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 35
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The candidates before the republican caucus for speaker were Dr. William F. Calhoun of DeWitt County; Joseph B. Messick of St. Clair; David T. Littler of Sangamon, and Charles E. Fuller of Boone. It required several ballots to decide the con- test, which resulted in the success of the first-named, Judge Messick receiving the nomination for the temporary speaker- ship. The nominee of the democrats was Clayton E. Crafts,
916
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
and of the labor party Charles G. Dixon-both of Cook. The vote in the house was as follows: Calhoun 78, Crafts 63, Dixon 8, Lamont I. Two members were absent and one had deceased. John A. Reeve was reelected clerk.
Dr. Calhoun is a native of Bloomfield, Pennsylvania, where he was born Nov. 21, 1844. He received a common-school education, which was bravely supplemented by a three years' service in the late civil war as a volunteer from his native state. He removed to Illinois and studied the profession of a dentist which he now practises with success in Clinton, the city of his residence. His service of two terms in the thirty-third and thirty-fourth general assemblies had amply qualified him for the successful discharge of the complicated and responsible duties of presiding officer of the house.
The governor in his message called especial attention to the work and report of the revenue commission, which he remarked was composed of "able, experienced, and responsible citizens, familiar with our revenue system and deeply interested in the subject;" that they had diligently applied themselves to a study of the whole question of taxation and revenue, and that he hoped that at least a portion, if not all, of the new code sub- mitted by them would be adopted.
He also called attention to the new phase of managing con- vict labor under the late constitutional amendment on that subject, stating that the question was beset with no inconsider- able difficulty, and that large appropriations would be required if the State was to become a competitor in the field of trade and commerce with individual enterprise.
The governor gave a highly encouraging account of the con- dition of the several state institutions, the healthy aspect of its finances, and closed by making the official announcement of the death of Senator Logan, which occurred Dec. 26, 1886, and that it would become the duty of the legislature to elect his successor. This was the fifth time that the general assem- bly had been called upon to fill a vacancy in the United-States senate from Illinois, occasioned by death.
As the republican party had a large majority in the senate and a safe one in the house, the choice of a senator depended upon its action, to be determined in a caucus of the members,
C. B. Forwell.
917
C. B. FARWELL ELECTED U .- S. SENATOR.
which was called to meet Jan. 13, 1887. Charles B. Farwell, of Cook, had the largest following as a candidate, exclusive of the delegation from his own county-all of whom gave him their support. But there were several candidates, and if it had been possible for them to combine against the one in the lead, they might have named the man. This they were unable to do, Mr. Farwell being the second choice of most of them. The several candidates, with the number of votes received by each on the first ballot, were as follows: Charles B. Farwell 37, John M. Hamilton 14, L. E. Payson 12, J. G. Cannon II, Thomas J. Henderson 10, Clark E. Carr 8, Green B. Raum 7, H. C. Bur- chard 5, and scattering 6. Such changes were made during the progress of the second ballot that before its completion, Farwell had received a large majority and his nomination was made unanimous. William R. Morrison was again the nominee of the democrats, and Benjamin W. Goodhue was the candidate of the labor party.
The selection of the republican caucus was confirmed by the general assembly, January 18, and the announcement of the election of the nominee made in joint-session on the day fol- lowing. Senator Farwell, being introduced, returned thanks for the honor done him in a short address. When he concluded, Gov. Oglesby, who was present, was also called upon and briefly responded.
Charles Benjamin Farwell, son of Henry and Nancy Farwell, was born in Steuben County, New York, July 1, 1823, where the first fifteen years of his life were spent. He was educated in the common schools and in the Elmira Academy. With his father's family, he became a resident of Ogle County, Illinois, in 1838, where he resided, working on the farm and surveying, until Jan. 10, 1844, when he removed to Chicago. His life here for the first few years was that of all energetic young men struggling for maintenance and position without capital, except that he was more than ordinarily successful. In 1853, he was elected county clerk of Cook County and reelected in 1857. He was also twice elected as one of the board of super- visors, and once a member of the state board of equalization. In 1864, he became a partner in the great mercantile firm of Farwell, Field and Company, since and now, John V. Farwell
918
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
and Company, to the management of whose extensive trans- actions, he gave his close attention.
