Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-03-07
Senator John Sherman.

Senator John Sherman OF Ohio, who will with
GU. doubt become Secretary of the Treasury in
the new administration, is an able and experienced
legislator and statesman in whom the country has
the highest confidence. correspondent of the
Tribune gives the following sketch of him;
"Senator John Sherman, from the first mention
Of Gov. Hayes name in connection with the Presi-
dental office, has been his siaunchest friend and
advocate. Recently he has been accredited with
being Mr. Hayes most confidential and trusted ad-
visor, and with having more influence in the or
ganizaton Of the new Cabinet and Administration
than any other of President Hayes friends or po-
litical counselors. Publicsfumor and opinions
have connected him with Cabinet position from
the time it became reasonably certain that Mr..
Hayes would need Cabinet, and Senator Sher
mans conspicuous services as Chairman of the
Senate Finance Committee for several years and
acknowledged financial ability made it equally
certain that if he entered the Cabinet it would be
to fl the highly important and responsible posi-
tion Of Secretary of the Treasury. Senator Sher-
man was in close telegrapbic communication with
Mr.. Hayes during the counting of the electoral
vote, and received and entertained Mr. Hayes and
family ON their arrival in Washington.
John Sherman comes from distinguished Con-
necticut family, founded by a refugee Roundhead
from Essex, England. His father, Charles II Robert
Sherman, lawyer, removed to Ohio in 1910, and
became Judge of the Supreme Court. He mar
red young and had family Of IL children. OF
the sons, William Tecumseh Sherman is the Gen
eral of the Army. John Sherman was the eighth
child. lie was born at Lancaster, Ohio, May 10,
1923, and received his early education at Mount
Vernon, Ohio. AT IA he was sent to the Muskin-
gum Improvement to earn his living and to learn
civil engineering. After two years political
changes deprived him of his position, and he be-
gan the study Of law at Mansfield, Ohio with his
brother, Charles L. Sherman, afterward United
States District Judge. He studied Latin and read
turn cf nl,ah afap ri H..
censed to practice law the day after he became o f
age. For eleven years he was partner with his
older brother. John rode the circuits, it is
stated. Charles managed the business and coun-
seled in the Office.
John Sherman, as a politician, was member of
the National Wing Conventions Of 1913 and 1852
and 10 the latter year was chosen q Presidential
elector. In 1854 he ran for Congress in the
Xlllth District of Ohio and was elected. The
law firm was then dissolved. He distinguished
himself in the House of Represe natives as a flu
ent debater and man of affairs. He was again
elected TO the XXXVth and XXXVIth Congress
es. He wasIthe Republican candidate for Speaker
OF the latter, and after an unprecedented contest
wanted only one or two votes to secure his cleo
ton. During that Congress he was of the Com
mittee on Ways aud Means. In 1860 be was
elected TO the XXXVIIth Congress, but in 1861,
on the resignation of Senator Chase, he was elect.
ed by the Ohio legislature TO the United States SEN
ate and placed upon its most important committee,
that oil finance. lie introduced and led the de-
bate on the National Bank bill and legal Tender
acts. lie was active in providing money to carry
on the war and in maintaining the public credit
In 1862 he delivered decisive speeches agains, the
continuance of the State banking system and in
favor of the National banks. In the XXXIXth
Congress he introduced q bill to fund the public
Indebtedness, of which much was promised; but
il was mutilated in the Senate and defeated in the
House. lie prepared the substance of the recon-
struc;ion bill, which was adopted In the XLth
Congress- he became Chairman of the Finance
Committee. He reported bill for funding the
national debt and converting the notes Of the
United States. 1t was regarded by many as just
and wise and was attacked by others as q step
towards reputation. He supported the bill in a
speech of great ability. He served during his
Congressional career on the Committees on Agr-
culture, Pacific Railroad, Judiciary and patent
Office, besides the Finance Commite.
In person, Senator Sherman is tall and spare,
with brown hair, gray eyes, a large head, and
countenance expressive of decision, frmness and
seli-control. He speaks without effort or orater-
cal display.