History of Salt Lake City, Part 111

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company
Number of Pages: 1194

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The Liberal party also held their first rally at Ogden. Indeed, the able can- didate of the opposition and his lieutenants were foremost in opening the cam- paign. The majority of those of that party who went out to stir up the people of this Territory to a lively interest, touching the imperative duties and vital issues of the present and future, were experienced political leaders and able electioneering orators. Though, of course, they could neither carry the Territory on the Lib- eral side, nor hope to do so, yet they fought through the campaingn with as much courage and genuine party zeal as if victory were certain.

On Saturday evening, November 4th, a grand ratification meeting of the People's party was held in Salt Lake City. At six o'clock a procession, consist- ing of the Central Committee, the People's candidate, the various brass and mar- tial bands of the city, and a host on foot bearing torches and chinese lanterns, formed in front of the theatre and proceeded to march through the principal streets. As they marched, Roman candles were shot into the air, and the music of the bands and shouting of the populace gave a grand enthusiasm to the affair. Cheers were given at several points for the Hon. John T. Caine.

By seven o'clock the procession had returned to the point of starting, and the doors of the theatre were thrown open, which was soon packed from pit to dome with the enthusiastic multitude. Thousands went away unable to gain admission.

Hon. John Sharp called the meeting to order, and nominated Mayor Jen- nings as chairman. The nomination was unanimously carried.

After thanking the audience for the honor conferred on him, the chairman introduced the People's nominee, Hon. John T. Caine, who, on rising to address the meeting was received with loud and prolonged applause.

The great speech of Mr. Caine delivered on this occasion, is too capacious to be incorporated in the narrative ; as is also that of Mr. Van Zile, delivered to his constituents at Salt Lake City in closing his action in the campaign.

The grandest demonstration, however, occcurred at Ogden, November 8th, on the eve of the election. The leaders of the People's party bore the standard of victory, for the battle was substantially fought and the spendid issue of their to- morrow was certain. Not alone did the People's party make triumphal march with blazing torches and stirring music, but the Liberal party did the same, though its procession, of course, was not so imposing, nevertheless worthy to be styled a grand party rally and parade. It was indeed as the meeting of armies, and though victory perched on the standards of the People's party, yet the Lib- erals stimulated their enthusiasm with courageous hopes and ringing prophecies of certain victories in the near future.

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On the following day, Tuesday, November 7th, 1882, the election was held closing the campaign which forms a political epoch in the history of our city and Territory.

The gentlemen appointed by the commission as a canvassing board to can- vass the returns of the delegate election, held November 7th, met at the commis- sion room at 10 A. M., Thursday, November 16th. There were present, besides the commission-excepting Colonel Godfrey who was away-Col. E. Sells, Judge C. C. Goodwin, Mr. Mclaughlin of Park City, F. S. Richards, Esq., of Ogden, and Judge Dusenberry of Provo, who composed the board. There were also in atten- dance Hon. John T. Caine, Hon. P. T. Van Zile, and other gentlemen, friends of the candidates. The following protest was submitted to the commission, ard afterwards made to the board of canvassers also :

"TERRITORY OF UTAH, CITY OF SALT LAKE, November 16, 1882.

To the Utah Commissioners, and to the Board of Canvassers by them selected :

" GENTLEMEN :- I have the honor to submit to you the following objections to canvassing the votes claimed to be cast for the Honorable John T. Caine at the late election for Delegate to Congress, viz :

" First-The ticket used and voted at the late election by the so-called " People's party," and which bore the name of John T. Caine, was not in accordance with law, but, on the contrary, was one which embodied two distinct tickets, and for two different offices, to-wit:

"I. One for Delegate to the Forty-seventh Congress, and one for Delegate to the Forty-eighth Congress.

"That there is no authority for electing a delegate for the unexpired term of the Forty-seventh Congress, which was well known to the persons voting said ballots, and especially to John T. Cainc. the nominee and candidate named on said ticket.

"2. That by reason of the unusual size and shape of said ballot, it marked the envelope which your Honorable Body caused to be used for enclosing said ballot at the time of voting the same. and which the law required, and thus caused said ballot to be other than a secret ballot, as is contem- plated and required by law.