In 1870, he entered upon the broader field of national politics as a candidate for congress, and was elected over John Went- worth by a decisive majority. He was reelected to the forty- third congress and being again a candidate in 1874, received the certificate of election- but his seat was contested by his opponent, John V. LeMoyne, to whom it was awarded by con- gress. Mr. Farwell was also elected to the forty-seventh congress, his opponent being Perry H. Smith, jr. He was the first senator elected from this State who was not a lawyer, or who had not been a state officer, or a member of the judici- ary, or of the legislature.
In congress, Mr. Farwell was regarded as an industrious and influential member. He makes no pretentions as a public speaker, even from manuscript, and his views upon all questions other than party are ascertained at home only by the record of his vote and not by any speech, oral or written. Notwithstand- ing the lack of this generally-considered, requisite qualification of a public man in this country, Mr. Farwell has maintained a controlling position in congress and has made himself a leading power in state and national politics for a quarter of a century, no one having contributed to the success of his party to a greater extent than he.
Senator Farwell is of large build, with square, expressive features, a graceful carriage, and commanding appearance. Reposeful in demeanor, he is an attractive, though quiet, con- versationist, reading and judging men by what they do rather than by what they say. As a citizen, he is public spirited and enterprising; and as a man, loyal to his party, firmly attached to his friends, and true to his convictions.
The proceedings of the thirty-fifth general assembly, charac- terized as they were by industry, intelligence, and practical common-sense, were more satisfactory to the people of the State than those of any of its predecessors under the present constitution. This was not only in the value and importance of the laws passed, but in the negative work of refusing to give assent to the passage of bad bills. The work of the session may be summarized as follows: there were introduced into the
919
LAWS PASSED, 1887.
senate 426 bills of which 146 passed that body and 93 became laws. In the house, 859 bills were presented, 168 of which being passed and 72 becoming laws.
Among those of general interest were the following: restrict- ing the right of aliens to acquire and hold real and personal estate-a fruitage of the platform of both political parties; Senator Funk's bill, amending the law to prevent the spread of contagious diseases among domestic animals; providing for the election by the people of the trustees of the University of Illinois; appropriating $50,000 to erect a monument to General John A. Logan; Reynold's bill, providing for the organization of saving's societies; an act concerning corporations with bank- ing powers-a new state-banking system, submitted to the people; the Chase bill, prohibiting book-making and pool- selling; to create a fireman's pension-fund; providing for a police pension-fund; to enable corporations to transact a surety business; Craft's bill, providing for and regulating the adminis- tration of trusts by trust companies; prohibiting the inter- marriage of first cousins; a new road-law for counties not under township organization; and making election day a legal holiday.
The following laws have more especial reference to Chicago and Cook County: redistricting Chicago into twenty-four wards; extending police jurisdiction to the surrounding surburban towns; the mob-and-riot law, making cities and counties respon- sible for three-fourths of the damages; the Merritt conspiracy bill, holding the fomenters and inciters of crime equally punish- able with the dupes; the "little drainage-bill;" providing for the election of a county-board each year; the Crawford-County budget-bill; the Gibb's jury-commission bill; to suppress bucket-shops and gambling in grain.
Much time and attention were bestowed upon the subjects both of revenue and convict labor, but no law was passed in regard to either except an appropriation to the northern peni- tentiary of $136,000 to enable the trustees of that institution to employ the prisoners as they might see proper.
A proceeding by this general assembly of extraordinary interest, and for which there was no precedent, was the setting aside of February 22 for a joint memorial service of both houses in honor of "our deceased, distinguished citizens, Gen. John A.
920
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
Logan and Judge David Davis." The ceremonies were impres- sive and the addresses eloquent and interesting.
The legislature adjourned June 15, 1887.
The political events of the year 1888 were as follows: the republican state-convention met at Springfield, May 2, and was presided over by Congressman Lewis E. Payson.
The number of candidates for the various places to be filled was larger than usual. The names of seven gentlemen were presented by their friends who desired to see them occupy the executive chair. These, with the number of votes received by each on the first ballot, were as follows: Joseph W. Fifer 288, John McNulta 136, Clark E. Carr 115, James A. Connolly 100, John I. Rinaker 98, John C. Smith 58, Francis M. Wright 48. In the succeeding ballots, the column of Fifer steadily grew larger at the expense of all the other candidates about equally, Mc Nulta losing the least, when, upon the fifth ballot, he received 606 votes and with them the nomination.
