted as well as Demo- cratic aldermanic boodlers. Thus far indictments had been returned against the latter only. They insisted that the state's attorney, for partisan purposes, was proceeding against Democrats only, and de- manded the whole truth regardless of fear or favor. The news- papers and the federations demanded day after day that the regis- try lists should be thoroughly purged of all fraudulent names. At this time as never before did both parties covertly attempt coloniza- tion plans in different portions of the city. In the Eighteenth and Twenty-fourth wards, where the registration was unusually heavy, such schemes were revealed. That they existed in the down town wards all admitted. The free silver discussion cut an important figure. The laboring people appeared upon the scene with a full ticket. Street cleaning by special assessment was considered.
When the grand jury finished its labors about the first of April indictments had been found against nine aldermen and one member of the Board of Education. The newspapers, as usual just previous to the day of election, published lists of men whose selection as alder- men they thought most wise. These lists were regarded with sus- picion. The newspapers themselves were partisan and therefore made the support of party nominees the first consideration. The town and the aldermanic contests were fought from a partisan stand-
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point, though each party made honest efforts to secure good men. The result of the election was more satisfactory to honest citizens than had been anticipated. Several of the most pernicious members of the council were retired to private life. The success of getting good men of both parties for aldermen was particularly noted and gratifying. Of the thirty-four aldermen whose terms expired, only nine were reelected. Thus about twenty-five of the old aldermen were retired from office. It was thought that the twenty-five new men could do no worse for the city than had the twenty-five who went out. Twenty of the thirty-four were Republicans, two Inde- pendent Democrats and eleven straight-out Democrats. In the West town the Republicans swept the field. The Democrats carried the North town and there were split results in the South town. The Republicans carried Hyde Park and Lake View. There were mixed results in Jefferson and Lake. The vote to annex the town of Cicero showed in the city a large majority in its favor. At this elec- tion the total number of names on the revised registry lists was 208,- 021, but the total number of votes polled was only 133,257.
Early in October, 1892, the newspapers declared that the frauds committed during the spring election of 1891 were gross in the ex- treme and should not be permitted again in this city. There were four full tickets and one partial ticket in the field in the fall of 1892, namely, Republican, Democratic, Prohibition, People's, and People's Trade and Labor. John P. Altgeld was the Democratic candidate for governor and Joseph W. Fifer the Republican candidate. There were to be elected state officers and judges, and in Cook county were to be chosen senators and representatives, several judges of the Supreme and Circuit courts, state's attorney, recorder, coroner, county surveyor, drainage trustees, several clerks of the courts and a full quota of county commissioners. A sample Australian ballot was published in the newspapers. At this time Chicago was enjoy- ing the greatest building boom in its history owing to the World's Fair. The dedication of the World's Fair buildings in October was an important event, although unconnected with politics. On October 23, Senator Sherman of Ohio delivered a powerful speech on na- tional affairs in Central Music hall. There was considerable excite- ment in October, owing to unlawful instructions sent to the election clerks. These instructions were finally withdrawn.
The campaign for the governorship was one of the most exciting in the history of the state. In this city particularly were state issues, national issues and county issues thoroughly discussed and torn to tatters. Mr. Altgeld brought into politics the question of native born Americans and foreigners and succeeded in creating much interest and sharp discussion concerning the character and nationality of men chosen to office. The free silver problem and the labor situation were fully explained during this campaign. The total registration in the city by October 28 was about 270,000. This
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list it was admitted would have been considerably larger had it not been for the new law requiring a longer residence in precincts.
Both parties in October continued strong and vigorous cam- paigns, particularly in behalf of the national and state tickets. Per- haps never before was there shown such a strong disposition to dis- regard the importance of local politics as at this time. The news- papers themselves dwelt almost wholly on national issues and neg- lected local interests in a large measure. Six judges of the Superior court and two judges of the Circuit court were to be chosen. It had been the custom for many years, in order to remove the judgeships from politics, for the two old parties to divide the candidates for those important positions. At this election both parties departed from procedure and nominated full partisan tickets for county judge- ships.
