Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1864-07-23
secretary of the Treasury.


Every well wishef Of the country is inter-
ested in knowing something of the history of
the man chosen to succeed Secretary Chase
in managing the financial affairs Of the coun-
try at this, the most trying period of our his
tory. The following will be found synop-
sis of the most important facts in the career
Of the new Secretary:
William Pitt Fessenden is the son of the
Hon. Samuel Fessenden, and was born in
Boscawen, n. H., October l6, 1905. He was
educated at Boudoin College, Me-, was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1927, and opened an Of
fee in Bridgeport, Me-, from which place he
removed to Portland in 1929. In 1881 he
was elected to the State Legislature, and
though the youngest member, soon gained
distinction, both as debater and legislator.
Thus early in life he displayed his knowledge
of finances in a discussion on the United
States Bank. From 1882 to 1889 Mr.. Fes-
sender devoted himself exclusively to his pro-
fession, in which he very soon rose to the first
rank. In 1888 he declined a nomination to
Congress. In 1889 he was again chosen to
the Legislature from Portland aud placed on
the Judiciary Committee. Though he was
an unfinching Wing, and the Democratic
majority in the House very large, he was
made Chairman of the House Committee to
revise the statues Of Maine. In 1910 he was
elected to Congress, running far above his
party vote. He especially distinguished HIM
self during his term of Office BY his speech
against the repeal of the bankrupt law, IN re-
ply to Caleb Gushing. In 1913 he declined a
re election to Congress. During two of the
succeeding years ne received the Wing votes
in the Legislature for United States Senator,
but the Democratic candidates were success
full. Until 1852 he remained in private life,
gaining still higher reputation as \ talented
lawyer. Being associated with Daniel Web
ster in an important case before the U. s. SUI
preme Court, legal question arose which
had never been discussed in that Court, viz :
how far the fraudulent acts of an auctioneer
in selling property should affect the owner Of
the property sold, he being no party to the
fraud. Mr.. Fessenden had to contend against
the weight and influence of Judge Storey's
opinion and decision against his client in the
Court below. Yet he was successful, and the
Judges opinion reversed, Mr.. Fessenden's
argument won the highest admiration for its
logical acuteness. He was member Of
the conventions that nominated Harrison,
Taylor ard Scott for the Presidency. In
1905, ne was chosen 0y the Name SENATE,
United States Senator, but the Democratic
House refused to concur. In 1854, Mr.. Fes-
sender was again member Of the Legisla-
ture, which was Democratic in both branches.
The Kansas Nebraska question operating as
a disturbing element, he was now chosen
Senator by both branches through coalition
OF Wings and Freesoil Democrats, though he
declined to be elected except as a Wing.
This event may be said to have been the pre-
liminary step toward establishing the Repub-
lican party in Maine. He took his seat in
the Senate, February %, 1854, and on the Sd
of March following, at which time the Kansas
Nebraska bill passed, delivered one of the
most electric and effective speeches made
against it. This effort established his ma
tional reputation at once. His subsequent
efforts confrped the estimate thus formed of
his powers. He was soon placed on the Fl
nance Committee, position which he has
held up to the present time. being its Chair
man in the present Congress. His current
term of Senatorial! service would have expired
next March, he having been elected for the
term of six years in 1859.