"3. That the said envelopes were so marked by reason of the size and form of said ticket, that it could be easily determined which tieket was contained within the envelope.

"4. That John T. Caine, the person voted for by the so-called " People's party," and whose name is contained on their tickets, is not eligible for said office, which was well known by persons casting said ballots, in this, to-wit :

"I. That said Caine is, within the meaning and fair construction of the law of Congress, commonly called the Edmunds Bill, a polygamist. That for proof of the allegations contained within this objec- tion, the undersigned now offers to make satisfactory proof to this Honorable Body.

" Yours very respectfully, " PHILIP T. VAN ZILE,"

Upon the presentation of the above protest, Mr. Caine said that if the Com - tnissioners determined to hear the matter discussed, he desired the privilege of making a reply, in the meantime denying all the allegations the document con- tained. The Commission held the matter under advisement, and the Board pro- ceeded with the duty of opening and canvassing the returns. Subsequently, the Commission sent for Judge Van Zile and asked him if he were prepared to prove his charge of polygamy against Mr. Caine, his answer being that he was prepared to prove the truth of it on the ground only that he presumed Mr. Caine to be a believer in polygamy. Upon this answer the Commission made the following ruling, covering the whole protest :

"The Commissioners having considered the communication addressed to us by Hon. P. T. Van Zile, hold:

"ist. That the objections in relation to the envelopes and ballots, and for the voting for the vacancy

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for the Forty-seventh Congress ought to be overruled, because it is not shown that the law of the Terri- tory or the orders of the Commission have been violated.

"2d. That a candidate for Delegate to Congress having other legal qualifications is eligible, unless he is actually guilty of entering into the condition of polygamy, bigamy or unlawful cohabitation with more than one woman, within the meaning of those offenses as described in the Ist and 3d sections of the act of March 22d, 1882, and that the objection in regard to polygamy should be overruled, unless it is specifically charged and proved that John T. Caine has been guilty of entering into a polygamist rela- tion of unlawful cohabitation with more than one woman in the marriage relation."

This difficulty being overcome, the labors of the Board proceeded without interruption until the evening session, when Judge McBride, on behalf of Judge Van Zile, presented the following protest :

" To Messrs. Sells, Goodwin, Dusenberry, Richards, and McLaughlin, members of the Board ap- pointed to canvass the returns of the election for Delegate to Congress, held in the Territory of Utah, November 7th, 1882.

"GENTLEMEN :- I hereby protest against the issuance of any certificate to any person-or any cer- tificate of election to any person voted for as Delegate to Congress, either the Forty-seventh or Forty- eighth, at the election held on the 7th day of November, 1882, in the Territory of Utah, on the ground :

" That by law you are only authorized to receive the returns from the various precincts of the differ- ent counties of the Territory and make an abstract of the same, which abstract must be sent to the sec- retary's office and the Governor and the secretary are then required to canvass the same, and the certifi- cate of election can only be issued by the Governor of the Territory to the person whom he shall find to have received the highest number of votes.

"Second :- I protest against any return of the vote at the late election aforesaid for the reason that the returns are incomplete in that the precincts of Pahreah and Johnson, in Kane County ; Bluff City and Montezuma, in San Juan County ; Arizona, in Sevier County ; Deep Creek, in Tooele County ; Leeds Precinct, Poll No, I, in Washington County, and Pine Valley in the same county, have made no return of any vote to your Board; and any canvass at this time is premature.

" The above protest I make as a candidate voted for at the above election for Delegate to Congress. " PHILIP T. VAN ZILE." "SALT LAKE CITY, November 16th, 1882.

" This protest was overruled by unanimous vote of the canvassing board.

" ELIJAH SELLS, Chairman."

