USA > Illinois > The centennial of the state of Illinois. Report of the Centennial Commission > Part 30
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"The past six months has made home and mother very dear and sacred to me, and to thousands of other boys. God helping me, I will commit no sin that by His help I can avoid. God bless and help you folks. Do not worry about me, morally or physically. If I should meet death, I will die like a man for the most sacred cause our country or any other country has ever called upon mothers to give their sons to; but I am certain that I am coming back, and coming back a man. I am sure that you will never re- gret that you signed your name to my enlistment papers last April. God bless you, mother. Your loving son."
Similar letter- are coming from the battle front every day. Ah, imagine if you can a lad of sixteen or seventeen or eighteen, writing such a letter as that a few years ago! So, while as I have often said. we shall not have as many young men in this country
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when the war is over, we will have a ther body of young manhood than any country ever had in all the history of the past. That will be one of the compensations. Then, again, my friends, we are going to have a better country when the war is over. Things were not going altogether well with us before the war. We were be- coming a materialistic people. We were devoting ourselves only to the things which you can touch and handle, the things of the senses. The finer, spiritual values were dying out of our lives. The spirit of discipline had fled from the home, from the church, from the school, and from the State, if you please. We no longer looked upon our citizenship under that starry flag as the most precious possession we had. We only felt, in some sort of a way, that the country owed much to us but not that we owed everything to our country. So when this great calamity came upon the world, when this great tragedy of the ages was initiated by the cruelty and tyranny and heartlessness of the Hohenzollern dynasty, it wasn't upon an altogether satisfactory world that the tragedy eame. Now, wherever I go, whatever audience I face, I see a new spirit shining out of the faces of the men and the women, aye, even the little children. Hananity is having a rebirth in this crucial time. Our citizenship is going forward and upward by leaps and bounds, so, when the war is over we are going to have a better world than we have had in all the past. The old idea of human brotherhood for which our fathers fought at Concord and Lexington, and for which these old heroes fought on a seore of bloody battle fields, that sense of human brotherhood is coming back to the earth. You know, we all know in our hearts that we were becoming selfish, very seltish before this war. We were sepa- rating into classes, we were thinking of ourselves, ve had forgotten, aye, absolutely forgotten the Master's definition of who our neighbor was. But now, purified in the fires of this war, new and spiritual things are coming back to the world, a new brotherhood will come to our land. We will have a better world when the war is over. Now, in conclusion, for I have spoken longer than I expected, anong the other compensations that this war will bring about, and I feel it this afternoon as I have not felt it before, is going to be a new Chicago. We have, too, in this great eity, divided
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into groups, according to nationality, or according to religion, or according to some other test. Now, our citizenship of this great city is being separated into ouly two classes-all who love their flag, who believe that it is the most sacred protection to humanity the world contains; those who believe that America is the best hope of humanity everywhere are arrayed on the one side, and all the others (and think God they are growing fewer in Chicago every day), are on the other side.
So when the war is over, we shall have a new citizenship, and the only test of a man in those days will be: Did he do all that he could while the war was on to save and protect our land? That will be the only test. We will have a solidarity of citizenship for all good things that we didn't have before.
I received a letter just as I left Springfield, yesterday morn- ing, from a corporal who is with our soldiers in France, Corporal Paul Salzman, of Bloomington. He writes me as follows: "You ean tell our people at home that we are constantly thinking of them ; that we will do all that is in our power to make the fame of Illinois still greater." That is the spirit of our boys on the other side. I do not know this young man. All I know of him is what is contained in this letter, and although he is only a corporal, I want to answer that letter when I return home.
I have delivered Paul Salzman's message to you, my friends, and I am going to ask you what your me-sage through me to Paul Salzman and his comrades on the battle front shall be. May I tell bim (and I feel sure in my heart that you will authorize me to do so), that the people of Illinois are proud beyond expression of the heroic services of our soldiers on the battle fields? May I also tell him, as he asks me to tell you, that we are thinking constantly of them? I am sure I may. I want to add that our dearest von- eern in these fateful times is not only that we shall constantly think of them, but how we shall constantly do for them that their comfort may be inerea-ed. I want to add that we are thinking and thinking constantly. to use his word, of what we can do, my friends of Illinois, to make this State of such splendid past, even a better State. May I tell him that that is your message to me to our soldier boys in the batthe line, wherever tho-e lines are laid?
