USA > Ohio > History of Ohio; the rise and progress of an American state, Volume Four > Part 22
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On the other hand, Lewis D. Campbell, the vice- president of the Convention, strenuously opposed its work for the following reasons:
"It violates the great principle of equal rights and exact justice by applying the system of cumulative voting for two counties of the State-a system by which three votes of a minority have a political power equal to four of a majority, degrading a portion of the people.
"It is anti-republican in this, that by extending the term of service of some officers to ten years, and dis- pensing with annual State elections, it removes farther from the people their power to dismiss unfaithful and unworthy servants.
"It unnecessarily increases the salaries of offices that can be enjoyed only by a very small and non- productive class of the people. It increases the num- ber of judges, complicates the judicial system that ought to be simplified, and renders judicial proceedings more tardy and expensive. It prohibits the courts of Com- mon Pleas from exercising jurisdiction in habeas cor-
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pus. It secures benefits to the legal profession alone, at the expense of the tax-payer and to the disadvan- tage of all other classes of people.
"It will increase the expenses of the State Govern- ment not less than $2,500,000 in the first ten years. It confers on the Governor the veto power, by which he may defeat legislation, without which the State has prospered more than seventy years, and which has not been desired by the people. In no event will it satis- factorily settle the important question of the liquor trade, but will leave it open for vexatious and unprof- itable controversies among the people hereafter.
"It may give authority to consume the private property of men, women and children, by taxation, without their consent, to aid railroad companies and promote private speculation.
"It contains no beneficial provisions which may not at any time be secured by an act of the legislature. As a whole the old Constitution is much better than the new one."
The opposition among the voters took various forms. Those who were opposed the license clause voted against the Constitution in order to be sure of the defeat of that proposition; for if the main instrument was rejected, the clause would be a failure even if carried. The county officers of the State opposed it in a body because it abolished the fee system. The corporations gave it a united opposition. Those interested in the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors objected to it on account of the restrictions on the traffic author- ized in the license clause. All of these reasons, together with a general feeling that there was no necessity for
- t re ٢٠
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a new Constitution, operated to bring about its defeat. The election was held August 18, 1874, at which the total vote cast was 350,054 as follows:
For the Constitution. 102,885
Against the Constitution 250,169
Majority against. 147,284
The votes on the separate proposition were as fol- lows:
For minority representation. 73,615
Against minority representation 259,415
Majority against 185,800
For railroad aid. 45,416
Against railroad aid. 296,658
Majority against 251,242
For licensing the liquor traffic.
172,252
Against licensing liquor traffic. 179,538
Majority against. 7,286
Thus all the work of the third Constitutional Conven- tion went for naught, although in a life of two hundred and fifty-three days, of which one hundred and eighty- eight were spent in work, it cost the State $236,088.49, including $30,547.82 expended in publishing the amend- ments. (See Auditor of State Reports, 1873-76.)
The Administration of Governor Noyes, which com- menced with his inauguration January 8, 1872, was not remarkable for any unusual development in State affairs. It was noted, however, for its economy and
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general fidelity to the public service. There was more attention given by the people of Ohio to politics, both State and National, during this period than to the more serious questions of domestic government. The feel- ing against renominating General Grant for the Presi- dency found lodgment in many Republicans of Ohio, New York and Missouri. This sentiment crystallized into a National Convention, or rather mass meeting, at Cincinnati, May 1, 1872. Stanley Matthews, of Cin- cinnati, was chosen temporary chairman of the conven- tion, which contained some of the most prominent Republicans in the United States. They adopted the name "Liberal Republicans," and nominated Horace Greeley, of New York, for President. Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase of Ohio was also a candidate before the Convention. Mr. Greeley was adopted as a candi- date by the Democracy at Baltimore, July 9th, but General Grant at the election carried every State in the Union but six. Notwithstanding this result, there was a great deal of distrust and opposition to the Republican party, largely due to approaching "hard times," that daily were becoming more manifest and finally culminated in the disastrous panic of 1873.
