USA > Illinois > Illinois, historical and statistical, comprising the essential facts of its planting and growth as a province, county, territory, and state, Vol. II > Part 16
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The Union, or republican ticket, was successful in Illinois by a majority of 30,736, showing an increase in the republican vote over 1862 of 69,000 and in the democratic vote of 22,000; the aggregate vote being for Lincoln, 50 counties, 189,496; for Mc Clellan, 52 counties, 158,730. Eleven union congressmen were elected out of fourteen, being a gain of five.
Had this political campaign been conducted solely on the issue joined in the platforms of the respective parties, this result, apparently showing so comparatively small a majority in favor of the Union, would have been as surprising as dis- couraging. But such was not the fact. While all the southern sympathizers, secessionists, and peace-men voted for McClellan, he also received the support of many war - democrats, who earnestly believed that, if elected, he would prosecute the war to a speedier and more satisfactory conclusion than would the administration of Lincoln. Others again, especially in the strong democratic counties, voted for Mc Clellan in order to maintain their party organization and retain power, without looking particularly to the effect of such a vote upon the war.
The results of this election, as affecting the Nation, were of + "American Conflict," II, 673.
710
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
the most momentous importance. The people of the loyal states, after a thorough canvass and discussion, in which the most unlimited freedom of speech was indulged and per- mitted, in the face of heavy taxes, of an enormous and steadily increasing national debt, amid stupendous losses of life in battles, and all the trials, stress, storms, and sacrifices of an internal war, including the enforced recruiting of armies, had deliberately, and emphatically, and loyally, recorded their ver- dict at the polls against the dogma of the sovereignty of the states, out of which grew the theory of secession; against slavery, as the principal cause of the rebellion; sustaining the government in the arrest of disloyal citizens and in the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus; and, above all, in favor of the vigorous prosecution of the war, including the drafting of soldiers - until the last insurgent should lay down his arms and return to his allegiance.
This was not only the logical result, but that which was acquiesced in by the people. It was indeed such a fatal blow to the efforts of the peace-compromise advocates, that thence- forth they were compelled to nurse their wrath in impotent silence and sullen chagrin.
The influence of this verdict was no less helpful and stimu- lating to the Union armies than discouraging and demoralizing to the Confederates, who could not fail to see that their greatest triumph would have come with the defeat of Lincoln. The end of the rebellion was now evidently not far off.
This election also fixed the status of the democratic party, which found itself reduced to a hopeless minority in nearly every loyal state, and rendered impossible the election of a president by that party, even though reinforced by the electoral vote of all the seceding states, until 1884.
Lincoln referred to some of these results when, in response to a congratulatory call upon him a few days after the election, among other things he said: "but the election, along with its incidental and undesired strife, has done good too. It has demonstrated that a people's government can sustain a national election in the midst of a great civil war. Until now it has not been known to the world that this was a possibility. It shows, also, how sound and how strong we still are. It shows that
7II
CLOSE OF THE YATES' ADMINISTRATION.
even among candidates of the same party, he who is most devoted to the Union and most opposed to treason can receive most of the people's vote. * * While I am duly sensible to the high compliment of a reëlection, and duly grateful, as I trust, to Almighty God for having directed my countrymen to a right conclusion, as I think for their own good, it adds nothing to my satisfaction that any other man may be disappointed or pained by the result."
The administration of Gov. Yates was the fruitful theme of heartfelt commendation among all Union-loving citizens. He had been a firm, consistent, and unfaltering supporter of the Union in its struggle for existence from the beginning of the rebellion. He had shown himself the unfailing friend of the volunteer, following him to the field with State assistance, wherever practicable, and had lauded his heroic deeds on every occasion ; and by the devotion of his voice, his pen, and his best energies to the cause of freedom and its defenders, he had earned that title which he so worthily wore, of the "War- Governor of Illinois."
In his farewell message to the legislature, he pointed with not unbecoming pride to the favorably changed conditions, looking to the early triumph of the Union cause, as follows: "Grant has driven the enemy step by step from its siege of Washington to the gates of Richmond. Sheridan has swept the valley of the Shenandoah, driving Early backward no more to lay waste our borders. Farragut remains undisputed con- queror of the seas. Sherman dashes with Napoleonic tread, unrestrained from city to city through the very heart of the Confederacy, unfurling our flag defiantly in the face of Charles- ton; while Thomas and his brave army at Nashville have lately achieved perhaps the most glorious victory of the war; * and our Nation today stands under brighter skies than have smiled upon us since the inauguration of the president on the 4th of March, 1861."
