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PUBLIC LIBRARY FORT WAYNE & ALLEN CO., IND.
ML
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00827 9678
MICHIGAN AS A STATE
FROM THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR TO THE END OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
BY
HENRY M. UTLEY
STATE CAPITOL-LANSING
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MICHIGAN
,
As a Province, Territory and State, the Twenty-Sixth Member of the Federal Union
BY
HENRY M. UTLEY BYRON M. CUTCHEON
Advisory Editor CLARENCE M. BURTON VOLUME FOUR
Si quæris peninsulam amænam circumspice
A
SE
REAT
The Publishing Society of Michigan 1906
Printed at AMERICANA PRESS for The Publishing Society of Michigan
Copyright, 1906, by FRANK R. HOLMES All Rights Reserved
PUBLICATION OFFICE 36 EAST 23D STREET NEW YORK, N. Y., U. S. A.
MAR 1 8 1949
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PREFACE.
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T® HE period covered by this volume has not before been traversed by any writer. Therefore, only original sources of in- formation have been available. These have been found mainly in the official publications of the State. The Jour- nals of the several legislative sessions, and the Acts of the legislature, have been carefully scan- ned. The reports of the numerous departments of the State government from year to year have furnished the facts considered of sufficient import- ance to justify placing them in this record. There have also been some miscellaneous publications by the State, such as those relating to the Centennial Exposi- tion at Philadelphia, the World's Columbian Exposi- tion at Chicago, the dedication of the New Capitol, the celebration of the Semi-Centennial anniversary of the admission of Michigan into the Union, etc., which have been drawn upon freely.
There has been a further fruitful source of informa- tion of men and events woven into the history of the time in the columns of the newspapers. In drawing upon these it was necessary to be upon watchful guard to make a clear distinction between facts and opinions. The latter are often prejudiced, or at least colored to suit the exigencies of the editorial policy of a particular newspaper. So, upon any controverted question, abso- lute fairness demanded that more than one newspaper should be consulted before deciding what is fact, in a mixed case.
It is not entirely a simple matter to write of one's con- temporaries in a judicial tone. However one may seek to free his own mind of personal views, there is lacking that perspective which puts things in their true relation. In this case it has been thought best to adhere pretty
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strictly to a narrative of facts and omit altogether dis- cussion of men and measures, except as they are too ob- vious and well established to wholly ignore.
The main purpose has been to set down in chronolog- ical order the events which transpired in the Peninsular State during the closing third of the Nineteenth Cen- tury. To this has been added a summary, showing the marvelous growth and development during the same period of all those interests which go to make up a vig- orous and prosperous Commonwealth. No resident of the State has cause to feel ashamed of the record or the standing of the public institutions or private enterprises.
The State has been singularly blessed with able and upright men in conspicuous positions. Graft and greed
are notable by their absence. The instances of any- thing at all derogatory in public life have been few and insignificant. Nevertheless, such as there were have been set down. On the other hand, the real leaders and men of affairs have been inspired with the highest ideals, and have put the State in the lead in all educa- tional, charitable, and humane endeavors.
HENRY M. UTLEY.
SYNOPSIS OF CHAPTERS
CHAPTER I
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1867 .. . 27-40
Provision for calling Conventions at intervals of Sixteen Years-Assembling of the Convention-Notable Member- ship-Arduous work of Revision-Earnestness and Iudus- try of the Members-The mooted Questions-Defeat of the Instrument before the People-The Rocks which wrecked it -Unreconciled Bigots-Partisan Politics still Powerful- The old Constitution thought good enough.
CHAPTER II
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR CRAPO .41-58
Sketch of Governor Crapo-His Business and Financial In- terests-His Wise Counsel to the Legislature-"Pay as You Go"-Measures to Induce Immigration-Swamp Lands and Road Building-Beginnings of the Agricultural College- General A. S. Williams and His Service to the Country- First Street Railways-Era of Railroad Building-Municipal Aid-Governor Crapo's Veto-Supreme Court Settles the Constitutional Question -- Railroad Aid Bonds and their Repudiation.
CHAPTER III
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BALDWIN 59-73
Geological Survey of the State-It is entered upon in Earn- est-Mineral Resources of the Upper Peninsula-Penal and Charitable Institutions of the State-Interest of Governor Baldwin in them-State Public School-Board of Charities and Corrections-Impeachment of Charles A. Edmonds- His Trial and Acquittal-Other Events of the Administra- tion.