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Our past century his indeed been a glorious one. It is as full of inspiration as any century of any nation, or of any State. More and more often pilgrimages are being made to Lincoln's tomb. When men have despaired of the future, they have there repaired to refresh their courage and to strengthen their arms. Only a year ago, I visited that sacred spot with Marshal Joffre, the hero of the Marne. As I beheld hiin lay a wreath above Lin- coln's dust, and saw his tear-dimmed eyes, I knew that old hero had strengthened his determination that "They shall not pass." So, splendid as is the first century of our history. great as has been its contribution to all the progress of all the world, let us hope that we, in these, the most crucial years of all our history. shall be worthy of our glorious pa-t.
My friends, I thank you for the patience with which you have listened to me today, and I want to tell you that I have gained inspiration by being here. I am surer of the future of our citizen- ship and our beloved land than I have ever been before, and so I thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
THE CLOSING OBSERVANCE OF THE ILLINOIS CENTENNIAL, DECEMBER 3, 1918
THE COMPLETE PROGRAMMI OF THE FINAL OBSERVANCE OF THE CENTENNIAL WAS AS FOLLOWS:
Meeting Called to Order by. . Dr. O. L. Schmidt Chairman Illinois Centenni I Commission and President Illinois State Historical Society Invocation. . Rev. T. N. Ewing
Star Spangled Banner Private Arthur Kraft
Presentation of Governor Frank O. Lowden As Presiding Officer
"The Office of Lieutenant Governor,"
The Honorable John G. Oglesby Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
Songs Private Arthur Kraft
a .. When You Walk. (Hand~])
b. Mary of Argyle (Nelson) c. Duna (McGill) "The Speaker of the House"
The Honorable David E. Shanahan Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives "The Illinois Supreme Court" -
The Honorable JJames HI. Cartwright Justice of the Supreme Court
Songs.
Private Arthur Kraft
a. Lullaby from Jocelyn (Godard)
Violin Oblig tto
b. Invictus (Huhn)
"The Contennial Address Pre -ident John II. Finley University of the State of New York America The Audience Led by Private Arthur Krat Reception . First Floor of the Capitol Building The last official observance of the Centennial of the State of Illinois was held in the House of Representatives in the Capitol Building, Deren.ber 3, 1918. The lin dis State Historical Society
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united with Centennial Commission in the observance. This was the One Hundredth Anniversary of the formal admission by the Congress of the United States of Illinois as a State of the Union.
Previous to the meeting a dinner was given at the Sangamo Club by the Centennial Commission in honor of Governor Lowden, President Finley and other guests.
The room was handsomely decorated with the National colors and the flag, of the allied n ations. The spirit of the meeting was one of exultation and thanksgiving that the Centennial of Illinois had witnessed the close of the frightful war of oppression which had engaged and horrified the world for the past four years. A feeling of profound joy that the State begins its second century with new and brighter hopes for a hundred years of peace, pro- gress and fraternity.
Dr. O. L. Schmidt, Chairman of the Centennial Commission called the meeting to order and introduced Governor Frank O. Lowden, presiding officer of the meeting, who introduced the speakers. The Rev. Thomas N. Ewing offerel the Invocation.
Lieutenant Governor John G. Oglesby, delivered an address on the office of Lieutenant Governor of the State of Illinois, giving an account of the laws governing the office andI of the men who have held that high position during Illinois first century of Statehood.
The Honorable David E. Shanahan, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives presented an address on the "Speaker of the House." Mr. Shanahan gave a history of this important office describing the qualifications in cessary for it. its duties and powers, as well as a most interesting account of many of the brilliant men of Illinois who have occupied the position since the organization of the First General As-embly of the State, October 5, 1818.
