The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1851-11-27
For the Pioneer.
Stephen A. DougIass.

MR. EpIroR:-You perceive that place
mt the head OF communication the name of
STEPHEN \. DOUGLASS, a correct account
OF whose career u appears to me, would be
interesting to your numerous readers, and
as have been furnished with many particu-
lars in relation thereto by MIR. X. Murphy,
Of Perry county, Illinois, who served with
Judge Douglass, in the Illinois Legislature,
and who is now a member Of the same Leg
islature, | submit them to the consideration
of the public.
Stephen A. Douglass was born in Yer
mont, in the year 1918, where, when he
was about was fifteen or sixteen years Of
age, he went to learn the trade of cabinet
maker, which not agreeing with him, he
soon abandoned the business, and removed
10 Western New York, and thence to ILL.,
nos. He arrived at Jacksonville in 1888,
with thirty. screen and one half cenis in his
pocket, and finding nothing to do in town,
he proceeded to the country and commenced
teaching school. His leasure hours were
devoted to the study of the law, and he was
soon admitted 10 the bar. His enthusiasm
in the cause Of Democracy aud his ability
as speaker soon brought him into notice;
into great favor with his party, and the
Legislature at the session Of lS54-5, elected
him State Attorney, although his competitor
was the late Col. John J. Hardin, " no so
distinguished himself in the Mexican War,
and who fell on the bloody field of Buena
Vista. The reputation he acquired in this
Othce, won for him the confidence of the
people, and he soon became the pride of
his party. His future success is without a
parallel in history. He was elected to the
Legislature in 1886 from one Of the most
pOpulous counties in the State, appointed
Register of the Land Office in 1887, and in
1888 nominated for Congress, when but 25
years Of age, and beaten by but five votes.
in district which gave several thousand
Wing majority ut the next election. In
lS4O he was appointed Secretary of State:
in l84l elected one Of the Judges of the
Supreme Court, and in 1S49 elected to Con-
gress from the Quincy District, district at
that time claimed by the Wings Rc-elect-
ell in 1914 aud 1876 by overw helming ma
jori,ies. He attracted particular attention
in the House of Representatives by his able
and mastery speech in favor of refun,Iing
to General Jackson the fine, most inquitous-
ly imposed on him by Judge Hall; was com
pIimented by John Quincy Adams, and
afterwards received the highest compliments
Of the old Hero himself, at the Hermitage ge.
His course on the Texas question, display
ed in remarkable degree, his ability as
Statesman, and it received the appreciation
of his constituents and the country. When
John Quincy Adams, during Tyler's all
minisiration, made an attack on the Army
estimates and charged that they were in
tended to prevent England from getting a
footholl in Cuba or Texas, Mr.. Douglass
replied, that that fact was the hest defence
that could be made, and that he was ready
to vote nine millions Of dollars to prevent
England from taking either Cuba or Texas,
and if that was not sufficient, he would vote
nInety-nine millions, or even declaration
of war with all its consequences. And who
is there in America that does not think the
Judge was right. In the session Of 1867,
he was elected to the United States Senate,
and during most Of the time since, has been
chairman Of the Committee on Territories.
The manifestations Of gratitude flowing
from the States and Territories of the West,
and from distant California, evinces the
satisfaction Of the people with the manner
in which he has discharged his high duties.
| said before, that his success is almost
without parallel. Look at him in 1888,
vending his way from Jacksonville with a
few shilIings in his pocket, hunting school.
Watch him after his scholars are dismissed,
poring over his law books. Two years
afterwards, State Auorny; now, the hon
ored Senator; on the fourth of March 1858,
the President Of the United States.
A DEMOCRAT.