Lyman B. Ray, of Morris, Grundy County, was nominated for lieutenant - governor on the second ballot, his principal opponents being William H. Collins of Quincy, and James S. Cochran of Freeport. The most exciting contest was that for the nomination of secretary of state between Senator Isaac N. Pearson of Macomb, General Jasper N. Reece of Sangamon, Speaker W. F. Calhoun of Dewitt, and Representative Thomas C. McMillan of Chicago. They started in with about the same number of votes each. Reece drew out on the third ballot, leaving the others as follows: Mc Millan 317, Calhoun 267, Pearson 252. McMillan gained strength from both of his com- petitors on the next ballot but could not muster enough to succeed. Cook County then decided to go to Pearson which secured him the nomination on the next ballot. There were ten candidates for the auditorship and it required six exciting ballots to make the selection. On the fifth, all had dropped out of the race except Pavey with 409 votes, Berggren 279, Lewis 159. Pavey came out ahead on the next ballot. George Hunt, as a candidate for reelection as attorney-general, had almost no opposition and was nominated by acclamation; as was Charles Becker for state treasurer.
The platform consisted, mainly, in an arraignment of the ad-
921
STATE CONVENTIONS OF 1888.
ministration of President Cleveland for its violation of promises.
General Walter Q. Gresham was enthusiastically endorsed as the favorite candidate of Illinois for the presidency .*
The democratic state-convention met at Springfield, May 23, Gen Jesse J. Phillips in the chair. There was but little friction among the delegates in agreeing upon a ticket, which was as follows: John M. Palmer for governor; Andrew J. Bell, lieu- tenant-governor; N. Douglas Ricks, secretary of state; Andrew Welch, auditor; Chas. H. Wacker, treasurer; Jacob R. Creigh- ton, attorney-general.
The democrats were asking a good deal of Gen. Palmer to make this race for them at the age of three score years and ten; especially after a faithful service of fourteen years which had only been rewarded by the empty honor of nominations to offices to which he could not expect to be elected. His name had, indeed, hardly been mentioned for a cabinet or other important appointment, which it was in the power of his party to give him under the Cleveland administration. Yet he will- ingly accepted the place assigned him and made a most vigor- ous campaign, coming out 2000 votes nearer success than Carter H. Harrison had four years before.
The administration of Grover Cleveland was heartily endorsed and he was thanked for the nomination of Melville W. Fuller of Illinois to the office of chief-justice of the supreme court of the United States.+
* The list of delegates appointed to the national republican convention was as follows: at large, Charles B. Farwell, George R. Davis, Horace S. Clark, William F. L. Hadley. Districts, Ist, William J. Campbell, Eugene Cary; 2d, William E. Kent, Henry Scherer; 3d, John A Roche, Leonard Swett; 4th, William Bolden- weck, Canute R. Matson; 5th, Isaac L. Elwood, Homer Cook; 6th, Charles A. Works, William Spenseley; 7th, Thomas E. Milchrist, Josiah Little; 8th, Henry Mayo, L. E. Bennett; 9th, James E. Morrow, John H. Jones; Ioth, Julius S. Starr, Clarence E. Snively; 11th, Benjamin F. Marsh, John M. Turnbull; 12th, William L. Distin, Richard W. Mills; 13th, John A. Ayres, William Brown; 14th, James Milliken, B. F. Funk; 15th, Frank K. Robinson, Charles P. Hitch; 16th, Thomas W. Scott, D. B. Green; 17th, R. T. Higgins, Benson Wood; 18th, William A. Haskill, Cicero J. Lindley; 19th, Jasper Partridge, George C. Ross; 20th William R. Brown, Edward E. Mitchell.
+ The following is a list of the delegates to the democratic national convention: at large, William R. Morrison, James S. Ewing, Nicholas E. Worthington, William C. Goudy. Districts, Ist, William Fitzgerald, Thomas J. Gahan; 2d, Daniel Corkery, George P. Bunker; 3d, Michael Ryan, John A. King; 4th, Francis A.
59
922
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
The democratic national convention was held at St. Louis, June 6, 1888. Grover Cleveland was renominated for president with great unanimity and enthusiasm, and Allan G. Thurman of Ohio, for vice-president. The platform consisted in the making of a favorable contrast of the administration of Presi- dent Cleveland with the policy of the republican party.
