Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-04-13
Hon. Henry d. Mcdaniel.

success WIS brought about mainly by the
transfer 70 him Of Governor BOynton's
strength. when it became apparent that
the latter would not win. We eOngratu-
late the Democracy of Georgia that they
are presented with SO admirable a
candidate, statesman worthy to
wear the mantle Of the late
illustriOus Executive. Mr.. Nc
Daniels nomination smOOths differences
and must command the cordial support
Of the united Democracy. The issue Of
the contest will be hailed with satisfac-
ton by all who have the welfare of the
commonwealth at heart. OF course, the
friends of the unsuccessful aspirants will
regret the failure of their favorite, but all
must rejoice that the honor has fallen to
gentleman in every way deserving oil 1t.
Hon. Henry d. Mcdaniel, Senator for
the Twenty-seventh district, has long
been a notable figure in the legislative
halls Of Georgia and the councils OF the
Democratic party. His high integrity,
marked ability and zeal in the discharge
Of his duty are well known. He has uni
formly been selected to serve upon i'm
pOrtant committees in every body Of
which he has been a member, and is
recognized leader in whatever assemblies
he enters.
Mr.. Mcdaniel was born in Monroe,
Walton county, where he resides, and is
forty-six years Of age. He entered
Mercer University, from which he was
graduated in 1856, at the age of nineteen,
with the first hOnOrs of his class. He
| entered upon the practice of law,
which he has continued uninteruptedly,
save during the period of the civil war,
when he was in military service. He was
a delegate to the Secession Convention in
1861. where he opposed the secession resO-
buttons, but supported the ordinance
when n found that the policy was re-
solved upon. In July, 1861, he became
First Lieutenant in the Eleventh Georgia
Regiment, and in November, 1862, became
Major of the same. He served in the cam
paigns of the Army of Northern Virginia
until severely wounded. On the third day
ut Gettysburg he commanded AndersOn's
Georgia brigade, when he rendered gal
liant service in repelling the enemy's cav
airy on the right flank and rear of Gen.
Lees army. On the retreat from Gettys-
burg he was desperately wounded, and
| the most skillful treatment was required
to save his life. He was in the hospitals
and in prison on JOhnsOn's Island till
1863.
ON his release he returned home, and
was elected a delegate to the COnstittI-
| tiOnal Convention, where he served on
| important committees and took a high
| rank among his fellow members. Upon the
removal Of his political disabilities under
the general amnesty act in 1872 he was
| elected a Representative in the Legis-
lature from Walton county. In October,
| 1874. he was elected Senator for the
! Twenty-seventh district, and successfully
reelected Mr.. Mcdaniel, with the eX-
| ception of his support of Bell and Everett,
the candidates of the Union party i'm 1860,
| has always been a staunch and represen-
tative Democrat. His career in the Legisla-
ture has been distinguished. He was
opposed to the payment of the "bOgus"
| bonds and favored the s per cent. loan.
He opposed the bill to aid the Atlantic and
| Gulf Railroad extension into Alabama,
making an adverse report thereon from
\ the Finance Committee. He was the
author of the railroad tax bill of 1874 and
of all the subsequent amendments
| to the tax laws relating to
| railroads and of acts to perfect the sys-
/ ten, Of railroad taxation. The appOrtiOn-
ment act of 1873 providing representatives
| for various counties was introduced by
him. He introduced the constitutional
amendment against the payment of
/ fraudulent State bonds, which was
| ratified by the people and
incorporated in the constitution of
| 1877. He was also the author of
the homestead waiver act of 1875, the
| principles of which, despite opposition,
became part of the present constitution.
He also introduced the act of 1876 to ad-
| just the rights of purchasers of home
1 steads sold under the uncOnstitu-
i tiOnal act of 1868. a bill dealing
] with the most intricate questions of
law, but which passed without
| amendment and has been sustained by the
/ Supreme Court. He also framed the act
| of 1876, prescribing the mode of taxing
banks, which also passed without amend
ment. He advocated the Constitutional
| Convention of 1877, and later framed
many measures, such as the homestead,
lobbying, the jury, and other bills de-
signed to carry into effect the provisions
of the new constitution. He favored the
establishment of the Railroad Commits
| sion.
He labOred during the session of 1SS0-S
| as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Com
mittee, TO perfect the judiciary system of
the State, Offering many bills and amend
| ments to that end, among which was the
| bill in relation to fees of Sheriffs and
| Clerks of Superior Courts.
Senator Mcdaniel has ever been eager
and watchful in the public service and
| has achieved an enviable reputation for
craftsmanship and fidelity. He is thor
Ough lawyer with a lucrative practice, a
genial gentleman and enjoys a wide pOpu-
larity. He is sure to receive an old
fashioned Democratic majority and will
adorn the high position to which he will
shortly be called.