The Illinois Supreme Court was reviewed im an able address by Justice Jamies HI. Cartwright of the Minot Supreme Court.
The Centernial address was given by President John HI. Finley of the University of the State of New York. Dr. Finley said he had been asked to talk about Illinois but he would speak of America -- the new America that was mule possible by the hundred years of achievements just cheed in whose history Illinois has played so noble a part. Dr. Findley's address was a notable one,
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a fitting climax to the series of patriotic and scholarly addresses which have characterized the Centennial observance.
Dr. Schmidt, in opening the exercises, said in part:
Members of the Historical Society and Honored Guests: The Illinois Centennial Commission and the illinois Historieal Societ. welcome you to these exercises commemorative of the admission of Illinois as a State of the Federal Union, ending thus the series of Centennial exercises inaugurated a year ago in this hall.
Under the pall of the most frightful of wars, and in terror and uncertainty as to the fate of the nation and the world, the Centennial exercises could not be planned in the same joyful and festive spirit as should have been the celebration of a birthday in honor of a beloved and provident mother. This is, however, the opportune occasion to join together in gratitudo for the past, and duty to the present, as presented by the National situation. The lesson lies in the heroism and the devotion to high principles ex- ampled in Illinois' history, Notwithstanding the years of ease and prosperity of this nation, and notwithstanding the shortcom- ings in which it found it-elf at the outbreak of the war, the hero- ism, and the sacrifice of our forefathers was multiplied in kind and in spirit to meet the requirements impesed upon their sons and daughters of today.
That the Centennial observance has been successful is largely due to the hearty cooperation of the State officials. A year ago "Illinois Day," as this day is termed, the exerci es for the celebra- tion were headed by our Chief Executive. During the year by kindly and forceful proclamations, and by eloquent speeches throughout the State, the patriotic meaning of the Centennial celebration was pictured by him to thousands of people. He also favored ns with a proclamation calling attention to this day and he has consented graciously to conduct our meeting this evening. I have the honor of presenting to you our Centennial Governor, -- Governor Lowden, who will act as chairman.
Governor Lowden said in response :
Mr. President, Ladies and Gonthonen: The Chairman of the Commission has told you that I have made many speeches at different celebrations during the year. ] fear that you may get
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the idea that these celebrations have almost exclusively consisted of my oratory, and now I am going to get right down to business. and introduce the first speaker, Lieutenant Governor Oglesby, who will speak upon the "Lieutenant Governors of the State."
THE OFFICE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JOHN G. OGLESBY
Lieutenant Governor of the State of Illinois
Governor Lowden and Ladies and Gentlemen: This day one hundred years ago Congress ratified the submitted Constitution of Illinois and we were formally admitted and recognized as the twenty-first sovereign State of the Union. This meeting tonight is the culmination of the various eldurations that have been held throughout our commonwealth during this year. The four dates. each of importance, that in 1818 m.trked the transmutation of Illinois from a territory to a State have been fitly commemorated by our people. With the entering of America into the world's war, there was a difference of opinion whether the Centennial Commis- sion should proceed with the original plans for the centenary, but Governor Lowden finally decided that these plans should be ful- filled, as the lessons and traditions of the past might prove an inspiration for the present generation to meet the critical condi- tions confronting us.
The results have proven that, as always, the Governor decided with wisdom and foresight, and so the people of our State are indebted to him and his comani -ing for the enceessful observance of our Centennial.
I have been asked to give a short outline of the provisions of the three Constitutions of our State in their relation to the office of Lieutenant Governor.
The first Constitution, that of 1818, laid down the following qualifications for this office: The Lieutenant Governor shall be at least thirty years of age and shall have been a citizen of the United States thirty years : two years of which next preceding his Election he shall have resided within the limits of this Stato. He shall be chosen at every cloetion for Governor, and in voting for
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Governor and Lieutenant Governor the electors shall distinguish who they vote for as Governor and who as Lieutenant Governor. The first election shall commence on the third Thursday of Sep- temler, 1818, and continue for that and the two succeeding days; and the next election shall be beld on the first Monday in August, 1822, and forever after elections shall be once in four years on the first Monday in August. The person having the highest number of votes for this office shall be Lieutenant Governor, but if two of inore be equal and highest in votes then one of them shall be chosen by joint ballot of both houses of the General Assembly. He shall hold office after 18 ?? for the term of four years and until another Lieutenant Governor shall be elected and qualified, but he shall not be eligible for more than four years in any term of eight years.