Illinois up to December 1, 1864, had furnished 197,260 men for the war, barely one hundred less than the quotas of the State under all calls from the government, including only 3062 drafted men.
The State debt, although the sum of $1,195,280 had been
712
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
paid thereon, had increased during the administration of Gov. Yates by reason of the war-bonds issued, and was on Novem- ber 30, 1864:
Internal-improvement stock and scrip $1,940,978
Liquidation bonds -
234,650 Interest bonds
1,909,244
Refunded stock - 1,837,000
Normal-University bonds 65,000
Thornton-loan bonds and balance
185,625
War-bonds - - -
- 1,679,100
Illinois-and-Michigan Canal bonds - 3,269,967
121 McAllister and Stebbins bonds - 57,000
$11,178,564
The whole amount expended by the State through the army auditor's office up to December 1, 1864, was $3,812,525, which was subsequently adjusted and refunded by the general govern- ment.
While during the past four years there had been an increase of property, corresponding to the increased volume and accu- mulations of business, its value as returned by the county assessors had decreased from $367,227,742 in 1860, to $331,- 999,871 in 1863. This undervaluation was insisted upon in each county on the ground that other counties were assessed lower, which would consequently increase its proportionate share of state taxes. The taxes collected for the years 1861-2 exceeded in amount those for the years 1863-4.
The treasurer's statement for the years 1863-4, is as follows:
RECEIPTS :
NAME OF FUND.
IN TREASURY, DEC. 1, 1862.
RECEIVED FROM DEC. 1, 1862, TO NOV. 30, 1864.
TOTAL RECEIPTS.
Revenue fund
$374,697.19
$497,616.11
$872,313.30
State-debt fund
589, 128.94
589, 128.94
Interest fund
360,983.00
1,390,269.42
1,751,252.42
State school-fund -
73,903.13
212,810.20
286,713.33
Central railroad fund
222,493.76
774,947.71
997,441.47
Delinquent land-tax fund 338.26
338.26
War-fund
15,101.33
348,874.84
363,976.17
$1,047,516.67 $3,813,647.22 $4,861, 163.89
713
GROWTH DURING THE WAR.
EXPENDITURES :
NAME OF FUND.
PAID AT TREASURY FROM
DEC. I, 1862 TO NOV. 30, 1864.
BALANCE IN TREASURY, DEC. 1, 1864.
TOTAL EXPENDITURES.
Revenue fund
- $869,049.80
$3,263.50
$872,313.30
State-debt fund
4.50
589, 124.44
589,128.94
Interest fund - 1,441,995.84
309,256.58
1,751,252.42
State school-fund - 174,637.39
112,075.94
286,713.33
Central railroad fund
798,573.27
198,868.20
997,441.47
Delinquent land-tax fund
7.20
331.06
338.26
War-fund
363,965.41
10.76
363,976.17
$3,648,233.41 $1,212,930.48 $4,861,163.89
Total amount in the treasury, Dec. 1, 1864,
$1,212,930.48
Notwithstanding the withdrawal of 200,000 of her citizens to the scene of war, the population of the State had steadily increased during the last four years-over 10,000 more votes having been polled in 1864 than in 1860. Although, for the first months of the war, the channels of trade were interrupted and all plans for improvement were deranged by the withering pall of civil strife which hung over the country, the people gradually arose to the demands of the hour and with renewed energies had developed the natural resources of the State to an unprecedented degree. Agriculture, with increasing demands from the army and aided by the improved machinery which the inventive genius of her people had supplied to take the place of manual labor withdrawn to her armies, received a new and marvellous impetus. Prices had steadily advanced each year* and farmers were never before so prosperous. Currency, was now abundant -greenbacks and national-bank notes - and although gold was high, being at a premium of $1.40, quoted at $2.40, manufactures increased and every department of business was active and remunerative.
*
YEAR.
WHEAT.
CORN.
CATTLE.
HOGS.
1861,
$.85 to .90
$.25 to .30
$2.25 to 4.00
$4.00 to 4.50
1862,
.90 to 1.02
.35 to .40
2.00 to 4.50
4.00 to
4.50
1863,
1.10 to 1.15
.80 to .90
4.25 to 5.25
5.00 to 6.50
1864,
1.30 to 1.75
1.00 to 1.05
6.00 to 8.00
10.00 to 12.00
46
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Administration of Gov. Oglesby, 1865-9-Twenty-fourth General Assembly-Yates Elected to United-States Senate-The Thirteenth Amendment-Laws-Close of the War-Assassination of President Lincoln.