In the political reaction always resulting from de- pressed financial conditions, the Republican party paid the penalty. In addition it had to bear the blame, and justly, for the corruption of the Grant Administration, the Credit Mobilier scandal that developed in Congress, and the "Salary Grab," by which the members of Con- gress increased their own compensation fifty per cent and madeit retroactive so as to apply to those who passed it. The necessity for reform was apparent, and when
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the Democrats raised that cry the people responded. The first expression of popular opinion came from Ohio.
Governor Noyes was renominated by acclamation at the State Convention held in Columbus May 21, 1873. He had made an efficient Executive and was greatly admired by his party for his military services and his gift of oratory. He represented in the very highest degree his party strength, aspirations and accomplishments. The Democratic State Convention met also in Columbus, August 6th. William Allen, of Chillicothe, was nominated for Governor. The nominee was an old and distinguished Democrat, who had lived in retirement at his pastoral home, "Fruit Hill," since he left the United States Senate, March 4, 1849. He was born of poor parentage at Edenton, North Carolina, in 1807, and was left an orphan in his infancy. Part of his boyhood life was spent at Lynchburg, Virginia, working as a saddler's apprentice. At sixteen, tying his wordly goods in a handkerchief, he walked from Lynchburg to Chillicothe to enter the home of his sister, Mrs. Pleasant Thurman, mother of Allen G. Thurman, who was then a small boy. Mrs. Thurman educated young William Allen. He read law, afterward entered Congress and was eventually elected to the United States Senate over Thomas Ewing. Senator Allen served two terms in the Senate, from March 3, 1837. Upon his retirement he devoted himself to his farm, his books and his neighbors.
It was from this bucolic obscurity that his party called him in 1873. His appearance on the stump was as one coming back from the Golden Age of the Senate. Of commanding figure, with a powerful and sonorous
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voice and a fervid oratory, he deeply impressed his own party and commanded the attention of his oppo- nents. As a political figure that had served in the Senate with Webster, Clay, Calhoun and Benton and as one whose record, if not brilliant, was dignified and clean, it was natural that he should be favorably viewed by the generation that heard him. All that his opponents could say against him was to call him derisively "Fog- horn Allen" on account of his powerful voice. Al- though approaching three score and ten, he made a vigorous campaign, having but one subject for his oratory, the necessity of economy in public affairs and honesty in public life. The panic, the Credit Mobilier and the "Salary Grab" did the rest. Withal, at the election, his plurality over Governor Noyes was but 817 votes, the closest result by which any Governor has been elected in Ohio before or since.
The retiring Governor, Edward F. Noyes, was born at Haverhill, Massachusetts, October 3, 1832. He was graduated from Dartmouth College in 1857, and removed to Cincinnati. When the war commenced he enlisted with the Thirty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and afterward became its colonel. On July 4, 1864, while leading an assault at Ruff's Mills, Georgia, he was severely wounded and suffered an amputation of his left leg. In 1877 President Hayes appointed him Minister to France, a position which he filled with credit to himself and his country. He died at Cin- cinnati, September 4, 1890.
William Allen was the first Democratic Governor in twenty years, or since William Medill was elected in 1853. The balance of the Republican State ticket
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was elected, but the Democrats carried the Legislature, which reelected Judge Allen G. Thurman, nephew of the Governor, to the United States Senate, to serve during the term commencing March 4, 1875. The Republicans, as an expression of confidence, cast their votes for Senator for Governor Noyes. The inaugura- tion on January 12, 1874, was attended by a large concourse of people and a gorgeous and extensive military parade; the day's proceedings were closed with a brilliant ball at the City Hall. The Governor's inaugural address was devoted to a single topic-the necessity for reducing taxes and enforcing the most rigid economy in all matters of State expenditure. Thus, after an exile of a score of years, the Democracy assumed control in Ohio.
The remarkable agitation known as the "Women's Temperance Crusade," which originated in the village of Hillsboro, Highland county, and spread with celerity and strength all over Ohio, was a feature that this year exerted great influence both politically and socially. The purpose was to secure the cessation of the liquor traffic by a personal solicitation to those engaged ir that business. James H. Thompson, the historian of Hillsboro, thus describes it: "Husbands saw theil wives, sons and daughters, their mothers, and neigh bors, their friends, moving along with a strange appari tion and knew not what it meant until before som liquor saloon, or hotel, or drugstore, you would hea the singing of some familiar hymn warbled through th air in tones of the most touching note, and the solemn silence prevailing up and down street, th utterance of a soul-stirring prayer made by some sister
WILLIAM ALLEN
From a painting by William T. Matthews in the Capitol in Columbus.