CHAPTER IV
DISASTROUS FOREST FIRES .75-85
. Conditions which tempted Conflagration-The Chicago Fire -Greatest Calamity of the Time-Beginning of the trou- ble in Michigan-Flames Sweep Entirely across the State-
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Enormous Destruction of Life and Property-Harrowing and Distressing Scenes-Relief organized for the Homeless -Generous Contributions-The Calamity makes a Second Visitation-Lack of Prudence-A Staggering Blow to the Pioneer Homesteaders.
CHAPTER V
NEW STATE CAPITOL 87-95
Location of the Seat of Government at Lansing-The Old Capitol Building-Necessity for Improved Quarters in which to carry on Public Business-Danger of Loss of Val- uable Documents by Fire-Movement started for a New Building-Necessary Legislation Passed-A Building Com- mission appointed-Plans approved-Successful completion of the Work-Something left of the Appropriation-An un- heard of Incident-New Building is Dedicated with great Rejoicing-A Dignified and Stately Structure-Creditable to the State.
CHAPTER VI
NATIONAL CENTENNIAL .97-110
One Hundredth Anniversary of the Declaration of Inde- pendence-How it was observed in Michigan-Fourth of July Celebrations-Philadelphia Exposition-Part taken by the State Therein-Official Representation-Numerous and Interesting Exhibits-Arbor Day-Governor Bagley and his Course in Public Affairs-State Board of Health-State Railroad Commissioner-State Banking Law-Commission- er of Insurance-A Business Administration-Personal Popularity of Governor Bagley.
CHAPTER VII
ZACHARIAH CHANDLER III-125
His Prominence as a Political Figure in the Country-His position on a Great Public Question-Childhood and Youth in New England-Removal to Detroit-Early Business Ex- perience-Enters Actively into Politics-Elected Mayor- Whig Candidate for Governor-He Enters the United States Senate-His Confreres there-He takes side with the Radical Anti-Slavery Element-His Influence in Sustaining
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MICHIGAN AS A STATE
Lincoln in the War-His Defeat for a Fourth Senatorial Term-He Becomes a member of Grant's Cabinet-Strong Advocate for Honest Money-His Course in the Presiden- tial Campaign of 1876-The Electoral Contest-He Returns to the Senate-Memorable Attack upon Jefferson Davis.
CHAPTER VIII
THE GREENBACK CRAZE SETS IN . 127-145
Origin of the Greenback-Its Successful Service in a Time of Stress-Movement to retire it-Resumption of Specie Payments-A Political Party Organized on the Money Question-What the Greenbackers wanted to Do-Source of their strength-The Liquor Question-Prohibition or Taxation-Charles M. Croswell as Governor-Douglas- Rose Disturbance in the University-A long drawn-out Con- troversy-Industrial School for Girls-Building and Loan Associations-Detroit's Park and Boulevard System-The Crouch Tragedy-A notable Crime.
CHAPTER IX
THE OPPOSITION TICKET WINS I47-16I
Campaign of 1882-The Ruralist and His Prejudices-Gov- ernor Begole and His Political Status-The Opposition Fuses-Defeat of Judge Cooley-Long Contest over the Senatorship-Thomas W. Palmer Wins-Cumulative Voting in Stock Corporations-Gen. Alger Defeats Governor Begole for a Second Term-Portage Lake and Lake Superior Ship Canal-Board of Pardons created-New Postoffice at De- troit.
CHAPTER X
MICHIGAN'S SEMI-CENTENNIAL 163-176
Observance of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Admission of Michigan as a State-An Elaborate Celebration at the Capitol-Distinguished Citizens upon the Program-Cyrus G. Luce becomes Governor-"Graveyard Insurance"-Im- peachment and Expulsion of Representative Dakin-Woman Suffrage not Popular-Railroad Bonuses again-Reduction of Fares-Gettysburg Monuments-Standard Time-Salary of the Governor increased.
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CHAPTER XI
DEMOCRATS IN THE SADDLE 177-188
A Political Revolution-Democratic State Ticket elected Throughout-Governor Winans comes out strong for Rail- road Taxation-Caucus Reform brought to the Front-Aus- tralian Ballot Secured-New Provisions for Presidential Elcctors-A Superfluity of State Boards-A Black Sheep in the Democratic Flock-Old Special Charter Railroads- Michigan Honored with a Representative on the United States Supreme Bench.
