The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-05-09

March, 1899. ;. Nathan +. Dixon Died, 1872,
Ma rch, 1s4l james i. Smmons...... March, 1877
Feb 1912 William Safague. Resigned, 1913.
Jan 1874 John Brown Francis -. March, 1s45
March, 1915 :. Albert c. Greece. lsol.
Mar CHI lS4T... John Clarke. 1893
March, 1851. -. Charles 7 James........ 1857.
Nav 1919 Philip Allen .. 1859.
1t is known to those familiar with the political
history of the United States that Rhode Island was
the last of the old thirteen States which adopted the
federal constitution. This was done by State
Convention, at Newport, May 20, 1870, more than
year after the organization Of the national gov
eminent. Rhode Island had not, however, been
wanting in patriotism and devotion to the cause of
union of the colonies throughout the struggle for in
dependence. She had been represented by dele
gates at the various Congresses, at Albany
in l754, at New York in 50, and in the Cont
mental Congress from 17.l to 1883. The assembling
of the Continental Congress of l774 was first re-
commended by a town meeting of the people OF
Providence, which movement was followed by the
colonial assemblies of Massachusetts, and Virginia,
and by other public bodies and meetings of the
people in the various colonies The delegates from
Rhode Island were among the foremost in asserting
to the Declaration of independence and the articles
Of confederation of ITS. Before the subject of
naval armament was taken up by the Continental
Congress, some of the northern colonies had acted
upon it, in l775. Massachusetts, Rhode Island and
Connecticut had, each Of them, two more vessels
of war, fitted out, armed, and equipped by the
colonial authorities, at their own expense. To these
vessels Congress had reference in its first measures
for a naval armament
In 1877, the Legislature of Rhode Island being
under the control Of men without education sound
Judgment, and some of them without principle,
private debts by the agency of paper mo.
ney, refused to elect delegates to the conven-
ton at Philadelphia to frame national con-
stituton. But in that convention letter was read
from some Of the wealthiest men and most respect
able citizens Of this little State, expressing their
desire for constitution, and promising their adhe
sion. Subsequently the Legislature refused to call
State convention to act on the constitution, and
thus matters stood until 1870, when by the exer
lions and influence of some Of the prominent citizens,
the Legislature resolved to call convention. Previ
GUS to this the obstnacy Of the Legislature in keep
ing the State out of the Union induced some Of the
leading Massachusetts politicians to discuss the pro-
priety and expediency Of annihiating the State OF
Rhode Island, by dividing her territory between
Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The State CONVEX
tion however, settled the matter, by ratifying the
constitution by majority Of two votes, on the 18th
of May, 1850, and thus Rhode Island became men,
Der Of the Union.
Immediately after this final action Of the State
Convention the Legislature proceeded to elect Uni
ted States senators, and two federasts Foster and
Stanton, were chosen. Benjamin Bourne, q federal
ist was also elected by the people, to the House Of
Representatives. Thus the delegation to Congress
from Rhode Island in both houses were prepared to
support the administration Of Gen. Washington,
which they did throughout his two terms The State
subsequently supported the administration Of John
Adams. As many Of the measures of WashingtOn's
administration were carried by bare majorties, the
votes of the Rhode Island senators and representa-
tive were highly important to the federal party.
Foster and Stanton, the first two senators, were
men Of moderate abilities. Both were lawyers-the
former of Providence the latter of Tower Hill, South
Kingston, where he was also gentleman farmer.
He served but short time in the United State,
Senate, but from 1901 to 1907 was member Of the
House of Representatives.
William Bradford, a lawyer Of Bristol, was
for time Judge Of the Supreme Court of
the State. He was elected to the United States
Senate as a federalist, and was chosen Presi-
dent pro tempore Of that body, in July, 1897
tinguished in public life Christopher Ellery, the
first democratic senator chosen from Rhode Island,
was nephew Of William Ellery, one Of the signers
of the Declaration of Independence. He was appoint
ed by jefferson collector of the customs at Newport
He had two sons in the navy. Samuel j. Potter was
a federalist Of South Kingston, Benjamin Rowland
was federalht, of Newport. We presume he was OF
the family Of Rowland of New Bedford Massachu
sets, descendants Of John Rowland, one Of the Pill
grims of the Mayhower.
James Fenner, of Providence, was democrat of
the old school, and for more than half century he
was actively connected with the public affairs
Rhode Island. He was the son of Arthur Fenner
who was governor Of the State from 1889 to 1905
james Fenner was fourteen several times elected
governor and held many other Offices Of public trust
He was noted for irmness Of purpose fidelity in hi
transactions, and courageous and indomitabe will
which formed the distinguishing traits Of his charac
ter Governor Fenner died at Providence April IL
1S46, aged 76 years.
Elisha Mathewson was democrat, Of Scitnate
not much distinguished in politics. Francis NAL
BONE federalist was OF a wealthy aristocratic
family of Newport. He had been representative
in Congress from 1898 to 1897, and died soon after
his election to the Senate. in 1909. Christopher G.
Champlin, also federalist, of Newport, had been
representative in Congress from 1897 to 1901.
William Hunter was distinguished lawyer, of
Newport, for many years prominent as federalist
and in our own times as a friend and supporter of
General jackson. After graduating at Brown Uni
versity Providence, in 1871, when he was about
eighteen years of age, he went to London, and com
menced the study of medicine under his kinsman
Doctor John Hunter Of the Royal Society,
kings surgeon, and one Of the most eminent
surgeons of his time. Not liking the study Of
medicine, William Hunter soon turned his attention
to the law and entered at the Inner Temple, Lon
don. On his return TO Newport, at the age OF
twentyo one, he was admitted to the bar. In
1899 he was chosen one Of the representatives of
Newport in the General Assembly, and was reelect-
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