R ICHARD James Oglesby, the governor elect, was born in Oldham County, Kentucky, July 25, 1824. He came to Illinois with an uncle in 1836, and was apprenticed to the car- penter's trade, which, with farming and rope-making, engaged his attention until he became of age. Having studied law during his leisure hours, he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his profession at Sullivan, Moultrie County. No advantages of a liberal education or family influence contributed to his subsequent success in life. He began his political career in 1852, as a Scott elector, and in 1858 was an unsuc- cessful candidate for congress in the Decatur district. He took an active part in the campaign of 1860 and was elected to the State senate. When the civil war broke out, resigning his office, he tendered his services to the government the very day on which the president issued his first call for troops. Having had a previous and valuable experience as lieutenant of an Illinois company in the Mexican war, his promotion from the colonelcy of the Eighth regiment to the rank of major-general was as rapid as it was deserved by faithful service and gallant conduct in the field. At the bloody battle of Corinth, while leading a charge against the enemy, he was shot through the left lung so severely that he was reported to be fatally injured. Partially recovering from his wound, he was appointed comman- der of a corps, but finding himself physically unable to dis- charge the duties of the arduous position he resigned his command in May, 1864.
He was the first fruit of the war in this State garnered into the great harvest of politics. His naturally strong mind had been enriched and broadened by travel in Europe, as well as by military experience; and the inartificial but impetuous
714
Richard Ogley 1886
STOR
Ny LIBRARY
715
LIEUT .- GOV. BROSS.
eloquence of his speeches throughout the State during the late canvass had aroused an enthusiasm which was equally bene- ficial to his party and to the cause of the Union. His strong feelings and resonant voice, his homely metaphors and vigor- ous denunciations, his humorous sallies, forcible reasoning, and earnest, even passionate manner, carried his hearers along the current of his thoughts as does the Mississippi's flood the drift- wood floating upon its surface. He entered into no glove con- tests but with bare hands administered effective "punishment" to his antagonists.
His mobile features, his clean-shaven, expressive face, and his bluff, hearty, western manner combined to impart to his ap- pearance a charm, which was heightened by a physique of sym- metrical and commanding proportions. With this combination of intellectual and physical gifts, it must be conceded that a man of no ordinary powers had been placed in the chair of state.
William Bross,* the lieutenant-governor elect, was selected as a representative of the loyal press, as a deserved recognition of its powerful influence in upholding the cause of the Union and sustaining the army in the field. He was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, Nov. 4, 1813. At the age of nine years, his family removed to Pennsylvania, where he lived until the attainment of his majority. After graduating with honor from Williams College in 1838, he enlisted in the great army of teachers, in whose ranks he worthily served for many years. Soon after his removal to Chicago in 1848, he entered upon his life-work, as one of the conductors of the Democratic Press, subsequently and now the Chicago Tribune. His experi- ence in this responsible position had made him so familiar with the political questions of the day that he was called to the stump in 1856, where facts and figures were handled by him with such ability as to contribute very largely to the success of the republican party. He also spoke effectively in the great
* Gov. Bross died in Chicago, Jan. 27, 1890. Up to the time of his decease, he was a hale and hearty veteran of the busy past. After his retirement from public and official life, he devoted himself largely to literature, and published many valu- able papers, some of which were read before the Chicago Historical Society. He was the author, among other works, of a brief " History of Chicago," "History of Camp Douglas," and of "Tom Quick."
716
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
campaign of 1860; and, as a candidate, made a thorough and very acceptable canvass of the State in 1864. With his sturdy frame and massive face, he presided over the senate with marked fairness, affability, and dignity. It was remarked, at the close of the session, upon the passage of the resolution thanking the lieutenant-governor for "the highly impartial and prompt man- ner in which he had discharged his duties," that this had been the first session in many years, during which no appeal had been taken from the decisions of the presiding officer.
The republicans in the late election had secured a majority in both houses of the general assembly, the senate standing 14 to II and the house 51 to 34. The latter body was composed very largely of new material, only 14 out of the 85 members having had any previous legislative experience. Among these were H. C. Burchard, John Thomas, Scott Wike, M. M. Morrill, Harrison Noble, D. J. Pinckney, A. M. Miller, Ansel B. Cook, and John T. Springer.
