Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-08
Secretary Lot NJ. Morrill,. - The
SenatOrship rendered to Mr..
Blaine by Governor COnnOr.

SenatOfShiD rendered to Mi.
Blaine by Governor Common.
The appointment of Hon. Lot NJ. Nor
ril to the position of Secretary of the
Treasury has been received with warm
and general commentator by the public.
The upright, unsullied character which
Mr.. Morrill, has maintained as United
States Senator. his long, faithful and able
service as chairman of the committee on
appropriations, speak volumes in favor OF
the appointment. A better could not have
been made. The government will have
no more devoted or efficient Cabinet offi-
Ger than Mr.. Morrill,. His hesitation in
accepting the office was occasioned by his
desire to complete the passage of the ap-
preparation bills, which no member of the
Senate understood so well as himself, and
none could do so much to reconcile the
disagreement between the two Houses and
forward the passage of those important
bills.
Mr.. Morrill, was born in the town Of
Belgrade, in kennebcc county, in 1915.
He was educated at Colby University, and
after graduating from that institution com
menced the study of the Law, the prac-
tice of which he subsequently entered up
on as the business of his life. Originally
Mr.. Morrill, was democrat. but in the ear
ly days of the republican party joined the
latter organization. which he gave strong
support. and 10y which he was advanced
to its highest honors and most responsible
positions. la 1854 he was member of
the State Legislature, in the House. In
1856 he was elected to the Senate, over
which body he was elected to preside.
In 1858 he was elected Governor of
Maine, and reelected in 80 and 60. In
1860, Hannibal Hamlin having been elect
cd Vice President of the United States
Morrill, was chosen by the Legislature to
fill the vacancy. and took his seat as Uni
ted States Senator January II, 1861. At
the expiration Of that term, in 1868. he
was again elected for a full term in the
Senate In 1869 he failed of reelection
in contest with Mr.. Hamln, but in the
fall Of that year. upon The death of Hon.
VIM. Pitt Fessenden. he WAS appointed by
Governor Chamberlain to fill the vacancy
in the Senate occasioned by the demise OF
the latter, was elected by the following
Legislature to fill OFT the remainder of the
term. which expired 10 March 1871, and
in 1871 was again elected for the full term
which closes in March 1877. From these
fields of honor, in which Mr.. Morrill, has
ever held the highest confidence and re-
spect of his immediate constituents, and
won national reputation for honesty,
ability and fidelity, he now goes into the
Cabinet to conduct a department of the
governmo mt requiring at the present time
large capacity, firmness and mistaken in
tegrity. In Mr. Morrill, these qualities are
happily blended. In him the country will
have Secretary Of the Treasury who will
tread the line Of duty conscientiously, and
when his work in the Cabinet is closed
leave his post with the approval of his fell
low countrymen upon the course which he
has pursued.
The news that NJ Morrill, had been
qualified and entered upon the discharge
Of the duties of the Secretary of the
Treasury reached this city yesterday after
noon, and was received with great salts
faction by his friends.
Immediately after the intelligence of
Secretary Morril's qualification was re
ceived, Governor Conner made call up
on Mr.. Blaine, at his sick room, and ten
dered him. in the most cordial manner,
the appointment Of United States Senator
to fill the vacancy caused by Mr.. Morril's
resignation, saying that he believed it
TO be the general wish and ex-
pectation of the republicans of
Maine that Mr.. Blaine should be ap-
pointed to the vacant seat. 1t is under
stood that Mr.. Blaine will accept If re-
stored to health as we hope and trust he
will be, Mr.. Blaine will justify by his ca.
reer in the Senate, soon to commence.
the confidence of his friends who so nobly
supported him at Cincinnati, and add new
laurels to those with which he has slready
been crowned.