Governor Fifer was here early in November and delivered a series of speeches throughout the city and county.
During this election there was a strong demand for speakers, stronger in fact than the supply. People demanded arguments and facts and accordingly immense quantities of printed campaign mat- ter were distributed. Governor Fifer and Governor Altgeld made aggressive campaigns. Fifer's visit to Chicago the week before election greatly improved his chances. He particularly addressed German audiences. He stated that if reelected he would secure the repeal of the Edwards law and the passage of the compulsory educa- tion law. During the campaign the Republican newspapers unspar- ingly lampooned Judge Altgeld. He was called a disgrace to him- self and to his party. Altgeld ignored the charges brought against him and continued his effective work with the people whom he thought most inclined to support him. Both parties struggled hard to secure the Legislature with the expectation of redistricting the state. Both had strong tickets in the field. At this election Mr. Lori- mer was candidate for clerk of the Superior court. He was fiercely attacked by the Democratic press and speakers. The compulsory education law was discussed and torn to pieces during this campaign. Its objectionable features were laid to the responsibility of Governor Fifer. As a matter of fact it transpired that the Woman's club of Chicago was the first to agitate a compulsory school, and that John P. Altgeld, as attorney for the club, probably assisted in the prepa- ration of that law. During the last few days of the campaign hun- dreds of inflammatory pamphlets were circulated by the anarchists among the followers of that class of people. It was presumed that anarchy was dead in Chicago, but this act proved that it only slum- bered.
The result of the election was a surprise to Chicago and Cook county. The election of Mr. Cleveland was wholly unexpected even by the Democrats themselves. The state of Illinois was swept by the Democrats. The whole state ticket and nearly the whole county
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ticket were elected by that party. The Republicans were not dis- heartened by this defeat. They felt that Governor Fifer had con- ducted a strong and brilliant campaign. He had been fiercely and venomously attacked, but his administration was not shown corrupt nor inefficient. Mr. Altgeld's phenomenal campaign attracted the attention of the whole country. He did not touch a single topic which he did not misrepresent. Cleveland's majority over Harri- son was 31,748; Altgeld's majority over Fifer was 30,389. This was one of the most notable victories of Democracy ever won in Cook county. The party swept almost the entire county. The Re- publicans elected but one Congressman.
The feature of the spring campaign, 1893, was the candidacy of Mr. Harrison for the mayoralty. It was his ambition to be the World's Fair mayor, and accordingly, to secure the prize, he made the most desperate effort of his life. Many Republicans liked Mr. Harrison. They admired his methods, and all admitted that his personal reputation and character were above reproach. Thus Mr. Harrison made a strong bid for votes of this class of Republi- cans. The Democratic city convention adopted a platform devoted mainly to a description of what they desired in the management of city affairs. They took the position against the granting of any franchises without full compensation to the city. It was shown that Mr. Harrison during his former mayoralty had given away several valuable franchises without due compensation. But this was true of other former mayors. Now the party took a different tack. The platform declared that the police force should be non-partisan, that the special assessment system should not be abused, that loss of life at grade crossings should cease, and ended by saying, "the larg- est measure of personal liberty consistent with the common good" was necessary to the city. This was understood to mean conces- sions to vice. The party announced that owing to the great honor conferred upon Chicago by its selection as the place for the Colum- bian Exposition, the city should respond by furnishing a superior administration and by exhibiting to the world the high character of Chicago men and the magnitude of local business enterprises.