This was debated by Judge McBride, claiming that the Commission, in au- thorizing the Board to issue a certificate, exceeded its power ; he also claimed that all the Board had a right to do, under the law, was to canvass the returns and to report the result to the Governor of the Territory, whose duty it was to issue a certificate as provided in the Organic Act. He did not consider that the Ed- munds bill divested the Governor of any power, holding that its operation was confined wholly to temporal officers; and that the Governor was exempted. Gen- eral Ramsey, Senator Paddock, Judge Carleton and Colonel Pettigrew, all replied, defending the action of the Commission ; their point was that the Edmunds bill vacated all registration and elective offices, "and that each and every duty rela- ting to the registration of voters, the conduct of election, the receiving or rejec- tion of votes and the canvassing and returning of the same, and the issuing of certificates, or other evidence of election, in said Territory, shall, until other pro- vision be made by the Legislative Assembly of said Territory,

-X be performed under the existing law of the United States and of said Territory by proper persons who shall be appointed to execute such offices and perform such duties by a board of five persons to be appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate," etc. Under this authority the Commission had ap- pointed this Board, after mature deliberation. The matter was submitted to the

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Board of Canvassers, who joined in the discussion, and came to the conclusion that they had been appointed to perform a specific duty by the Commission, and that the legality of this duty rested entirely with the Commissioners, and all they could do was to perform the duty assigned them. They therefore proceeded to de- clare the result of the canvass and give the certificate to the person having the greatest number of votes. The returns showing that P. T. Van Zile had 4,884, John T. Caine 23,039, and scattering 12, Mr. Caine was formally declared elected and the certificate was signed by all the members of the Board, and in the pres - ence of the Commissioners, and others present, handed to Mr. Cainc. The board having concluded its labors, adjourned.

CHAPTER XCI.

ORGANIZATION OF " THE DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF UTAH." THE ELECTION WITH ITS TICKET IN THE FIELD. THE ORGAN OF THE CLUB-THE SALT LAKE DEMOCRAT.

In 1884, Utah for the first time took an active part and manifested a genuine interest in a presidential election. Theretofore the political parties had been so confounded, that the names Republican and Democrat were eschewed in our local politics ; and though it may be noted for historical exactness that once every four years a few representative men on either side met together in our city to send del- egates to the Republican and Democratic National conventions, there was no pop- ular interest displayed in any local sense. But in 1884, the fair prospect of the return of the old Democratic party to power by the affiliation with it of a party of reform from the Republican leaders themselves, affected Utah scarcely less than it did other States and Territories ; and in the fall of the year the celebra- tions in Salt Lake City of the Democratic victory vied with those of other cities, though still the party face here wore the unpleasant distinction of Mormon and Gentile features.

This year the Gentile Democrats of Utah sent Messrs. Ransford Smith and J. R. Wilkins to the national convention of the Democratic party, held at Chicago, July 8th, 1884, while Hon. John T. Caine has been for some time a member of the Democratic Congressional campaign committee, which recognition of Utah's delegate to Congress signified that Utah is regarded as a Democratic Terri- tory. Messrs. Caine and Smith were rival candidates for the Delegate's seat in the Forty-ninth Congress, the former being the nominee of the People's Party, composed chiefly of Mormons, and Mr. Smith the nominee of the Gentile Demo- ocrats ; but the campaign, in its local importance and interest, bore no equal com- parison to that which occurred in 1882, narrated in the foregoing chapter.

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

At the first exultation of the Democrats of Salt Lake City, over the election of Cleveland and Hendricks, there seemed a fair prospect that Gentile and Mor- mon were about to recognize each other as political brothers, on the return of the " Grand Old Party " to power. " Late in the afternoon of the 7th," says the Salt Lake Herald, " a movement was started for the assembling of the principal Democrats, to consider the question of having a monster meeting of the party for jollification and rejoicing generally. The news spread as if by magic, and, without any effort by any one in particular, there came together at the Deseret National Bank about fifty of the representative men of the party." Col. Samuel A. Merritt was voted to the chair, and committees of arrangements and finance were appointed ; Saturday evening, November 8th, was named for the celebration with the understanding that every Democrat in Utah should be welcomed to take part in the general rejoicing. Telegrams were immediately dispatched to neigh- boring cities, north and south ; and the committees met that night, and again on the morning of the 8th, but the offensive distinction of Mormon and Gentile dis- turbed the momentary harmony, and the project of the two classes uniting in the celebration was abandoned. The general public, however, had caught the en- thusiasm ; and another movement was started "to paint the town red" that night, the late William Jennings promptly leading the financial donations.