The republican national convention convened in Chicago, June 20, continuing in session until the 25th. Gen. Benjamin Harrison of Indiana, was nominated for president on the eighth ballot. The following table of ballotings shows the names of the principal candidates and the various changes which occurred before the final result was reached:
CANDIDATES
BALLOTS-IST
2D
3D
4TH
5TH
6TH
7TH
8TH
Benjamin Harrison,
85
93
94
217
213
231
278
544
John Sherman,
229
249
244
235
224
244
231
118
Walter Q. Gresham,
109
108
123
98
87
91
91
59
Chauncey M. Depew,
99
99
91
withdrawn.
Russell A. Alger,
84
116
122
I35
142
I37
II5
100
William B. Allison,
72
75
88
88
99
72
76
-
Scattering,
153
92
68
56
62
54
35
9
Levi P. Morton of New York, was nominated for vice-presi- dent.
The election in this State resulted as follows:
FOR PRESIDENT
FOR GOVERNOR
Benjamin Harrison,
370,473
Joseph W. Fifer,
367,860
Grover Cleveland,
348,378
John M. Palmer,
355,313
Clinton B. Fisk, prob'n, 21,695
David H. Harts, prob. 18,874
A. J. Streeter, labor,
7,090
Willis J. Jones, labor, 6,394
-
The vote on the other state-officers was about the same as for president. Gov. Fifer fell behind Harrison in Cook County 2344 votes, running about even with him in the other counties;
Hoffman, jr., William M. Devine; 5th, Philip Scheckler, A. J. Denison; 6th, James McNamara, John Lake; 7th, Caleb C. Johnson, Charles Dunham; Sth, P. C. Haley, James Duncan; 9th, James Smith, Z. E. Patrick; 10th, Matthew Henneberry, Forest Cook; 11th, Quintin C. Ward, Delos P. Phelps; 12th, John Jones, J. M. Bush; 13th, J. W. Patton, Don M. Maus; 14th, James T. Hoblett, Jas. P. Lillard; 15th, H. S. Tanner, E. R. E. Kimbrough; 16th, James K. Dickinson, W. F. Beck; 17th, T. B. Murphy, Thomas M. Thornton; 18th, A. S. Wilderman, W. E. Wheeler; 19th, W. S. Cantrell, T. E. Merritt; 20th, William H. Green, George W. Hill.
923
RESULT OF THE ELECTION OF 1888.
while Palmer ran ahead of Cleveland in Cook County 2969, and in the other counties 3966, receiving in the State 6935 the most votes. The greater part of this gain evidently came from the prohibitionist and union-labor voters, their candidates for governor falling nearly this much behind their nominees for president.
Gov. Oglesby retired from a second term of four years' ser- vice in the executive chair, January 14, 1889, and perhaps no better commentary can be given of his administration than that uttered by his successor in his inaugural address, as follows: "For more than a third of a century, Richard J. Oglesby has been prominent in the civic and military history of Illinois. In all that time, no call of patriotic duty remained unheeded; no cause, embracing the public weal, found him a laggard. In wars, his heroic breast stood a bulwark between the great republic and her enemies. To cement the Union of the father s, he shed his blood. As a member of the state and national senate, and as governor of this Commonwealth -to which latter office, he received the rare compliment of three elections -he proved himself well able by wise statesmanship to pre- serve in council, what his intrepid valor helped him to win in the field. Strong in attachment to party and living in times of partisan strife, his career yet exemplifies the maxim that 'He serves his party best who serves his country best.' Retiring voluntarily from the scenes of his public labors and triumphs, he goes from us crowned with honors and followed by the grati- tude and affection of his fellow-citizens."
CHAPTER XLVIII.
Administration of Gov. Fifer-The Thirty-sixth General Assembly-Re-election of Cullom to the Senate-Laws -The Drainage Commission-Conventions of 1890- The World's Columbian Exposition-Special Session of the Legislature- Laws-Growth - The Press - Literature.