It was noted at this time that the presidential campaign of 1892 had been one of the most dignified ever conducted in Cook county. It was further noted that the spring campaign of 1893 was the re- verse. Mr. Harrison had many bitter enemies who did not hesitate to attack him with all the venom which real or supposed injuries could summon. As a matter of fact many leading Republicans who usually would not think of supporting a Democrat for any ordinary position, quietly favored the election of Mr. Harrison as World's Fair mayor. Voters did not lose sight of the importance of electing good aldermen on this occasion; and the newspapers, clubs and associations made numerous appeals and all made thorough exposi- tion of the character and qualifications of men nominated for im- portant positions.
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Unquestionably Mr. Harrison was the leader of the Democracy of Chicago at this time. In almost every ward, although he had bitter opponents, he succeeded in routing them and winning nearly all the contests. He fought particularly hard to secure a Democratic city council, knowing how vital the character of that body was to his own administration. The power of Mr. Harrison was shown by the fact that the Republicans were on the defensive. They even went so far as to beg Mr. Harrison to see that honorable Democrats were elected to the City Council. It was declared by the Tribune early in · March, 1893, that one-tenth of the convention which nominated Mr. Harrison for Mayor had been in the penitentiary, the bridewell, or the jail. Washington Hesing opposed Mr. Harrison. He stated that if he could have secured forty more delegates in the convention he would have had a majority and that those forty were offered to him for from $500 to $20,000 a head.
Popular opinion selected Lyman J. Gage as the Republican can- didate for mayor. He was regarded by many as an ideal man for the World's Fair mayor. There was also a strong demand that Samuel W. Allerton should become the Republican nominee for the mayoralty. He was liked by business men throughout the city. The importance of the town offices was kept in view. Both parties made vigorous fights to secure these prizes. The Republicans held their convention on March 15, and duly nominated Samuel W. Allerton for mayor. They left to the city central committee the selection of acceptable Democrats to fill the positions of treasurer and attorney. Thus the ticket was really non-partisan, being made up of Republi- cans and of all Democrats who would not support Mr. Harrison. Mr. Allerton was nominated by acclamation. The discussion of candidates which had continued for two weeks culminated in the de- mand for his nomination. Both parties nominated full spring tick- ets, but the Democrats were particularly unfortunate in naming for aldermen many men of inferior character and qualifications. Both paties in their platform demanded reform in the city administration. Whether both meant it or not was another question. The Republi- cans nominated Bernard J. Neibling for city treasurer and James C. McShane for city attorney, both Democrats. There were four tickets in the field, the Citizens' non-partisan, composed of Republi- sans and anti-Harrison Democrats; the Harrison ticket, the United Citizens' or Cregier ticket, and the Socialist-Labor ticket. There were several aldermanic candidates of excellent character and sev- eral independents.
On March 21 the Republicans held an immense ratification meet- ing at the Auditorium to celebrate the candidacy of Mr. Allerton. Many of the best speakers of the city were present. Mr. Harrison conducted one of the ablest, most aggressive campaigns in the history of the city. Although his administrative record was considered bad he managed by adroitness, skillful evasion and artful presenta-
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tion of what he had actually accomplished to satisfy a great many Republicans. The newspapers particularly vilified, criticised and bespattered him without mercy. If everything concerning him could be believed he was no more fit to be mayor than any criminal. Peo- ple did not believe this, however, because all knew Mr. Harrison to be personally a man of high character and knew that while he might shield vice, he would still give a fair administration of muni- cipal affairs. His attitude on all city affairs, particularly franchises and immunities extended to vice, was thoroughly examined and held up for public inspection. It was well understood that Mr. Cregier's candidacy was due to his wish to be revenged on Mr. Harrison for having run independently two years before. A volume could be employed in recounting the charges, countercharges, abuses, vilifi- cations, intrigues, misrepresentations and falsehoods in this nauseat- ing and memorable campaign. It was a time when friends turned against friends, when revenge, spite and hatred cut a great figure. Mayor Harrison was in a large measure responsible for this villain- ous and mendacious campaign.