Born in Edenton, North Carolina, 1807; removed in early life to Chillicothe, Ohio; admitted to the bar; mem- ber of Congress, 1833-35; United States Senator, 1837-49; died at "Fruit Hill," near Chillicothe, Ohio, July 11, 1879.
THE RISE AND PROGRESS
was elected, but the Democrats carried the Legislature which reelected JuWIENIAIMALLJIWThurman, nephew of
audmuloDai
The
during the term commencing March 4, 1875.
Republiom nisd &dt onbsjambes fondo , sitoSind of musst thei votes -81 192 aatsta botinUndaugura tion on January 12, 1874, was attended by a larg concourse of people and a gorgeous and extensiv military parade; the day's proceedings were close with a brilliant ball at the City Hall. The Governor inaugural address was devoted to a single topic-th necessity for reducing taxes and enforcing the mos rigid economy in all matters of State expenditure Thus, after an exile of a score of years, the Democrac assumed control in Ohio.
The remarkable agitation known as the "Women Temperance Crusade," which originated in the villa of Hillsboro, Highland county, and spread with celeri and strength all over Ohio, was a feature that this ye exerted great influence both politically and social The purpose: was to secure the cessation of the liqu traffic by a personal solicitation to those engaged that business. James H. Thompson, the historiar Hillsboro, than describes it: "Husbands saw th wives, sons and daughters, their mothers, and ne bors, their friends, moving along with a strange ap tion and knew not what it meant until before : liquor saloon, or hotel, or drugstore, you would the singing of some familiar hymn warbled through air in tones of the most touching note, and solemn silence prevailing up and down street utterance of a soul-stirring prayer made by som
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with all others kneeling around on curbstone, or pave- ment, or doorstill, could be heard ascending to the Throne of God to avert the curse of intemperance. No crowd of shouting boys followed. No cliques of consulting men on the street corners were agathered. Every countryman halted his team in awe, no vocif- erous, angry words were heard, and no officer com- manded the peace-for it was deathlike peace. Throughout the day, songs and prayers were heard at all places kept for the sale of liquors, and at night consultation was resumed at the church."
That the "Women's Temperance Crusade" was effective in starting the taxation of the liquor traffic in Ohio there can be no doubt. The question of licens- ing the sale of intoxicating liquors was before the people at the same time, in the form of a constitutional amend- ment. This temperance movement was at its height, and its influence in defeating the proposition was decisive, and the defeat of license directed the atten- tion of the people of Ohio to taxation.
Governor Allen's Administration was directed in the interest of economy and the reduction of taxation. His honesty made a favorable impression on the people of the State. Early in 1875 it was apparent that he would again lead his party in the gubernatorial contest. His reputation as a campaigner, notwithstanding his age, made him a most formidable candidate. The Republicans realized that Governor Allen, with his personal popularity and added prestige of victory, had won such a place in the estimation of the people of Ohio that only an exceptionally strong man could hope to defeat him. Complicating this situation was the
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growth of the wide-spread financial heresy of "Green- backism," which at this time was growing in popular- ity. The chief exponents and advocates of this doctrine in Ohio were George H. Pendleton and General Thomas Ewing. Congress, early in April, 1874, passed what was known as the "Inflation Bill" providing for an increase of the volume of the paper currency of the Government, regardless of its ability to redeem the same. The cry throughout the country was "more money! more money!" and Congress soon caught the trend. There was general depression among business men, laborers were out of work and hard times were everywhere. Naturally debtors and all others in dis- tress sought the first remedy offered by those who dealt in political nostrums. Why should not the Government issue sufficient paper money to meet the wants of trade? Financiers like John Sherman saw that this financial doctrine would destroy the stability of the currency and that it was a departure from the true principles of finance. President Grant was at first inclined to favor the bill, but upon investigation and study he vetoed it on the ground that if enacted it would indefi- nitely postpone specie payment.