CHAPTER XII
WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION 189-205
Organization of the World's Columbian Exposition Com- mission-Plan of the Enterprise-Government takes an ac- tive Interest in it-Chicago Selected as the Site-Thomas W. Palmer chosen President-Michigan well Represented- Board of Management for the State-Leading Exhibits- State at the Front in all of Them-Lumber and Mining In- terests Prominent-Michigan Building-Large number of Visitors from the State-Educational Exhibits-Part Tak- en by Wonien.
CHAPTER XIII
FINANCIAL DISTRESS 207-221
Panic of 1893-Supposed Causes of the Financial Stringency -Its effect in Various Cities of the State-How the Mat- ter was Handled by the Banking Department of Michigan -Clearing House Certificates allay Excitement and Tide over lack of Ready Funds-John T. Rich elected Governor -He makes Wholesale Removals of State Officers for Cause-Juggling with Returns of Votes-Michigan honored by President Cleveland-Important Appointments made by Him-Municipal Charter tinkering.
CHAPTER XIV
THE PINGREE REGIME .223-236 ..
Hazen S. Pingree makes his first Public Appearance-He Becomes Mayor of Detroit-A Street Car Strike and its Result-He Casts in his Political Fortunes with the Labor
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Element as against the Capitalists-It Brings Him Votes be- vond all Expectations-His Efforts to bring the Detroit Street Railways to Terms-Practical method for helping the Poor to Help Themselves-Taxation of Corporations his Hobby-Incidentally he pushed forward Primary Elec- tion Reform-His Bete Noir is the State Senate.
CHAPTER XV
THE WAR WITH SPAIN
.237-252
Ex-Governor Alger as Secretary of War-His Great Achievement in organizing an Army and putting it into the Field -- A Remarkable Display of quick and effective Action -Cruel Criticisms of Him by Personal and Political Ene- mies-Part taken by Michigan in the Conflict-Michigan Naval Brigade-Yosemite and its Service-Michigan Regi- ments and their Service-Military Scandal at Lansing- Governor Pingree never wavers in his Fight for Ad Val- crem Taxation of Railroads-His Persistency finally Re- warded.
CHAPTER XVI
FOREIGN ELEMENT OF THE POPULATION . 253-270
Cosmopolitan character of the Population-Original Set- lers-Representatives from the British Isles and Canada- Strong German Element-Unique Dutch Colony-Large Numbers come over from Finland-Poland Emigrants very Numerous-Their Religious and Educational Institutions- Scandinavians and Cornishmen-Foreign Element does much for the State.
CHAPTER XVII
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL MICHIGAN 271-287
The Backbone of Michigan Industry-Importance of the Farm-The Sugar Beet-Timber Wealth of the State-Pro- duction of Lumber-Reforestation attracts Attention- Making of Furniture-Agricultural Implements of great Im- portance-Stove making an extensive Industry-Vehicles hold a Conspicuous place in the Line-A great Variety of Industries characteristic of the State-Mercantile Trade.
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CHAPTER XVIII
MINERAL RESOURCES 289-305
Early Knowledge of Lake Superior Copper-Crude attempts at Mining-Later Developments-Iron Ore-Marvelous Richness of the Mines-Extent of their Development-Lake Superior Iron District-Coal Mining-An Important Indus- try-Salt Production-Beginnings of Salt Mining-Port- land Cement-Astonishing rapidity of its Production- Gypsum Deposits in Michigan-Their Development-Clay- Sandstone-Slate-Graphite.
CHAPTER XIX
TRANSPORTATION 307-324
Importance to a Community-Earliest Efforts to Improve it -Comprehensive Plan of Internal Improvements-Begin- nings of Railroad Building-State Ownership Unsatisfac- tory-Glad to Unload-Grants of Public Lands to aid Rail- road Building-Rapid Development-State well supplied . with Roads-Progress of Maritime Transportation-Mar- velous Growth in capacity of Ships-Ship Building on the Great Lakes-Car Building.
CHAPTER XX
EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS 325-344
Wise Beginnings of the Educational System-Its Develop- ment along the Lines first laid down-Growth of the Com- mon Schools-Their Improvement in the Qualifications of Teachers-Standard constantly Rising-County High Schools-Higher Institutions-State University and its Place among the Colleges of the Country-Agricultural College Holds first Rank-Denominational Colleges-Num- erous Business and Professional Schools.