OSEPH WILSON FIFER, the governor elected in 1888, is of German descent, and was born in Stanton, Augusta County, Virginia, October 28, 1840. His father was a brick- and stone-mason, and also a farmer. The latter removed to Mc Lean County, Illinois, in 1857, where he purchased land, which Joseph helped to improve, at the same time aiding him in the manufacture and laying of brick. When the civil war broke out, his youthful patriotism was aroused, and he enlisted as a private in Company C, of the 33d Regiment of Illinois Infantry, sometimes known as the Normal Regiment. In the assault on Jackson, in 1863, a minie-ball passed entirely through his body, inflicting a wound which was at first considered mortal. He recovered slowly, and when again able to walk, returned to his regiment despite the remonstrance of friends; and ren- dered faithful and valiant service until the expiration of the three years for which he had enlisted. J
Up to this time, his only opportunities for an education had been such as were offered by an attendance upon the common- schools, which was rendered more or less intermittent owing to the fact that his time was required to help the family to a living. He had, however, saved a goodly proportion of his meagre pay, and determined to devote this sum toward obtain- ing an education, the need of which he more and more keenly felt. Accordingly, he entered the Wesleyan University at Bloom- ington, maintaining himself frugally by the labor of his hands, as opportunity offered, where he remained until he was graduated in 1868. The following year, after finishing his study of the law with the firm of Prince and Bloomfield, he was admitted to the bar. Success came to him as the reward of indomitable
924
Joseph ph W. Tifer
925
GOVERNOR FIFER.
pluck, studious habits, close application to business, and un- swerving integrity.
In 1871, he was elected corporation-counsel of Bloomington, at that time, an important position, which he so ably filled, that, in the following year, he received the almost unanimous nomi- nation of the republicans of his county for state's attorney. He served two terms of four years each in this office, and proved himself one of the most efficient public prosecutors in the State. It was in this office that he gained a high reputation as a criminal lawyer, and prepared the way for his nomination to the state senate which came to him by the general acclaim of his party.
A service of four years in the upper branch of the legislature affords to a public man an excellent opportunity to show his calibre. Fifer was a popular member and soon took rank with the foremost of his compeers, serving on several of the most important committees. It was now that his name began to be mentioned in connection with the office of governor, and the friends whom he made while senator were among his strongest supporters. His nomination and election followed in due course as heretofore related.
And thus was added one more name to that long list of statesmen of whom Illinois is justly proud, who, through honest toil and by their own unaided efforts, have lifted themselves from the privations of the log-cabin to the highest state office within the people's gift.
It had been charged against the republicans that in honoring the soldiers of the late war with official preferment, they had been careful to discriminate in favor of those who had gained not only fame but rank; in the nomination of "Private Joe" however, honor was conferred upon one who was "commissioned only with the oath of allegiance," and who had worn neither sword nor shoulder-straps-carrying only the badge of that patriot- ism, which, through three years of exposure, self - sacrifice, and danger, nerved his arm to the service of his country in her days of peril.
As a speaker, Governor Fifer is ready and effective. Having first thoroughly mastered his subject, he depends upon the inspiration of the moment for the arrangement and clothing of his thoughts. Yet no opponent, who has felt the power of his
926
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
impassioned but well - turned periods, delivered with telling intellectual vigor and force, covets a renewal of debate. He still suffers from the effects of the well-nigh fatal wound in his lungs, and it was feared that he would not be able to endure the strain incident to a thorough canvass during the guberna- torial campaign, but while he was compelled to husband his strength, he was able to meet all his appointments and to satisfy his friends.
The governor is nearly six feet in height, but spare and wiry rather than muscular. He has a swarthy complexion, keen eyes, and straight black hair, slightly tinged with gray. His temperament is nervous, his movements quick, and his nature frank and sympathetic. He was married in 1870 to Gertrude, daughter of William J. Lewis, and has two children, a boy and a girl.
Lyman Beecher Ray, of Grundy County, the lieutenant- governor elected on the same ticket, is a native of Crittenden County, Vermont; where he was born in August 17, 1831. He has been a resident of Illinois since 1852, and has been extensively engaged in mercantile pursuits. He has filled many local offices and was elected in 1872 as a member of the lower house of the twenty-eighth general assembly, when he was chairman of the committee on mines and mining. In 1882, he was chosen state senator, and served with marked distinction during the sessions of 1883 and 1885. As a presiding officer, his ability and popularity are unquestioned.
Isaac N. Pearson, secretary of state, was born in Centreville, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1842. He has resided in Macomb, Mc- Donough County, since 1858. He was elected circuit-clerk of his county in 1872 and reelected in 1876. He subsequently engaged in banking, and in the purchase and sale of real estate. His later career, as a member of the legislature, has already been mentioned.
Gen. C. W. Pavey, state auditor, was born at Hillsboro, Ohio, in 1835. Coming to Illinois he became a farmer and stock- raiser. He enlisted early in the late war and was very severely wounded at the battle of Sand Mountain; he was taken prisoner and was incarcerated two years and nine months in Libby Prison. After being exchanged, he served as assistant inspec-
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