Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1865-12-20
KN. ELI sLIFER SECRETARY OF THE
COMMONWEALTH.

4uc ioho"iuS iiom tne pen VI 0Or-
respondent Of the Chambersburg Reposi-
tory, is worthy tribute to worthy
man Hon. Eli Slifer, Secretary of the
Commonwealth. No political trickery, or
unfair means ever aided this man as he
ascended step by step to his present po-
sition. A poor young man, he started in
lite with little or no means, but with a
better legacy than gold,-a good name,
aud an honest purpose, he has carved out
reputation for political integrity, hon-
esty, and personal worth, which political
tricksters are vainly striving to tear from
him -
There are few men of the thousands
who meet him ia his matter of fact Off
cial transactions in the course of year,
who know Eli Siiier. the Secretary of the
Commonwealth. Quiet unobtrusive and
retiring 20 fault, he labors in his respon-
sible department week after week and
month after month, with a decree oe ii-
dustry, integrity and singleuess of pur.
pose which are rarely found in an official
these days. Iu all respects self-made
man-a trained mechanic, without friends
or fortune or any fortuitous circumstances
to give him advancement, he has won his
way by his own merits without seeking
distinction, until he is one of the most
capable and thorough officials ever con-
nected with our State government and
it would be we'll if in our national affairs
there were more men Of the clear, pratt
cal Judgment and thorough familiarity
with great questions and with the people,
which Mr.. Slifer has ever displayed in
his various responsible public trusts
He entered public life about 1S4S as a
member of the legislature from old Union
and Juniata, and was reelected the fol-
lowing year. In 1851 he was nominated
for Senator in the Union, Mitiiin and in.
nlata district, after protracted and bit
ter struggle in the conference between
three other aspirants-all agreelDg ID the
eud to unite on him, and he was nomi-
mated in defiance of his earnest protest
and elected without opposition. In both
branches Of the legislature he earned
confidence aud distinction by his untalter-
Ing fidelity to the interests Of the State,
and his enlightened and thorough views
as to our finances aud sterling integrity of
character, made his political friends sin
gle him out with great magnanimity for
State Treasurer in 1855. He was elect
ed, and more than met the high expecta-
tions Of the State by his management of
the treasury, but The succeeding year the
Democrats secured a majority in the leg
islature aud he of course, had to retire.
In 1856, when the Republicans again
carried the Legislature, he was reelected,
and the Legislature of 1860 again confid-
ed the treasury 70 his keeping. In 1861,
when Gov. Curtin was inaugurated, he
called Mr.. SlifeI to his cabinet as Secre.
tary Of the Commonwealth, and he has
filled the position until now with the same
spotless fidelity to the State and to his
chief which have ever characterized him
in all public positions. He is still in the
prime OF life, and if he had ambition
equal TO his strength and merits, he might
have many honors in store for him in the
future but he would rather manage his
beautiful farm on the Susquehanna than
seek political houors however certain the
prospects of success. He has been a
most Invaluable auxiliary to Gov. Curtin
during the harassing cares of his admin
istration, and when it shall be ready to
commit to history, there is no man who
will deserve better of the people, or to
whom Gov. Curtin would pay a more
heart felt aud grateful tribute, than to
Ell; Siier. For thirteen years he has
oeen in responsible official positions here,
and he will retire the same upright, faith
full, christian man he came, after having
filled the highest measure Of public trust
in the State, excepting only the Executive
chair, with eminent honor and success -
A SINGULAR CAsE.-About ffty-fve
Al / L