The Lieutenant Governor by virtue of his office shall be Speaker of the Senate and have the right in Committee of the Whole to debate and vote on all subjects, and in the Senate, when it is equally divided, he is given the casting vote.
In case of impeachment of the Governor, his removal from office, death, refusal to qualify, resignation or absence from the State, the Lieutenant Governor shall exercise all the power and anthority appertaining to the office of Governor until the time pointed out by the Constitution for the election of Governor shall arrive, unless the General Assembly shall provide by law for the clection of a Governor to fill such vacancy.
To the Constitution of 1818 was added at the very end this clause :
"Any person of thirty years of age who is a citizen of the United States and has resided within the limits of this State two years next preceding the election shall be eligible to the office of Lieutenant Governor. Anything in this Constitution contained to the contrary notwithstanding."
This unusual provision was added because it was desired by the people to honor by election to this office. Colonel Pierre Menard, that old. impulsive. French emigrant heloved by all. A benevo- len', vigorous. honest and patriotic leader of sound judgment and comprehensive mind, who had great influence with the Indian and was most successful in negotiating important treaties with them.
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He was born near Montreal in 1766. His business was that of a fur trader, and while he made many trips from Canada to the states, still he did not become a resident of America until 1789, when he began his residence in Vincennes, going to Kaskaskia in 1.90, consequently, at the time of his election be had been a citizen of the United States for only 29 years, and had not that qualifying clause been added, he would not have been eligible for the office.
The next Constitution was that of 1618 and changed the orig- inal provisions for the election and qualification of Lieutenant Governor in that the election should be held in November instead of August; that no one should be eligible who had not attained the age of 35 years and had not been a resident of the State ten years and a citizen of the United States 11 years. It was also pro- vided in cise of the death of the Governor-elect before he qualified, that the Lieutenant Governor should succeed to the vacancy thus created until a new Governor be elected.
The third and present Constitution was adopted in 1870. Its changes in the provisions concerning the office of Lieutenant Gov- ernor are that the Lieutenant Governor be a part of the Executive Department of the State: that he be the ouly executive officer not required to reside at the erat of government during his term of office; that he be president of the Senate and vote only when the Senate is equally divided; that he be thirty years of age and for five years next prece ling his election he shall have been a citi- zen of the United States and of this State and he shall be in- eligible for any other office during the period for which he shall have been elected.
So we are brought down to the present day. The people have adopted the resolution for the calling of a Constitutional Conven- tion. The incoming General Assembly will provide for the holding of such convention. It is well that this be done for in the age con- fronting us there will be many propositions to be solved and the basic found dion of our State should be modern and of a scopo to meet all problems that may arise in the new freedom of the world. Knowing the people of Illinois as I do, I have no doubt that the result of this building will be commensurate for every requirement.
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DAVID E. SHANAHAN
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Governor Lowden, Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen: We meet tonight in the closing exercises of the Illinois Centennial Celebration. My friends, in what a different atmosphere we meet tonight, compared with that of a year ago when in the opening exercises of the Illinois Centennial Celebration we met in this room. At that time the world was in the midst of the greatest war of history, and the thought was with us that millions of our young men were in the training camps in this country preparing to go abroad to participate in that great struggle. But tonight we know that this frightful war is ended, and that in a few months a treaty of peace will be signed and in that treaty of peace there will be written in letters of gold that this shall be the last cruel war which shall curse this world forever more.
In the few moments allotted to me-I have ten minutes I understand-I am to talk of the Speakers of one hundred years, so I must be brief.