At sundown one hundred guns were fired from the head of Main Street- those guns for the first time heard since Governor Shaffer's proclamation in 1870. Piles of barrels filled with tar were waiting for the torch at the Deseret Bank cor- ner, and at the City Hall, which, as soon as darkness spread over the city, were ignited, and blazes of red light from the Herald office corner and the housetop of Godbe's Exchange Buildings, illuminated the scene. At about 7 o'clock, the multitude which had gathered in front of the Herald office began to move in the direction of the City Hall, following numerous bands of Salt Lake, Ogden, and Provo, rending the air with shouts for Cleveland and Hendricks, and swelling the general joy with exultant music.

From the balcony of the City Hall Hon. Wm. Jennings called the assemblage to order, and proposed Hon. John T. Caine, " our Delegate to Congress, and Utah's Representative in the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee," to preside at this meeting.

Delegate Caine, in a brief speech, which had the true Democratic tone, gave a fair political character to the occasion. He was followed by Mr. A. Miner and Judge Warren N. Dusenberry ; after which the chairman introduced Hadley D. Johnson, the "Old War-horse of Democracy," who was received with cheers. " Professor " S. P. McKee, a representative of the colored Democracy, was next called by the multitude, and T. V. Williams, S. A. Kenner and H. J. Faust closed the speeches ; but before dispersing, Mr. Caine announced that the Herald had just received a private dispatch from an authentic source in New York, saying that Cleveland's election was conceded by two thousand majority. The announcement was answered with cheers from thousands of Democratic voices, after which the meeting adjourned, but a large portion of the multitude reassembled in front of the Salt Lake Herald office.

The following dispatch from the committee was sent to the president elect :

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" SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, November 8, 1884.

" To Hon. Grover Cleveland, Albany, New York:

" Ten thousand citizens of Salt Lake, to-night are enthusiastically celebrating your election. Their joy is as sincere and honest as their jollification is demon- strative. We heartily greet you because of our confidence that your administra. tion will be as pure and glorious as has been your administration in the Empire State, which has sustained you in the great struggle just ended. Accept our warm congratulations.

" JOHN T. CAINE, Chairman."

On Wednesday, November 19th, the regular Democrats held a meeting at the Walker Opera House to celebrate the signal victory of their party ; and they also " painted the town red," and a troop of torch-bearers paraded the streets.

The outside demonstration having performed its part in the proceedings of the evening, the assemblage inside took up the programme, and Judge Ros- borough was chosen chairman of the meeting.

The chairman came forward and delivered an introductory address, chiefly directed against the Mormon Church, declaring it to be, in its aims and genius, repugnant to the genius of this Nation.

Judge Sutherland followed with a masterly effort, reviewing the history of the rise and growth of the Nation under the rule of the old Democratic party and elaborating the principles of Democracy.

Captain Ransford Smith, who had then recently ran his unvictorious tilt with John T. Caine for the Utah seat in Congress, in his speech declared that it had been "left to the Democrats to wipe out the remaining twin relic ;" and he read out all polygamists from the Democratic party.

Hon. Thomas Marshall was the next speaker. He compared the records of the Democratic and Republican parties, very ably discussed the tariff question, and closed on "the triumph of the party of right."

Professor L. E. Holden read a speech, ably prepared, on the questions of the hour.

P. L. Williams was next introduced as a representative of " Young Utah,'' and he delivered a characteristic anti-Mormon address.

D. B. Canfield, publisher of the American Law Register, of Philadelphia, closed, and the meeting adjourned.

Meantime, however, namely-between the action of the election for delegate in 1882, and that of 1884-a young Democratic party was projected, the nucleus of which consisted chiefly of young men reared in Utah, born of Mormon par- ents. The name of " Young Mormondom " had already become quite familiar to the public ear, and Van Zile in his campaign earnestly courted their favor and vote. The presidential election of 1884, also gave to them the opportunity of a political formation, under the name of the Democratic club of Utah.

