The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-03-07
THE CONTEMPORARIES PREsIpEN-
TIAL CANDIDATE.

Illustrated Correspondence NeD North Vest.
Indiana has had many distinguished sons
who have rendered conspicuous service 10
the country. Not the least prominent oil
these Is the Hon. Joseph K. Mcdonald whose
name Is now being mentioned as the proba.
BILE candidate of the Democratic party in the
approaching Presidential contest.
It Is by DO means improbable that his
claim 10 the honor will receive consideration
In the next National Convention Of his party
and predictions as to the result of such an
event are now being freely made in politics I
circles.
Joseph Ewing Mcdonald is descended
from Scotch and Huguenot parentage and
was born In Butler county, Ohio, on the Goth
of August, 1910. To the careful training
which he received in his youth from his
mother Mr.. Mcdonald is largely indebted
for bis superior qualities. His father died
when he was yet small boy, and until he
was twelve years of age young Mcdonald
spent bis time Oh the farm, receiving instruc-
tions from his mother. He early expressed
desire TO study law, but 1t was thought adj.
visable for him TO learn trade before com.
hitting himself 10 professional career. Ac-
cordingly he was apprenticed to the firm of
Andrews & Michel, Saddlers and Harness
makers, at Lafayette, Ind, for term of six
years. He applied himself with great dill
gence TO the task of acquiring skill aud pro-
fciency In the craft with so much success
that he was dismissed from his apprentice.
ship, three months before the legal expirs.
ton of the same. He was now eighteen
years Of age aud he resolved to prepare him.
self for asphere of nobler action than was Of
fered by the saddlery business. He entered
Wabash College at CrawfordvIlle, Ind, sup.
porting himself by working at his trade
night and morning and between terms. In
1910 he left this institution and entered the
Asbury University at Greencastle, Ind, Of
which Bishop Simpson was the president. If
reports are reliable young Mcdonald was a
most exemplary student during bis career in
college, and when be retired from the seat of
learning at Greencastle was more than ordi.
narily proficient in his studies. He began
tho regular study of law soon after leaving
college, In the Office Of the late Zebulon
Baird at Lafayette, Indiana, who took q
kindly interest In the young aspirant and de-
voted much time to instructing him In the
principles of law. On his admission to the
Bar young Mcdonald had quite profound
knowledge of the practice and principles of
law, and was mere than match for many
old practitioners. lie was soon elected
Prosecuting Attorney, in which capacity he
was SO sussessful as to be reelected In 1916.
During that year he renewed TO Crawfords-
vile where he built up q large and lucrative
practice and achieved q position In the first |
rank nj the Bar Of the State. In 1856 he was
elected Attorney General Of Indiana and 1t
Is said that the position was never filled In q
more satisfactory manner. Three years
latter he removed TO indianapolis and enter |
ed into partnership with Addison L. Roache,
ex.Judge of the Supreme Court. This con-
nection lasted until 1869 when Mr.. Roach |
retired, and Mr.. Mcdonald formed another |
partnership with the Hon. John M. Butler,
with whom be is still associated. They at |
once assumed position among the leading |
firms Of the State, and have had hand In
some of the most celebrated and important |
cases that have ever been contested at the |
bar of Indiana.
Mr.. Mcdonald has ever been faithful and |
devoted ally of the Democratic party. In
1910 he was elected to the Thlrty-first Con.
gress, but was defeated In his next candi-
dacy. In 1864 he was nominated for Gov
ernor, his opponent being the late Oliver p.
Morton, but suffered defeat in the general
victory Of that year, although he
polled much larger vote than the candidate
Of the last campaign preceding. The re.
Of the Democratic party In In
diana after the disastrous election of 1872,
was largely due to Mr.. McDonald's labor and
sagacity. He was chosen Chairman of the
Democratic State Central Committee, and TO
him ths success Of the party In 1874 was
largely attributable. He was elected United
States Senator In 1874 against strong opposi.
tion, due TO bis hard money theories. Dur
Ing the campaign be declared that he would
not alter word In bis record on the inan-
cial question TO be made Senator for life.
He took his seat March 8, 1875, and retained
It until 1881, making most honorable rec
ord during his term Of service. His speeches
In the Senate reveal that he Is In favor of
hard money and q tariff for revenue with in
cidental protection.
Mr. Mcdonald Is resident Of lndianapo-
lis, Indiana, where be Is known as hospi-
table, kind and generous neigbor. He has
been three times married, his present wife
being one of the most handsome and accom-
plishcd ladies In Indiana.