Contrary to the historic principles and record of the Democratic party it aligned itself in Ohio with the inflation ideas of the new school of finance. A great temptation to win at the polls by offering a distressed people a so-called remedy for their ills overcame its regard for the precedent of years and the principles of sound money. Governor Allen, Pendleton and Ewing were aggressive in advocating the new doctrine; Senator Thurman, much to the surprise of his friends,
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finally joined with them. Although he acquiesced, his judgment was never loyal to his position taken at that time. In the Democratic State Convention of 1874, the party was committed to "such an increase of the circulating medium as the business interests of the country may from time to time require." In the election of this year "fiat" money gained a signal triumph; the Democrats elected their State ticket and thirteen out of the twenty-one members of Congress from Ohio.
The "Resumption Act," or, as it was entitled, "An Act to Provide for the Resumption of Specie Pay- ments," was passed in January, 1875. The act pro- vided that on and after January 1, 1879, the Secretary of the Treasury should redeem in coin the legal tender notes of the Government. As a matter of history, it became an accomplished fact; and on the date fixed, for the first time since December 30, 1861, specie pay- ment was resumed, and to this day the paper money of the Government has been at par with coin.
The campaign of 1875 was fought on the sound money issue. The Democrats favored inflation of the currency by the issuance of more greenbacks, and the Republicans favored resumption and opposed the Democratic view of finance. There were many Republicans who opposed the resumption of specie payment, and others who feared that it could not be reached. The Democrats were sure that all efforts in that direction would be a dismal failure. Governor Allen was again nom- inated by the Democratic State Convention at Colum- bus on June 7th, on a platform opposing specie payment, favoring the extinction of the National banks, and the
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inflation of the currency equal to the wants of trade. Squarely in opposition to all this, was the renomination for a third time of General Hayes. The campaign which followed was one of education on the money question. General Hayes courageously combated the well-established public sentiment in his discussions of this issue. But he wisely saw that it was more than a State issue; it was National and international. He had the moral firmness to disregard "what the people think," for "what they ought to think." The popular side of the question was with the Democrats, and Gov- ernor Allen confidently expected to be reëlected. The Ohio canvass was watched with intense interest by the country at large, and some of the ablest speakers of both parties from other states participated in it. General Ewing and General Stewart L. Woodford, of New York, in a dozen debates presented both sides of the issue in a masterly manner. Aiding General Hayes in his campaign also were Carl Schurz and William M. Grosvenor, of Missouri, both remarkable for their scholarly knowledge of finance and whose speeches did much to bring forth an enlightened vote from the people. Governor Allen, Senator Thurman and Mr. Pendleton were all active in appealing for support for their side of the issue. When the voters of Ohio were through with the campaign they had far more informa- tion on the question of finance than ever before. They learned what money is, what its function is, and whether it was a creation or an obligation, and they possessed a better understanding of the elementary principles of political economy.
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The vote at the election was the largest polled in the history of the State up to that time, and it gave General Hayes a plurality over his opponent of 5,544 and a majority over all candidates of 2,951. The contest made the victor a National character, and at once his name became connected with the Presidential nomination to be made the following summer. The State Convention which met March 29, 1876, passed by unanimous vote a resolution instructing its delegates to the National Convention to vote for Governor Hayes for the nomination for President. This senti- ment was generously responded to by other states, so that by the time the Sixth Republican National Con- vention met at Cincinnati on June 14th, Governor Hayes was the first choice of a great majority of the delegates for the second place, and their second choice for the first place. His dignified attitude in regard to the nomination had antagonized no other candidate, and there was a generally generous sentiment towards him on all sides. On the seventh ballot Governor Hayes was nominated as the candidate of the Repub- lican party for President. In the Executive Chamber at Columbus on June 17th, he was formally notified of his nomination.