The result was an easy victory for Mr. Harrison. The Harrison disaffection manifested throughout the campaign shrank to an in- considerable vote on election day. The few Democrats who did not vote for Mr. Harrison were replaced by Republicans who did. The candidacy of Mr. Cregier turned out what it was known to be-a farcical, frantic, spiteful attempt to divert as many votes as possible from Mr. Harrison. The Socialist-Labor ticket was probably run with the same object in view. Mr. Harrison received a total of 113,929, Allerton 92,761, Cregier 3,019 and Erenpries 914. The Democrats elected their city attorney, treasurer and clerk. Rogers Park and West Ridge were annexed to Chicago by this election. This gave the city two additional square miles of territory and about 3,500 population. The Republicans elected a majority of their aldermanic. candidates. The new council was composed of about twenty Republicans, twelve Democrats and three Independent Democrats. The Democrats elected their entire West town ticket by a large majority. They also carried the South town and partly the North town. This was a great victory for the Democrats, and they gave one of their most enthusiastic celebrations to voice their ecstasy over the results.
In September, 1893, the Tribune said, "The present County Board has been as reckless and extravagant as any that has controlled since the Van Pelt-Klehm combination of boodlers. It has obstruct- ed good work begun by the last excellent board and has outrun the appropriations. It has existed in an atmosphere of suspicion and jobbery. The majority of the present board should be got rid of this fall. Capable, honest and experienced men should be elected from the city districts that the county affairs may be honestly ad- ministered. The Edmanson-O'Connell administration of county affairs should be ended as soon as possible."
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A scheme for redistricting the city was considered by the election committee of the council in September, 1893. It was admitted by all authorities that the present representation on the City Board was unfair and disproportionate. It was said that the Twelfth ward, with 14,000 voters, had but two aldermen, while the First and Sev- enteenth wards, with an aggregate effective vote of only about 7,000, had four aldermen. The same disproportion was true of other wards. A change was desirable.
In September, 1893, a certain newspaper stated that for the last three or four years the character of the Cook county judiciary had steadily deteriorated. That paper declared that small bore lawyers, political pettifoggers and wire pullers had been swept into office be- fore their true character and qualities were known. Several were without character or conscience and had never written a brief and were without legal ability or legal knowledge. As nine judges were to be elected this fall the newspapers generally insisted that a com- bination of gamblers, groggery keepers, demagogues and anarchists . which had lately been formed should not be permitted to name judges or to defeat good men intended by honest citizens for the bench.
Both parties, not being able to agree, decided to nominate full party judicial tickets. The best members of both of the old parties argued publicly the importance of nominating honest and capable men for county commissioners on an anti-salary grabbing and economical platform.
Mr. Hesing had fought Mr. Harrison's efforts to secure the mayoralty nomination, but the latter was successful. Disagreeable personalities were resorted to by both men during the campaign. Mr. Hesing did everything in his power to prevent the election of Mr. Harrison. Now, in October, 1893, when Mr. Hesing desired to be postmaster Mr. Harrison opposed his appointment, probably owing to the bitter remembrances of the former mayoralty cam- paign.
The Bar association, anxious to secure good judges rather than partisans, selected in September eight persons, four of each of the old parties most conspicuous for judges, to be voted for at the coming election for their legal ability. One of these men was Judge Gary, whom all were willing to see elected.
At their county convention the Democrats renominated the ten serving Democratic city commissioners and the five county Repub- lican ones. The following day the Republicans nominated their judicial and commissioners' tickets. Judge Gary was renominated by acclamation, the entire delegation or convention rising and cheer- ing his name when it was presented. George Struckman was named for president of the County Board.
Governor Altgeld opposed the reelection of Judge Gary, owing to his attitude in ruling against the anarchists during their trial.