On the list of new members of the lower house appeared for the first time the names of Franklin Corwin, Wm. K. Murphy, Henry D. Cook, Isaac C. Pugh, Malden Jones, M. L. Josslyn, Edward S. Isham, Nathaniel Niles, William H. Neece, Henry C. Childs, and Allen C. Fuller. Among the new senators were Murray McConnel, Andrew W. Metcalf, John B. Cohrs, Alfred Webster, and Francis A. Eastman.
Allen C. Fuller of Boone County was elected speaker of the house, receiving 48 votes to 23 for A. M. Miller of Logan County. This was an honor not often conferred upon new members, but was conceded to Gen. Fuller in consequence of the able and faithful manner in which he had discharged the duties of the office of adjutant - general, as well also, as on account of the flattering support he had received before the republican state-convention as a candidate for governor.
Walter S. Frazier was elected clerk of the house, Charles Turner assistant-clerk, and Gershom Martin doorkeeper. John F. Nash was chosen secretary of the senate, George H. Harlow assistant-secretary, and Caswell P. Ford sergeant-at-arms.
The last message of Gov. Yates was delivered on January 2, 1865, the day upon which the twenty-fourth general assembly convened. It was an exhaustive, ably-prepared, and carefully-
717
ELECTION OF YATES TO THE SENATE.
digested document, in which were reviewed the principal events of his administration. He recommended the enactment of a registry law, of one permitting soldiers to vote in the field, and the repeal of the black laws.
The oath of office was administered to Gov. Oglesby and the other newly-elected state-officers, January 17, when the gov- ernor delivered his inaugural address. The key-note of this patriotic state-paper is found in one of the opening sentences, as follows: "With our eyes open and our hearts full of devotion to the flag of our country, we declare before the world that the rebellion and human slavery shall fall and perish together."
In discussing the then proposed thirteenth amendment, he disposed of the question so frequently asked by its opponents, "what is to become of the negro after he is set free?" in the following way-"It might be better asked, what may not be- come of him? He can labor-he can learn-he can fight, improve, aspire; and if, after we shall have tried for as long to make him a useful, free man, as we have a useless slave, we shall fail, and he shall fail, there will be time enough left in which to solve this persistent question. If there were no higher motive for emancipation, I would still fervently advocate it as a punishment to traitors for the crime of treason."
He referred to the administration of his predecessor in terms of warm commendation, and united with him in urging the passage of a law allowing soldiers to vote, as well as of an amendment to the militia law .*
The first work of the general assembly was to meet in joint- session on January 5, for the purpose of electing a United-States senator in the place of Wm. A. Richardson. Ex-Gov. Yates was the leading republican candidate, and had been so generally accepted by the people for the position that no organized oppo- sition appeared against him up to the time of the meeting of the legislature. It was then found that several members pre- ferred that the choice should fall upon some one else, this
* The staff appointments of the governor were made as follows: Brig .- Gen. Isham N. Haynie, adjutant-general and chief-of-staff-vice A. C. Fuller, resigned; Lt .- Col. Edward P. Niles, assistant-adjutant-general; Col. John Wood, quartermaster-general; Col. John Williams, paymaster-general; Col. Wm. D. Crowell, chief of ordnance; Cols. James H. Bowen and D. B. James, aides-de-camp; Col. George H. Harlow, assistant-inspector-general.
718
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
sentiment finally focusing upon Hon. Elihu B. Washburne. The latter appeared in person on the ground, and an animated and somewhat acrimonious contest ensued. Some old political sores were reopened, and damaging charges made by each party against the other. But when the caucus met it was found that the "Yates phalanx" was too strong to be broken, he receiving 38 votes to 22 for Washburne, two each being cast for Palmer and Logan. His election by the general assembly followed in course-the democrats casting their votes for Jas. C. Robinson.
Gov. Yates* served in the senate through the trying period of reconstruction and showed himself a debater of marked power. His political career ended with the close of his senatorial term.
No public man in the State ever had so large a personal fol- lowing as the "War-Governor." His manners were as winning as those of a charming woman bent on conquests. In conver- sation, his language was chaste and his style captivating, con- veying an impression of superior ability and native good- ness of heart. A more entertaining and hospitable host never occupied the executive mansion. All were made welcome, with- out stiffness, formality, or offensive discrimination. He had devoted friends all over the State and, singular as it may appear, some of the warmest of these, who never failed to stand by him, were found among the democrats. They followed his personal fortunes with a devotion which never faltered, con-
* He died suddenly at Barnum's Hotel, St. Louis, Nov. 27, 1873, on his return from a visit to Arkansas, where, as a United-States commissioner, he had been ex- amining a railroad.