APPENDIX
INDEX
ILLUSTRATIONS
State Capitol-Lansing Frontispiece
Solomon L. Withey Facing p. 30
Henry H. Crapo Facing p. 44
Alpheus S. Williams . Facing p. 50
Henry P. Baldwin Facing p. 62
View of Detroit in 1873
Facing p. 80
Governor and Ex-Governors, Lansing
Facing p. 94
John J. Bagley
Facing p. 102
Omar D. Conger
Facing p. 108
Zachariah Chandler
Facing p. 114
Isaac P. Christiancy
Facing p. 124
Thomas M. Cooley Facing p. 132
Josiah W. Begole Facing p. 152
James McMillan Facing p. 168
James V. Campbell
Facing p. 170
Thomas W. Ferry Facing p. 196
Hazen S. Pingree Facing p. 226
Calumet and Hecla Smelting Works Facing p. 292
Houghton and Portage Lake Facing p. 292
Unveiling the Pingree Statue Detroit, May 30, 1904. Facing p. 332
IV-2
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CHAPTER I THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1867
IV-8
S® ECTION 2 of Article XX of the Constitution of 1850 provided that at the general election to be held in the year 1866, and in each six- teenth year thereafter, and also at such other times as the legislature may by law provide, the question of a general re- vision of the constitution shall be submitted to the electors qualified to vote for members of the legislature; and in case a majority of the electors so qualified, voting at such election, shall decide in favor of a convention for such purpose, the legislature at the next session, shall provide by law for the election of delegates to such convention. In his inaugural message to the legislature of 1865 Governor Henry H. Crapo called attention to this provision and recommended that the necessary steps be taken to carry it into effect. Immediately after the opening of the legislative session Senator C. M. Croswell presented a joint resolution, which passed and was approved Feb- ruary 2, 1865, providing the detailed method of sub- mitting the question to the electors. This required that the votes for and against the proposition should be can- vassed and certified in the same manner as the votes for governor and lieutenant-governor, that the secretary of state should report the result to the legislature at its next session, and in case the decision was in favor of such revision, the legislature should provide by law for the election of delegates, prescribe their number and the time and place of holding the convention. Soon after the opening of the legislature of 1867 the secretary of state reported that on the question of revision of the constitution submitted to the electors at the general elec- tion held November 6, 1866, 108, 138 votes were cast, of which 79, 505 were in favor of such revision and 28,623 were against it. Thereupon the legislature
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passed an act to carry into effect the will of the majority. It provided that at the general election to be held on the first Monday of April, 1867, there should be elected in each county as many persons as delegates to a consti- tutional convention as said county had representatives in the legislature. The delegates so chosen were to assem- ble at the capitol at Lansing on the third Wednesday of May, 1867, at II o'clock in the forenoon. The Secretary of State was directed to attend the opening session with a list of delegates to whom he was required to administer the oath of office. The convention was authorized to choose its own presiding officer, and to appoint such secretaries, reporters, and other subor- dinate officers as its convenience might require. The revised constitution was to be submitted to the people for adoption or rejection at such time and in such manner as the convention should direct.
This act was approved March II, 1867, and at the election on the succeeding first Monday of April dele- gates were duly elected to the convention, in compliance with its provisions. These delegates assembled, in accordance with the provisions of the law, in the capitol at Lansing on Wednesday, May 15, 1867, and were called to order by the Secretary of State, who called the roll and administered the oath of office. There- upon Charles M. Croswell of Lenawee, was elected president, and Thomas H. Glenn of Berrien, then sec- retary of the senate, was chosen secretary. Among the delegates to this convention were several whose names have honorable place in the history of the state. Charles M. Croswell, Cyrus G. Luce and Edwin B. Winans afterward occupied the seat of governor; Omar D. Conger was later a senator of the United States; John W. Longyear and Solomon L. Withey became judges of the United States District Courts. Mr. Long-
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year had already served in congress. Robert McClel- land was a delegate in the constitutional convention of 1835 and had served as a secretary in the cabinet of President Pierce. James Birney had previously been lieutenant-governor; Henry H. Holt afterward was elected to the same honorable office. William L. Stoughton and George Willard became members of congress. Eight of the delegates had served in the convention of 1850. The convention was in session seventy-four actual days of sitting and finally adjourned August 22, 1867. The journal shows that it was a very industrious body. It sat almost every working day, usually with morning and afternoon sessions and also frequently sitting in the evening. The roll-calls indicate that almost all the members answered when called, proving that they were personally on hand and attending to business. There were no evidences of party friction or of political considerations in any of the dis- cussions, with the possible exception of that upon the elective franchise. The utmost harmony among mem- bers seems to have prevailed throughout all the delibera- tions. Every question was approached with an evident desire to consider it upon its merits and to reach a con- clusion looking to the best interests of all the people.
