Middletown transcript., 1876-07-08
THOMAS A. HENDRICKS.
The Democratic Nominee for the Vic
PresideMcy-Wh0 He IL and What
II has nnne.

THOMAS a. HENDRICKS.
The Democratic Nominee for the Vice.
Presidency-Who He is and What
He has Done.
Thomas Andrews Hendricks, Cover
nor Of Indians, the Democratic candidate
for Vice-President, is a son Of Ohio,
having been born in Muskingum coun-
ty, in that State, in September, 1917.
When he was three years Of age. how
ever, his. father removed to Shelby
county, Indiana, and since that time
the latter State has been his residence.
Mr.. Hendricks received liberal educa-
ton. and was graduated with honors at
Hanover College in 1841 He then
studied law, and was admitted to prac-
tice in 1S43. His thorough education
and clear, logical mind soon gave him
prominence at the bar, and his success
was Of an exceptional charcter, both in
Jury trials and before the bench. lie
had an earnest manner when stating a
case or addressing jury that made him
at all times dangerous opponent In
184S Mr.. Hendricks began his political
career. being chosen to the State Legisla-
ture, and Immediately took high place as
safe, wise counselor in political mat
ters, AID good leader upon the floor
Of the House In 1850 the people in
his district selected Mr.. Hendricks as
one Of their representatives in the State
Constitutional Convention, where he
added to his already established charac-
ter. Entering Congress in 1851, from
the Indianapolis districts, Mr.. Hen
dricks remained in that position until
1855, and engaged in all the discus
sions Of that heated period. As close
debator and keen dealer with facts he
had few, if any, superiors in that body,
and his reputation soon expanded into
a national one. He was appointed
Commissioner Of the General Land
Office by President Pierce in 1856. and
continued by President Buchanan until
1859. In 1860 he was nominated by
the Democrats Of Indiana as their can
didate for Governor. His opponent
on the Republican ticket was Hon
Henry S. Lane. The canvass was
spirited, and Mr. Hendricks was de-
feated. Shortly after Mr.. Lanes elec-
ton he was chosen United States Sena-
tor, and Hon. Oliver P. Morton was
selected to fiji his place. The Demo-
Gratis carried the State in 1862, the
Legislature fell into their hands, and
Mr.. Hendricks was sent to the Senate
for six years. He was in that body at
period when it required GOODNESS, dis
cretion and courage to act with the
minority. This Senator Hendricks did,
and in such manner as to command
the respect Of even his bitterest political
adversaries. In the impeachment trial
Of President johnson. Senator Hen
bricks played conspicuous part, and
his career in the Senate was such as to
place him prominently before the Demo-
cratic party Of the nation in connection
with the Presidency When the Ma
tional Democratic Convention Of 1868
assembled, Mr.. Hendricks was pre-
sented by Indiana, and received the
support Of the whole Northwest but Mr..
Seymour, Of New York, was finally
chosen. The same year Mr.. Hendricks
was again nominated for Governor of
Indiana, and defeated by the Republi-
can candidate, Hon. Conrad Baker.
The difference was only 961 votes.
This in full poll showed bis local pop
ularity and strength From 1859 to
1872 Mr.. Hendricks engaged in the
practice Of the law in the courts Of
Indiana and also those of the United
States. But in the latter year he was
for third time put on the track for
Governor, and defeated his opponent,
General Tom Browne. although the
remainder Of the Republican ticket was
elected. His majority was l,14S. The
verdict passed upon his administration
by fair men Of all parties was that it
was able, conscientious. high-minded.
During bis term Of Office Governor
Hendricks had to act upon the liquor
question, and the controversy which
grew out Of that matter was both bitter
and protracted. In relation to the cur
rency. he said, on taking the chair Of
the Democratic Convention at Indiana
polls in 1874. that gold and silver
were true bases Of our currency, and
that the proper method Of returning to
specie payments was through the grow
ing-up process-the development Of the
resources Of the South, the increase Of
production and the retrenchment Of
public and private expenditures. He
subsequently argued against the hasty
contraction Of our paper circulation.
checking labor and paralyzing enter
prise on the one hand, and against un-
due imitation, which would lead to de-
probation and r, ckless spirit Of specu-
lation and adventure on the other. He
also declared "that gold and silver are
the real standards Of value is cherished
Democratic sentiment, not now nor
hereafter to be abandoned" and con-
tinued II do not look to any arbitrary
enactment Of Congress for restoration
Of specie payments. : : The business
Of the country alone can do that " Mr.
Hendricks is firm and jealous friend
Of the common school system of this
country, and has labored long and we'll
to bring that Of Indiana to its present
state Of usefulness and perfection. His
appearance and manner Of speaking are
thus sketched by late biographer !:
"Goyernor Hendricks is man of me-
dium height and symmetrical form.
He is erect, active and vigorous. His
face is manly and handsome. The fea-
lures are large and expressive, and
while there is soft, good-humored ex-
preston in the large blue eye and in
the mouth and dimpled chin. the brow,
forehead and full heavy jaw show wis
dom and resolution. His complexion
is Aorid and his hair and side whiskers
are yet untouched With gray. He ap-
pears to the best advantage before a