Hon. N. Bateman, superintendent of public instruction, having been requested to surrender the room he then occupied adjoining the governor's for the latter's use, on leaving it, left behind the following eloquent letter. It is here given by courtesy of E. F. Leonard, Esq., to show the estimate in which Gov. Yates was held by this distinguished state-officer :
"Gov. YATES,
"Department of Public Instruction,
SPRINGFIELD, ILL., July 24, 1862.
Dear Sir :- This office is now at your service. Take it my dear friend -my noble, patriotic, glorious young Governor. May it be the place whence shall issue orders, messages, appeals, and invocations, even more magnetic and thrilling if possible, than those which have already fired the souls of the loyal hosts of Illinois. Who knows but that you too 'were brought to the Kingdom for such a time as this.' Be of good courage, falter not, and your name and memory will be green and blessed, ages after the traitors and the treason against which you now battle shall have sunk to execration and oblivion. God be with you, N. BATEMAN."
719
LAWS PASSED.
tributing, by desirable information, by sacrifices, and personal influence to his success; and this without the slighest conces- sion of principle on the part of either.
His faults and weaknesses-the too common heritage of the great-were those which grew out of his affectionate generosity and impulsive warm-heartedness; that they cast a cloud over his otherwise fair fame can not be denied; but if ever there was a statesman whose high qualities and official record justified the application of the proverb "De mortuis nil nisi bonum," it was Richard Yates.
The first official act of the twenty-fourth general assembly, within three days of its meeting, was the reenactment of the appropriation bill of the last legislature, which the supreme court, on account of the manner of its passage, had declared null and void.
Other laws of a general nature, important in their character, were passed at this session, as follows :
An act for the registry of electors, and to prevent fraudulent voting, being the first of the many laws enacted in this State on that subject.
To organize an experimental school for the instruction and training of idiots and feeble-minded children.
To establish a home for the children of deceased soldiers.
Providing for the completion of the Illinois-and- Michigan Canal, with such modifications as would "most effectually secure the thorough cleansing of the Chicago River," and leasing the former to the city of Chicago.
Authorizing the governor to appoint military state agents.
Creating the office of adjutant-general and fixing the rank and defining the duties of that officer .*
An act providing that stock and grain shall be forwarded by railroads in order as delivered-the first step in the direction of the subsequent "granger" legislation in this State.
The most important action of this general assembly, however, viewed from a national standpoint, was the ratification of the thirteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States. Neither the acts of congress nor the president's proclamation
* Previous incumbents of this position had been simply executive appointees, serv- ing as chief-of-staff of the governor as commander-in-chief.
720
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
had laid their hand upon slavery in the border states. The progress of the war, however, had made it apparent that the "peculiar institution" was doomed, whichever way the great insurrection might end. Preliminary steps in favor of eman- cipation through state action had been taken in Missouri and Maryland in 1863.
Believing that the time had come for a national movement in that direction, Senator John B. Henderson of Missouri, on Jan. 13, 1864, introduced a joint-resolution proposing an amendment to the constitution to the effect that slavery should not thereafter exist in the Un ted States. A similar proposition was submitted soon after by Senator Charles Sumner, and both were referred to the senate judiciary committee. On February 10, Lyman Trum- bull, chairman of the committee, reported back what was sub- sequently adopted as the thirteenth amendment. It passed the senate April 8, 1864,* but failed at the time to secure the requisite two-thirds in the house. At the reassembling of con- gress in December, 1864, the president urged the passage of this amendment, and on January 6, 1865, on motion of James M. Ashley of Ohio, it was called up for reconsideration; but a vote was not reached until January 31, when the resolution was adopted by a vote of 119 yeas to 56 nays. This result, when announced by Speaker Colfax, "was received by the house and spectators with an outburst of enthusiasm. The members on the republican side instantly sprang to their feet, and, regard- less of parliamentary rules, applauded with cheers and clapping of hands. The example was followed by the male spectators in the galleries, which were crowded to excess, who tossed up their hats and cheered loud and long, while the ladies, hundreds of whom were present, rose in their seats and waved their hand- kerchiefs, participating in and adding to the general excitement. This lasted for several minutes."+
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