The State Government of Illinois was organized on Monday, October 5, 1818. On that day the first session of the General As- sembly met in Kaskaskia. There were twenty-eight members of the llous and fourteen Senators. Seven members of the House and five Senators had been members of the Constitutional Conven- tion of 1818. John Messinger being one of the number. On the opening day of the session Rialon Moore was elected speaker pro tempore. On the next day, October 6, 1818, the House met and elected as its speaker John Me-singer of St. Clair County. Mos- singer was a New Englander, which was exceptional. for a citizen of the country at that time. as the majority of the Southern Jili- nois pioneers were of Vit rinia or North Carolina aneestry, though the English settlement of Birkbeck and Flower at Albion exercised an influence of considerable magnitude, especially a few years later in the attempt of 1-2124 to change the Constitution of Illinois in order to permit of very within its borders. The English colon- ists were strongly anti -- lavery in their sentiments.
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Messinger was born at West Stockbridge, Ma-s., in 1421. He went to Vermont, then to Kentucky, reaching the New Design setilement in Illinois in 1802 when the Territory was a part of Indiana Territory. Later he became a miller in St. Clair County, and he taught one of the earliest schools in that county. He became a surveyor and map maker. He made many of the early county and State maps, copies of which are still in existence. Ife was the author of a book entitled, "A Manual or Hand Book Intended for Convenience in Practical Surveying."
Mr. Messinger was one of the surveyors who set the northern boundary of the State. thus helping in the good work of the dele- gate in Congress, N. thiniel Pope, in saving for Illinois its fourteen northern connties including the site of Chicago. This territory was given to Wisconsin in the originel State boundary line. In a new country, surveying and making roads was a very important profession. We all remember that George Washington and Abra- ham Lincoln were both in their youthful days surveyors.
In 1808 Mr. Messinger was a member of the Indiana Terri- torial Legislature and took part in the legislation which separated Illinois from Indiana and gave it an independent Territorial gov- ernment. Mr. Me -- inger was, of course, speaker of the second session of the First General Assembly which convened in Kaskaskia, January 18, 1519, ard adjourned March 31, 1819.
The speaker of the Stered General Assembly of Illinois was John McLean, who was a most distinguished citizen of the State. In his honor is named MeLean County, the largest county in area in the State.
John MeLran was born in North Carolina, in 1:91. The family removel to Kentucky and young MeLean came to Shawnee- town, Illinois, in 1815. He was a brilliant man, an eloquent and forceful orator. He was elected the first representative in Congress from the new State of Illinois, but was defeated for re-election by Daniel P. Cook. In 1821, he was elected United States Senator to succeed Ninian Edwards, resigned. H . was re-elected in 1828 by a unanimous vote, but died on October 1, 1830.
Forty men have been elected Speaker of the Illinois house of Representatives during the past 100 years: three of these have
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afterwards served the people as Governor of the State, Ewing, Reynolds and Cullom, Mr. Ewing servel only fifteen days as Gov- ernor of the State. Six have afterwards been elected Senators in the Congress of the United States, John McLean, W. L. D. Ewing, Sidney Breese, James Semple, William A. Richardson, Shelby M. Cullom, and Lawrence Y. Sherman.
Several have won lame in the lower House of Congress, among the most notable being John Reynolds, Thomas J. Turner, William R. Morrison and Shelby M. Cullom. Allen C. Fuller was Adjutant General of the State November 1861-1865. ITe was also twice presidential elector, 1860 aud 1876. Ile later served several terms in the State Senate. It would take too long to tell the important legislation in which Speakers of the House have exercised influence or the other offices which they have held.
The list of names is an honorable one. Three men have served three terms as Speaker of the House, John McLean, W. L. D. Ewing. and Edward D. Shurtleff. Mr. MeLear, after his first election as Speaker of the House, served in Congress : ndl later on was re-elected in the Legislature and again became Speaker and served two terms in snecession. As has been stated Mr. MeLean died in 1830 while serving as a member of the United States Senate. Mr. Ewing was elected Speaker in 1830, and eight years afterwards was again elected Speaker and served twice in succes- sion.
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