The following is from notes of their history, as officially given in the first number of the Salt Lake Democrat :

" Among those most thoroughly dissatisfied with the deplorable condition of political affairs in this Territory, and whose devotion to Democratic principles

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would permit them to co-operate with neither the Liberal nor People's party ele- ments, were J. L. Rawlins, Alfales Young, Frank Jennings, Ben Sheeks, John M. Young, John H. Burton, Bolivar Roberts, L. S. Hills, D. O. Miner, J. T. Kings- bury, C. R. Barratt and H. Pembroke. These gentlemen discussed the matter among themselves, and, as a result of their deliberations, held a meeting in the law office of Messrs. Sheeks & Rawlins on the evening of November 12th. Alfales Young presided over this meeting, and preliminary steps were taken in the organization of the Democratic club of Utah."

A temporary organization having been perfected, the next important step was the adoption of a platform of principles. After some discussion the following platform was unanimously adopted :

" This club shall be known as the Democratic Club of Utah.

" The members of this club do hereby reaffirm and endorse the principles embodied in the platform adopted by the national convention of the Democratic party, held at Chicago on the eighth day of July, 1884.

" For a more specific statement of the principles to which the members of this club will adhere and struggle to make predominant we do hereby declare :

" First-That the affairs of the government can be safely entrusted to the in- telligence of free people.

" Second-That all just government is derived from the consent of the gov- erned. That every citizen should be allowed the exercise of the largest liberty consistent with the public good and safety.

" Third-That in such government a trust is devolved upon every citizen, af- ter informing himself upon any question of policy or government, to act, polit- ically, as his best individual judgment would direct, absolutely free from coercion, control, or dictation, ecclesiastical or otherwise. While the State has given a constitutional pledge not to interfere with religion, there is a reciprocal obliga- tion on the part of religion not to interfere with the State. For it to do so is dan- gerous, both to itself and the existence of free government. This would become the more evident, if each of the many denominations should independently en- gage in a struggle for political supremacy.

" Fourth-Politically, all men are created free and equal, the priest and the layman must stand upon the same plane. Therefore, we reaffirm that the affairs of church and State ought to, and must be forever separate and distinct, locally and nationally.

" Fifth-Local self-government is a cardinal principle of Democracy, and as such we affirm and endorse it. On the one hand, a local political organization appeals for the abrogation of all local self-government in this Territory by the es- tablishment of a legislative commission. On the other hand an opposing political organization has afforded, by the conduct and declarations of its most influential members, the means by which the former might make its appeal successful.

"Sixth-The withdrawal of all powers of government from the people, im- plied in the establishment of a legislative commission, would be to remove all in- ducement or encouragement to political activity and independence, and by the lethargy which would ensue, engender utter indifference to the exercise of free and intelligent political thought and action. This would but aggravate the evils which

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it is designed to cure, and can, of course, find no support, except by those who believe the application of free principles inadequate to human government.

" Seventh-To obtain local self-government, the Territory must be redeemed from the discredit that has been brought upon it.

" Eighth-We firmly repudiate the idea that any citizen is under obligation to take his political counsel from those whose avowed purpose is a continued viola- tion of law.

" Ninth-We shall struggle to make predominant the sentiment that every citizen should and must obey every law until, by legitimate agitation, if obnoxious or unjust, its abrogation or repeal can be secured.

" Tenth-Religious belief or fidelity should never be made a test of political or official preferment. The application of such a test tends to the promotion of an inferior grade of officials, and often of persons utterly disqualified or unfit for the positions they are called to occupy. In the selection of officers to administer and execute the laws, fitness for the office should be the only qualification required.

" Eleventh-To the end that free local self government may be secured and participation in national affairs had and maintained, upon the basis of these prin- ciples, we severally pledge ourselves to support them and to struggle that they may become predominant, and invite all good citizens, who believe that the prin- ciple thus enunciated should be supreme, irrespective of religious belief, or pre- vious political affiliations, to unite with and aid us to consummate this end.

" J. L. RAWLINS, President. " JOHN H. BURTON, Secretary."

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History of Salt Lake City, Part 111

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company Number of Pages: 1194

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company
Number of Pages: 1194