The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-07-02
THE NEW SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.
sketch or william Pitt Fcssend.cn, the
Successor OF salmon p. Chase In the
Treasury Department. Of the United



Successor OF salmon p. Chase In the
Treasury Department. Of the United
States.
William Pitt Fessenden the newly appointed Secretary
Of the Treasury, the Samuel Fessenden
born In Boscawen, Merrimac county, New Hampshire
the 10th day Of October 1906. He obtained good
education while boy, and afterwards entered Bowdoin
College, at Brunswick, Maine whence he graduated
during the ls23 he then began the study 0, the
law, and hav ing attained his majority admitted TO
the bar during the year 1927 He opened law Office in
Brdgetou, Cumberland county, Ma,ne but in 1922 find
ing that better opening existed Portland he removed
to that city, and there pract,sed his profession.
Mr.. Fessenden, like all lawyers, began
Interest politics. and in 1881 elected member OF
the State Legislature OF Maine lie obtained po
ston in that body, and, although young, became
quite prominent as debater and legislator. Even at
that early day he took great interest In national
finances, and q debate the United States Bank lie
displayed great spirit support Of the the
end q lis term Of Office the young legislator retired from
the forum, and for the years devoted himself
TO his profession lie solicited during 1888 to
candidate for Congress, but resouely declined to
ceive the nomination.
During year 1889 Mr. Fcssendeu was again chosen
70 the Maine Legislature from Portland
The House this time particularly democratic and
although WING, Mr. Fcssenden placed the Judi
cary Committee. Notwithstanding that Mr. Fessenden
was always distinguished Gor uncomptomisngy asserting
his priucipns ho was selected the chairman OF the
House committee to revise the statutes OF the state
nc. Fessenden was during 1S4o nominated by acca-
nation whg candidate for congress- and elected,
ourunnipg the strength OF his party great
his popularity in the Congressional district 10 which he
resided He Was also, during that year, a member OF
the national convention nominated General Harrison
far in he fed In
current debates, and made speeches almos, every
financial measure. Ho was prominent during the
tests the Loan bill, Bankrupt act and the Army Appro
priaon bill He spoke strongly against the repeal OF
the Bankrupt law, and also in rey TO Caleb Cushing
tho personal position OF the latter. During the year
1913 he nominated for reelection, but declined
he wished TO return to the practice OF his profession.
While In this temporary retirement he nominated In
the State Legislature for the vacant for Maine in the
United States Senate and received the OF
Of tho wing party.
During the year 1s45 Mr.. Fessepden was again In
duccd to accept seat the state Legislature OF Maine,
consequence of the position OF parties the famous
mime Liquor law total abstinence question. Ho served
two years, and then refused to longer While on.
gagged in the duties appertaniug to the Legislature no
again received the OF the whg party OF tho House
for In the United States senate.
After leaving the State Legislature the second time
Mr. tctscnden once more retired 10 private no, ueVotng
hs time to his profession, which had become not only
lucrative but in which he had acquired an extensive 70
putation. He thus engaged until the year 1884,
aud in the meantime associated with tho late Daniel
Webster important before the Supreme Court
at the national capital involving legal question never
before discussed In that court The question at issue
was:-"Iev far should the fraudulent acts OF on auc
tonecr selling property be binding upon or affect the
owner OF the property Sold said being party to
the fraud In this trial Mr. Fessenden had to contend
against the weight and Judge stoys opinion
and decision against his client III the court below So
well did Mr. Fsssenden manage the case that no was sue
cessful aud Judge slory's opinion was reversed.
During the Interval above alluded to Mr.. Fessondea
was-u ls4s--a member Of the national convention
which nominated General Taylor for President, but DID
not support MIN In that body his whole argument and
influence being thrown forward In support OF the claims
OF Mr. webster. In 1852 he also member Of the
national convention, and supported the nomination OF
General Scott for President opposition TO Daniel Web
s,er. He WINS, however, one o! sixty seven members
who opposed and voted against the platform OF the
vhig party for that Presidential cantsst.
Mr. Fessendon again, In 1858, returned TO the
state Legislature Of Maine Portland While occupying
this sent he was once nominated by the State Iegs
aturs for the the United States Senate and
gained majority IN the Senate; but his political oppo.
psuls having prepondcrsoce In the lower house, that
part Of the Legislative body failed 10 In The cleo.
uon BY four vote oav In CONSEQUENCE Of there bong