Wilmington journal., 1876-07-14

the purely nervous temperament, with its
usual accompaniment of spare figure, blue
eyes and fair complexion. His hair, origi-
nally chesnut is now partially silvered
with age. He has never been married.
Sketch of Hon. Thomas Hendricks,
Democratic Nominee for Vice-Presi-
dent of the United States.
Governor Hendricks, of Indiana, was
born i'll Musklngum county, O., Septem-
Der Z, 1919. His father removed to Shelby
county, Ind, when the subject of this
sketch was only three years old.
No man in the State is more generally
loved, and certainly no one is less hated.
His youth was not season of hardship,
and he received liberal education, gradua-
ting at Hanover College in 1S41. He then
studied law at Chambersburg, Pa, and was
admitted to the bar at that place in 1913.
He returned to Indiana immediately after
and entered upon the practice of his pro-
fessiOn.
EARLY SERVICES.
In 1913 Mr.. Hendricks was chosen a
member of the State Legislature, and in
1850 he served i'll the State Constitutional
Convention. During the next five years
he represented the indianapolis district ill
Congress, and for four years afterwards
was Commissioner of the General Land
Office. In the memorable campaign of
1860 he ran ior Governor against Henry ).
Lane and was defeated. Lane was ch 'sen
United States senator Immediately after
his Inauguration, and Oliver p. Morton sue
ceeded to the governorship. In the cleo
ton of 1862 there was political revulsion,
and Indiana elected a Democratic Legisla-
ture. Mr.. Hendricks was then chosen
senator for the term ending In March. 1869.
II 81,
Public Buildings a d Grounds, the Judi
ciary, Public Lands aud Naval Aff;nrs.
This was period during which the
Democratic party in the Senate WIS repre-
seuted by weak minority. Nothing was
possible save an able prOtt st a ainSt the
various reconstruction measures adopted,
and this was to be made in the face of
strong popular prejudice throughout the
country as well as strong opposition in the
Senate chamber. Mr.. Hendricks at once
took the lead among the Democrats and
made for himself national reputation
He was active in oppositionto the measur-
Overturning the State governments, the
imposition of test-oaths. the civil-rights bill,
the Freedman's Bureau bill and kindred
legislation.
In the memorable episode of the Presi-
dents impeachment he played an impor-
tant part, and added greatly to his reputa-
ton as an able lawyer.
AMONG THE FOREMOST.
It is sufficient proof of the ability and
success of Mr.. Hendricks in the Senate that
towards the close of single term he had
PLACED himself among the foremost men
of his party, and become prominent can
didate for the presidency. In the Con
ventiOn of 1868 he was beought forward,
and at one time led all other candidates,
roo l,aC of
the Northwest. Ohio, however, which had
been compelled to abandon its own candi-
date, was determined to defeat all other
western men, and the delegates from that
State threw their votes for HOratio Sey-
mour persistently, and finally produced
stampede of the whole Convention to his
support.
The same year he ran for Governor Sc
cond time aud was second time defeated.
His opponent was Governor Conrad Baker,
and so close was the contest that Mr.. Hen
bricks onlyfe 961 votes behind. No one
familiar with the politics of the State ever
suppO sed, however, that Bakers majority
was an honest one.
AS GOVERNOR.
After his retirement from the Senate in
1869 Mr.. Hendricks returned to the practice
ofhis profession at Indianapolis. Mr.. Hen
bricks acduiesced in what appeared to be
the.popular will in the Greely movement,
and gave in his hearty approval to the new
departure. He was not allowed to remain
idle during the canvass. Against his earn
est protest he was again nominated for the
governorship. The Republicans carried
the Legislature and elected all of their
State ticket except the Governor and Su-
perintendent of Public Instruction. The
majorities were very small, but they were
enough. The personal popularity Of Gov
ernOr Hendricks carried him through.
The fact that Republican Lieutenant
Governor would succeed him in case of
vacancy kept Mr.. Hendricks from anv
thought of the senatorship two years after
wards, and chai c. ed him to his post until the
end of his term.
In general terms it may be said of his
admin istration that it pas been able, con-
scientious, high-m nded. He has aimed
fairly to do his duty, and his official con-
duct cannot be criticised.
POSITION ON CURRENCY QUESTION.
Governor Hendricks presided over the |
Democratic Convention held in July, 1874, |
at indianapolis, and in his address on TAX
ing the chair argued that gold and silver |
were the true basis of our currency, and |
that the proper method of returning to |
specie-paymentS was through the growing |
up procesS-the development of the resour- |
ces of the South, the increase of production, |
and the retrenchment ofpublic and private |
His action ia going into the Ohio canvass /
in 1875 in support of Mr.. Allen was based |
upon the desire for the success of the De-
He deemed the triumph Of the
party in that State essential, and threw him
self into the canvass heartily holding that
he financial issue was not the overshadow-
ng one. The great thing to gain was vic
,ory, no matter whether some OF the men
n the same ranks agreed with him on all
inc points in politics or not.
Personal APPEARANCE.
Governor Hendricks is a man of medi-
I'M height and symmetrical form. He is
erect, active and vigorous. His face is
manly and handsome. The features are
arge and expressive; and while there is a
soft, good humored expression in the large
blue eye and in the mouth and dimpled
,hin, the brow, forehead, and full, heavy
aw show wisdom and resolution. His
is florid, and his hair and side
vhiskers are yet untouched with gray.
He looks like one who has lived happy
ife, encountered no great sorrows, and
'ielded to no great vices. His disposition
S as sunny as his complexion, in So
ial life he is great favorite. To acquain-
ances he is atfable and easy; TO close
riends warm and lovable; to political
artisans courteous but cautious.
He appears to the best advantage before
crowd, for then h kindles with the ex-
itement of the occasion, and an Interrupt
On or a jest from some dissenting auditur
all that is necessary to make him forget
is habitual deliberatiye cast of thought,
nd fling himself into dashing and aggres-
We argument