Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1885-11-28
GOVERNOR mELLET1E.
a sketch OF the First Executive of the
State of Dakota.
------.-- uI..l:--L.- naA.I-A

a Sketch OF the First Executive Of tho
State of Dakota.
Warrington Hatchet.
The latest phase In Dakota's struggle
for statehood is the nomination of q full
state and congressional ticket by the re-
publican party. A second constitutional
convention has been held, composed, as
was the Sioux Falls convention of two
years ago, of delegates from the southern
and nor populous portion of the terri
tory.
The republicans favor the adoption of
the constitution submitted by that
convention and the election of the ticket
nominated in accordance Herewith.
At the head OF the ticket they placed
rs their candidate for governor the Hon.
A. q. Mellette. Mr.. Mellette is an lndi-
anian by birth and moved to Dakota
some years ago. He is in the primo OF
life, a man of vigorous mind, of stalwart
physical proportions, and OF the highest
principles and most exalted integrity.
He served his country during the wal of
the rebellion faithfully and well. After
the war be located at Muncle. Indiana,
and entered into law partnership with
Gen. Thos. J. Brady, the firm taking at
zee q leading position. Mr.. Mellette
was chosen prosecuting attorney for his
judicial circuit, q position he filled with
the greatest credit,
He was chosen q representative in the
Rtate Legislature and there displayed
high and sound qualities of statesman
ship, leaving as an enduring monument
to his name as a legislator the present
admirable public school system of the
state, n of the most perfect public
school systems known and the model
after which the systems of several west
ern states are patterned.
In conjunction with General Brady,
MIR. Mellette entered into the newspaper
business as joint owner and editor of the
Munice Times, the Republican organo OF
Delaware county and one OF the leading
weekly papers of the state. Be-
coming after q time suIe owner of
the paper, MI. Mtllette estab.
lished IN connection Herewith o large
paper house and did for several years an
extensive business extending through
Indiana and into western ONO and east
ern Illinois. In conducting this enter.
prise his usual energy and ability, espec-
tally excalling as a travelling salesman.
Finally, in 1878, he was appointed
register of the general land office al
Springfield, Dakota. afterwafa re.,o--
IuR : o W~atertown, his present home. Mr..
Mellette went to Dakota to make that
territory his home, being primarily IN
hnenced thereto by confederation for
tho health of his family. That being
secured he cast his lot for veal or woe
With the enterprising people who were
building up a future empire state in the
Sioux wilderness.
He OF once assumed, as he had done
in his old home, q prominent place in
the counsels of the people. His ability
and integrity, his legal training and
business habits, his legislative experi.
ence and political acumen, all combined
to give the people of Dakota confidence
IN him. He is o uaan of the people, nm
affected in manlier. direct in speech, and
plain in dress. He is O fine pnbllc
speaker, earnest, honest and logical. He
IL q vigorous and perspicuons writer,
He is a mar of intellectual and moral
as we'll as Of physical courage. His
sense of honor is high and his
personal character is without starr.
His honesty is proverbial anon
all who know him. He ia a man
OF whom no bond need be exaoted
to compel him to keep his word or do
the square thing. He is without greed
as he is without guile. He is n OF
the fow men we have ever known whom
we believe to be beyond, or rather above
temptation. We do not believe Il at
this earth holds a prize great enough to
tempt hin for an instant to even think
o. dong a mean, dishonorable, or dis.
honest act. just, generous, kind, coura.
geous, honest and honorable, it may
truly be said of him that he is without
fear and without reproach.
The people of Dakota are to be con.
graduated If they choose Arthur O. Mel
tiete for the first governor of their state,