At the closing session speeches were made by several of the members reviewing the work and expressing the prevailing sentiment of good will and personal friend- ship. The president of the convention, before declaring final adjournment, congratulated the members upon the good order and harmony which characterized the pro- ceedings. He said : "With honest differences of opinion, strong convictions and spirited debates, the discussions have not been marred by unkind words, offensive per- sonal allusions, or bitter feuds." Reviewing briefly the work he added: "While I bear witness to the faithful-
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ness, industry and zeal with which the members have discharged the responsible duties at this oppressive sea- son of the year, I cannot be satisfied without expressing my commendation of the work accomplished. In fram- ing a constitution settling questions affecting great inter- ests, it cannot reasonably be expected that the work will in every respect be acceptable to all. I do not claim that your labors have resulted in the formation of a perfect instrument; but I cheerfully declare that in my judgment the constitution you are now about to submit to the intelligent people of this state for their ratifica- tion, taken as a whole, is a decided improvement upon the constitution now in force. As far as seemed prac- ticable you have preserved the form and language of the existing constitution. Innovation is not always improvement, nor is change synonymous with excellence. Enlightened reason and the stability of our institutions demand that fundamental provisions of the organic law which have proved satisfactory and become settled and understood by a course of judicial decisions, should not be disturbed for light and transient causes. But the cir- cumstances of the state and the spirit and improvement of the age have demanded changes. Since the constitu- tion of 1850 was adopted, the state has more than dou- bled in population. Its wealth has increased five-fold. By the energy and enterprise of its people, it has become great in material value, while its humane institutions, its university, first at the west and rivaling the foremost at the east, its model schools and school system, and its numerous churches bespeak the advancement in all that elevates and enobles man. With freedom of thought and freedom of labor, with active brains and loyal hearts, truly the state has grown into majestic propor- tions; and now presents one of the grandest develop- ments of progress in the history of the nation."
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Among the notable changes in the new instrument may be mentioned the fact that the preamble "acknowl- edges God," in accordance with the desires of some good pious people who have long lamented this import- ant omission in the federal constitution. The preamble of 1850 simply declares, "The people of the state of Michigan do ordain this constitution." The new consti- tution made the provision for the state census at the middle of the ten year period between the federal cen- suses, instead of the fourth year thereafter. It pro- vided that in time of war, insurrection or rebellion, elec- tors in actual military or naval service should be entitled to vote at such place as shall be prescribed by law and their votes shall be made to apply to the township or ward in which they reside. This provision had been proposed by the legislature of 1865 and approved by the people in 1866 as an amendment to the constitution of 1850, in which it still stands. An important change in the legislative department was the provision that sena- tors should be elected for four years and so arranged that one-half should be chosen every two years (one-half holding over). The number of districts was increased to thirty-three, while the number of representatives was increased to one hundred and ten. A provision was in- cluded that no member of the legislature should be eli- gible to any office which shall have been created or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during his term, nor shall he be interested directly in any contract with the state or any county. The compensation of members was fixed at four dollars per day and there is no limitation with respect to special ses- sions. Provision was made for the submission to the electors of alternative propositions of annual or biennial sessions of the legislature, and also for the separate section for prohibition.
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Township elections were changed from the first Monday of April to the first Tuesday of March. The salaries of all state officers were increased-that of governor to three thousand dollars; secretary of state, commissioner of land office and attorney general to two thousand dollars; treasurer and superintendent of public instruction to twenty-five hundred dollars. The number of supreme court judges was increased from four to five, their term of office extended to ten years and their salaries increased to three thousand dollars. The legislature was authorized by two-thirds vote to increase or reduce the salaries of state officers. Prob- ably the provision with reference to salaries had as mnuch to do as anything with the subsequent defeat of the instrument on a popular vote. The horny handed sons of toil, who constitute the great majority when it comes to a showing of votes, have always looked ask- ance toward any proposition to increase the pay and emoluments of the politicians who hold the offices. Amendments have been proposed from time to time in- creasing the salary of this or that official, but with the exception of that of the governor they have been invar- iably rejected by the electors.
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