The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-11-12
HON. W. III. BARNUM.
His Condition Is No Worse, but There Is No
Reason to Think He Will Recover.

LIME Rock, Conn, Nov. lilo p. M.-Mr.
Barnum has been more comfortable to-day, and
his condition is no worse. DR.. Cragiu. however,
gives but little encouragement. Mr.. Barnum is
now taking some nourishment, and there is a
prospect Of a comfortab bic night
Mr.. Barnum was born in Columbia county.
New York, Sept. IL. 1918, and Is, there
fore. In bis SEVENTEEN year. His father was
farmer near Dover. He gave his son COM
mon-school education, but before il had been
fairly completed, the family moved to Lime
Rock. where Mr.. Barnum, ST., established an
iron foundry. He took his son, then only
eighteen years old, into partnership with him.
Tho firm became extensively engaged in the
manufacture of wheels and it was interested
IN the mining and iron interests of the Lake
Superior region. The young man developed re-
markable business ability His executive pow
ers fairly astonshed those who came in contact
with him. Dorman B. Eaton said of him once:
MIR. Barnum can do moro business in an hour
than many man who considers himself clever
can do in day. He can go to New York this
evening for instance, transact business amount
ing 10 half million dollars, and be back here
the following day at work again usual"
After making a fortune In business, Mr.. Bar
mum turned his attention TO politics. he en-
tered the State Legislature in 1851. This gave
him foothold in public life. he gradually ex-
tended his sway until 1867. when be came into
prominence a congressional candidate in the
Fourth district. against his namesake. Z. L.
Barnum. The famous Snowman had been NOM
mated by the Republicans. but there were signs
of disaffection in the party, which the Demo
Gratis took advantage Of by selecting the
wealthy and ambitious young politician of Limo
Rock. lt Is one OF the traditions of politics that
this WAS Of the hottest fights ever witnessed
In the old Nutmeg State. Money poured like
water. There was such wholesale bribery that
after William Il. Barnums electon-for he did
succeed In getting more votes than his opponent
An investigator was ordered. Nothing,
however, came OF It the success
full candidate was reelected to the Forty-frst,
Forty second. Forty third and Forty fourth Con-
crosses. In May 1876. he resigned to take a seat
In the Senate, having been elected TO the vacan-
cy caused by the death of o. S. Ferry (Repub-
lican.l His election was described as an auction
and the friends OF Governor English, who was
MIR. Barnum's rival for the honor. declared that
they had been betrayed at q cost of about $780,
600 to cir. Barnum This money, it was then
re ported, had been contributed by Mr.. Darnum
In the preceding State caDvsss, with the distinct
avowal to the Democratic committee that he
would be q candidate for the senatorship. Gov
ernor English contributed $4,000, $1,000 less
than had been asked of him. There was a
lively fight, but the Governor was worstsd-
At the national Democratic convention OF
1868. which nominated Seymour and Blair, Mr..
Barnum q delegate. and since 1872 he has
been an active member Of the Democratic Da-
tional committee Tilden selected him to man
age the campaign OF 1910, ana uncouotedIy ne
did as much TO make that contest notorious as
any man In the canvass. An aggressive fighter.
shrewd in all sorts OF political manipulation, and
fertile in resources, he never hestated to 90 to
any length that he deemed necessary TO honest
ly carry election. He took great pride in the
fact that be was at the head of the national
committee when his party came into power four
years ago. His illness prevented him from as
Stunning the responsibilities of this campaign,
though he still retained his place chsirman OF
ha nd W IA ha q ar
Mr.. Brice in his efforts 10 prevent the disaster
| Of Tuesday. Mr. Barnum married in 1S47
to Miss Baker. His wife, two sons and two
| daughters are still living.