New-York tribune., 1880-06-25
WILLIAM H. ENGLISH.

WILLIAM II. ENGLloHs
William n. English the Democratic candidate
for icePresident lis native of Indiana. Hel Twas
boln In Lexington, SCOTT County, August "a. 1929.
As boy he showed diligence and Derseversnce IN
whatever he undertook, and In small community
offering few advantages obtained SOUND rudiment-
ary education. At the age OF eighteen he was
admitted to the bar. having already taken some
part In local politics. and two years Later he was
appointed Postmaster Of his native town. In 1843
he was made chief clerk Of the Indiana House. In
l845. as q recognition Of his services in the pre-
ceding Presidential campaign, President Polk gave
him position in the Treasury Department, which
he retained during that administration. In 1850.
Mr. English was made secretary OF tho State
Convention called to modify the Constitution Of
Indiana, and the good impression he made during
its deliberations procured his election in the follow.
ln year as representative in tho State Legislature
and though only twenty-nine years Old, ne was
made Speaker. The following year he was elected
to Congress and was subsequently reelected three
times by increasing majOrities.
The chief title of Mr.. English 10 distinction Ia
the part which he took in the bitter contention
over the admission of Kansas to the Union. He
was firmly opposed to the admission Of Kansas
under the Lecompton Constitution, which did not
forbid slavery, until that instrument had been
ratified by vote of the people. and thus opposed
Senate passed bill admitting Kansas. under the
Lecompten Constitution, without limit or con-
diton but this bill, although it commanded the
favor of the President and his Cabinet, failed to
receive the sanction of the House of Representa-
tiyes The House. on the other hand, passed
bill as substitute for that of the Senate but this
the Senate would not accept or the Executive
approve Mr. English took the responsibility OF
moving to concur in the proposition of the Senate,
asking for a committee of free conference. The
excitement upon the occasion had scarcely ever
been equalled in the House of Representatives.
Upon adopting this motion the vote was 1OS to 1OS.
but the Speaker voted in the affirmative and the
motion was carried. From this committee Mr..
English reported what is known as the English
BILL" which became the law after a struggle of
great bitterness. Under this law the question Of
admission under tho LecomptOn Constitution was
in effect referred back to the people Of Kansas and
they voted against it, as wasSexpected.
Though CHIEFLY conspicuous for his position on
the questions growing directly out OF the slavery
agitation, Mr. English took active part in
the more general discussions OF Congress. For
several years he was Regent of the Smithsonian
Institution and made an able speech in Congress In
defence of its management.
Mr.. English was staunchy opposed to secession.
though desrOus of making concessions to the
floor OF Congress. Addressing the Southern mem-
bers. he assured them that the North would never
follow them in secession, and that he and his
constituents would "kcep step TO the music Of the
Union" In 1860, having served four terms in
Congress, he retired to private life. Soon after
the war broke out he declined the command Of o
regiment offered to him by Governor Morton. but
about the same time he declared in a public
address his devotion to the Union. In 1868. in
connection with j. +. u. Lanier of this city and
George W. Riggs Of Washington. he established
the First National Bank of indianapolis, to which
city he at once removed and where he has since
resided. He had long had q taste for financial
manal ement, and his capacities have been amply
demonstrated by his accumulation OF avery slarge
fortune. estimated at several million dollars. He
has been consistent advocate of sonnd money
and has spoken publicly against the imitation and
irredeemable;cnrrency craze.
Dir. English married in November. .1S47, to
Miss Emma VI. Jackson. of Virginia. " no dieq In
November. 1875 Her two children survive herj
one is W. +. English, now member OF the
Indiana Legislature, aud the other is the wife OF DR..
WillOughby Walng, of Louisville. Ky. Dir.
English retired from active business in 1SI7 since
when he has enjoyed a quiet life at his elegant
home in Indiana polls. He has always retained
since leaving Congress q more or less active
interest in State and National politics, and among
other appearances in public he presided at tho
meeting in indianapolis which ratified the
Democratic nominations of 1876. In person he is
above the medium height, with an rrcct, well-made
figure and his manners are dignicd and agreeable.