The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1851-08-07

plies, he expressed his sentiments in strong and
energetic language; yet ever courteous and
urbane-never forgetting the man in the parti-
zan-he disarmed opposition of its virulance
and malignity. The campaign of 1884 is an
era in the political history of our country. On
the one side wealth and its consequent power,
with the efficient aid of a numerous press; on
the other the Nan Of Iron VA, leading on the
Democratic masses. In any other country,
der any other political organization, the contest
would have been less than doubtful-the result
was but another proof of the beauty of our
system. This crisis brought Mr.. BIGLER more
Immediately into notice; the circulation of his
paper was increased-his sentiments were
adopted-his editorials extensively quoted as
purely Democratc-his course gained him the
respect and esteem of his political opponents
while it endeared him to the friends whom he
had gained. He advocated Democratic measures
because he considered them founded upon pure,
constitutional principles; never sacrificing them
to the plea of expediency, panics did not alright
him from his position, the cry of change did
not alarm him. He was, during his editorial
career, the firm and unwavering supporter of a
radical reform in the Banking System
The question of amending the Constitution
of the State now became the leading topic, and
MIR. BIGLER was earnestly in favor of change
from the almost royal character of the old
Constitution to the more republican features of
the present. The appointing power of the
Executive, also the tenure of office, were
considered by the Democratic party anti
republican, and although violently opposed by
those in power, the event justified the confidence
of the people in the influence of principle.
Mr.. BIGLER was solicited to become a member
of the Reform Convention, but he modestly,
declined
In 1888 he married the accomplished daugh-
ter of a. B. REED, Esq, of Clearfeld. The
same year he sold out his printing establishment
and engaged in the more active and stirring
business of a lumber merchantmen as the
mere director of the physical energies of 9TH
crs, but practically in the labors and tolls Incl
dent to the business. Taking to market his own
RATS, he might be working as diligently as
his own men at the various parts; he was really
and emphatically raftsman. In 1889 he was
nominated as a candidate to the State Senate,
on the part of Clearfeld county, but again de-
clined the proffered honor, as he had repeated
nominations to the House of Representatives.
In 1S41, during an absence from home, he was
again nominated to the State Senate The
urgent solicitations of his friends induced him
to become a candidate. The result was his
election by large majority.
During the memorable session of 40 the
State was unable to pay the interest on the
State debt The commercial world was con-
vulsed-crash followed crash, and banking in
stitutions were prostrated-the confidence re-
posed IN them had been forfeited-personal
honesty and individual integrity were objects of
suspicion. Domestic creditors, fevered by hopes
or chilled with fears, thronged the halls of
legislation, petitioning for rights, clamorinr
for redress: to crown all, the mammoth crea-
ton of previous admiration utterly failed.
ways and means were to be provided; the
emergency was instant and pressing: the cry
of reputation sounded across the waters-State
pride was invoked-every consideration called
for action. Mr.. BIGLER entered energeticaIly
upon his duties; defamation ceased 70 no =
avail or needed; the C"er.nmitts;. room becomo
the proper srrlhere of usefulness. correct infor-
ma'lon anG. sound principles of action the only
-ans of retrieving the past. To the various
points connected with the finances and resour-
ces of the State, Mr. BIGLER devoted his atten-
ton. Being young member both in years
and experience, he seldom obtruded his senti-
ments in debate; when he did, it was in the
strong yet simple language of common sense,
unadorned with those flowers of rhetoric which,
while they beautify, seldom add to the force of
reasoning. His opinions on all questions of
finance were listened to with attention, and
regarded as valuable. AS the Banks had sus-
pended specie payments, the efforts of the ses-
sion was to adopt some means to compel them
to perform their duty by resumption, In the
accomplishment of this object, Mr.. BIGLEn
labored assiduously, and sustained the bill
which finally passed
The Statute Book of the State was at this
time disgraced by the law authorizing the i'm
prisonment of the poor debtor, howsoever hon
est-in erasing this relic of barbarism from
our code the subject of this sketch was conspi-
cuously active
AT the close of the session of I843, he was
elected Speaker of the Senate, and was unani-
mousy reelected at the opening of the session
ol 1914: AS the presiding officer, he was cour-
teous, conciliating, and firm-he discharged his |
dutes with dignity-and won the esteem and
respect OF all, as evinced in the resolutions
passed at the close of the session