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But the Democratic party of Cook county endorsed Judge Gary in spite of the attitude of the governor. Mayor Harrison favored the reelection of Judge Gary. There was a concerted fight made against the reelection of Judge Gary by the Socialists and anarchists headed by Messrs. Schilling, Morgan, Neebe and others. On the other hand upright citizens of all parties made a determined fight for his return to the bench. The Gary ratification meeting was one of the most notable and complimentary ever held in Chicago. Judge Gary in his speech said that it was the first time for thirty years he had appeared before a political gathering. On four different occa- sions he had been the non-partisan nominee for reelection. On this occasion he made no partisan appeal, but stated simply that he was a candidate for reelection. However, the attitude of Governor Altgeld against the reelection of Judge Gary rendered it necessary, so it was thought by his supporters, that a fight of unusual strenuosity should be made in his behalf. Governor Altgeld himself appeared here late in October to speak against Judge Gary, and generally to oppose the Republican ticket.
The assassination of Carter H. Harrison, the mayor, on October 28, 1893, shocked the city, the county and the whole country. He had been so conspicuous here for many years, and particularly was so well liked by men of all parties, that his sudden and violent death occasioned profound and sincere sorrow throughout the county. This was regarded generally as one of the resultants of the anarchistic movement. Mr. Harrison himself had been largely instrumental in permitting it to reach a strong standard of power. At this time there were thirty-eight Republican aldermen in the City Council and thirty Democrats. The vacancy caused by the death of Mayor Harrison was filled temporarily by the City Council. On November 2 thirty- five of the thirty-eight Republican aldermen met in caucus and nom- inated Alderman George B. Swift to fill the vacancy. On November 3 the thirty Democrats of the City Council met in caucus and agreed to support Alderman John McGillen for mayor. The latter was chairman of the Democratic county campaign committee. On No- vember 4 the council struggled over the appointment of a new mayor. The Tribune said, "The council chamber has been the scene of many riotous and disorderly proceedings, but the scene enacted yesterday by the Democrats who sought to sieze the mayor- alty was the most disgraceful ever witnessed and the most scan- dalous in the history of Chicago. There was no regard for law, order or civic decency. The Democratic minority of thirty tried to usurp the functions of the majority of thirty-eight. Every step in the Democratic program was taken in defiance of every rule of parliamentary law. The most disgraceful feature of the proceed- ings was the bribery of three or four weak-kneed Republican alder- men to assist the minority in the schemes of usurpation and possibly plunder." Mr. Swift was elected mayor by a majority of the City
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Council. Of the sixty-eight aldermen, thirty-four were for Swift, thirty-three for McGillen and one blank. On November 6, in order to remove all doubt as to the legal election of Mr. Swift as mayor of Chicago, a new ballot was taken in the City Council with the following result : Mr. Swift 62 and Mr. McGillen 5. There was one blank vote.
The death of Mayor Harrison necessitated the election of a new mayor. The Republicans in December, 1893, named George B. Swift for that position. The Democrats nominated John P. Hop- kins. With but two weeks in which to conduct the campaign both parties inaugurated vigorous work throughout the city. Mr. Swift had served as mayor by appointment for about three weeks and dur- ing that time had revealed several stuffed pay rolls. The Republi- cans made the most of this discovery. There were about 281,000 registration voters. During the two weeks the campaign was one of the hottest ever conducted in the city. The vituperation, abuse and malignity displayed were rarely ever equaled here. Old repulsive scores of long standing were settled. The election resulted in a victory for Mr. Hopkins by about 1,290 plurality. Two other can- didates were Britzius and Wakeley, put forward by the minority parties. The election of Mr. Hopkins was a great triumph for the city hall people and for Democracy.
Three Republicans and one Democrat were elected to the Supe- rior court judgeship. There were also elected two Republicans to fill vacancies on that bench. Three Republican Circuit court judges were chosen and one Republican Circuit court judge was elected to fill a vacancy. The entire Republican County commissioner ticket . was elected. Judge Gary was reëlected by a majority of over 5,000. A heavy majority for the annexation of Norwood Park to the city was given. The vote on the museum project showed a heavy ma- jority in its favor.
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