The election in November was so close that the count was disputed in the House of Representatives. There were twenty doubtful votes: Florida, 4; Louisi- ana, 8; Oregon, I and South Carolina, 7. To determine the result, Congress created the Electoral Commission. The bill creating this body passed the Senate by the following vote: Ayes, 47-Republicans, 21, Demo- crats, 26; Nays, 17-Republicans 16, Democrats, I;
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Not voting, 10-Republicans, 9, Democrat, I. In the House only 33 Republicans voted for the bill while 68 voted against it. On the other hand, it received 159 Democratic votes to 18 against it. Senator Thur- man spoke and voted for it, while Senator Sherman opposed it. Charles Foster was the only Republican from Ohio who voted for it; Garfield opposed it strenuously. Blaine in a speech in the Senate called the commission "a rickety makeshift."
On March 1, 1877, President-elect Hayes, with his family and party left Columbus for Washington. The dispute over his title was not yet settled, and he had doubts himself whether he would be seated. In his speech from a private car, occupied by him, he said to the citizens of Columbus: "I understand very well the uncertainty of public affairs at Washington. I understand very well that possibly next week I may be with you again to resume my place in the Governor's office and as your fellow-citizen. But I also understand that it is my duty to be at Washington prepared to assume another position, higher and more responsible and with more difficult duties."
The disputed Presidency to which Governor Hayes referred was at that time being considered by the Elec- toral Commission, composed of fifteen members-five each from the Senate and House and five justices of the Supreme Court. The members of the Commission from Ohio were Senator Thurman and Representatives Henry B. Payne and James A. Garfield. This Commission commenced its session February Ist and dissolved March 2d, after declaring Rutherford B. Hayes to be elected President of the United States.
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Governor Hayes did not resign the Governorship until his title was confirmed, but it was dated on February 28th, and left in the hands of his Private Secretary, Alfred E. Lee. On March 2d he received instructions from Washington to file it, and thereupon Lieutenant Governor Thomas L. Young became Gov- ernor.
President Hayes was the first citizen of Ohio to be elected Chief Magistrate since William Henry Harrison in 1840. His single term of the Presidency is just beginning to receive its proper place in history. His courageous Administration, both on sound money and the resumption of specie payment, entitles him to a place in the highest statesmanship in the country. His pacification of the South and the termination of mili- tary control in that section was an act of patriotism that did much to unite the country and wipe out the distinction between North and South. President Hayes designated Senator John Sherman to be Secretary of the Treasury, and on March 7th Mr. Sherman resigned the Senatorship. The Legislature assembled in joint session on March 20th and elected Stanley Matthews, of Cincinnati, to fill the unexpired term.
Rutherford B. Hayes was born at Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822. He graduated at Kenyon College in 1842 and at the Harvard Law School in 1845. He was admitted to the bar, and was City Solicitor of Cincin- nati from 1858 to 1861. He entered the Union army and became Colonel of the Twenty-Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1864, for gallant service in West Vir- ginia, he was appointed Brigadier General. The same year he was elected to the Thirty-Ninth Congress
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His subsequent career has been narrated in these pages. When his term expired as President, he retired to his home at Fremont, Ohio, and devoted his time to chari- table, educational and philanthropic labors. In 1887 he was appointed a trustee of the Ohio State University, which position he held until his death, January 17, 1893.
Governor Thomas L. Young, the successor of Gov- ernor Hayes, was born December 14, 1832, near Belfast, Ireland, and came to this country when quite a young man. He served in the regular army ten years, and upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he promptly offered his services to his adopted country. For gallant conduct at Resaca, he was brevetted a Brigadier General. In 1866 he was elected one of the repre- sentatives from Hamilton county and in 1872 he was chosen as Senator. In 1875 he was elected Lieu-
tenant Governor. His administration of the remainder of Governor Hayes's term was devoid of events of pub- lic interest. He died July 20, 1888, at Cincinnati.
The Centennial of the Republic was celebrated July 4, 1876, by a National Exposition at Philadelphia; Ohio's part in that great enterprise will be given in detail in a subsequent chapter. In addition, however, to participating in the Exposition, the Centennial was celebrated all over the State by festivities and rejoic- ings commensurate with the day. The great cities and the small towns made the Fourth of this year the occasion of a carnival of patriotism. One feature of this Centennial year is especially deserving of mention. This was the publication by many counties, cities and towns of centennial histories that have done much to
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