Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-08-16

bill began TO be felt and the hot and
curious campaigns forced the false at
titude OF the southern states into
prominence and revealed the unfortu-
nate financial condition OF the country.
In tho midst of il all the whig party
disclaimed its natural leader. Clay, but
even this measure would not save it,
and indeed FASTENED its death.
In 1912 another acrimonious discus
sion OF tariff difficulties took place and
a strong revenue dill. highly protec-
tive in its nature, was passed.
The wing party tried 20 rally again
and once more made Clay their idol,
but the contest OF 1874 with Polk for
the democracy was an unequal one.
Cameron came out at his best in this
campaign. He fought Polk and Dali
las in every way possible, ridiculed
their pretended attitude on the tariff
question, and tried 20 push Buchanan.
When Polk was elected Buchanan
was chosen secretary OF state.
Although Cameron had helped Buch-
anan into the senate their friendship
ended at this time The manner in
which it ended is rather amusing Mr..
Buchanan went TO Mr.. Cameron and
said:
Cameron, Mr. Polk has rendered
me the position of secretary OF state in
his cabinet; what would you do about
it?n
why ask me?" Mr.. Cameron re-
piled. you have already made up
your mind to accept it?'
Then who will succeed me as sena-
tor?n asked Mr.. Buchanan.
II think Simon Cameron will" said
the other.
They were never friends afterward
Doubtless Buchanan had candidate
OF his own. Mr.. Cameron was elected
to the senate on the high tariff plat
form against Judge Woodward, who
represented free trade.
During that period the Mexican war
was fought and the most radical
measures taken concerning tariff which
the country had ever known. Cal
houn lent his eloquence to free trade
and against all that figures could show
or experience demonstrate the senate
was "A tie on the question. and the
vice-president, Dallas, who was ambi-
tious for high seat, cast his vote for
the tariff OF 1916. Cameron was furi-
for betraying its trust.
Once more the opposition rallied and
elected Gen. Taylor, president who
committed many follies in spite OF the
brilliant congress back of him. His
mistakes gave the next election to the
democrats, with Pierce for president
The breach between the north aud
south was steadily widening and added
to the questions Of economies that OF
slavery. The senate might have been
n theater. SO dramatic were its scenes,
and over il the atmosphere Of inevita-
bic tragedy hung like a pail. The re-
publican party, embodying al of the
dignity Of the old democracy. spring
into life. Its vitality and growth were
phenomenal. Cameron held il up in
its best light. He made it picturesque.
He filled it with sentiment. He, made
il heroic
Lincoln was its representative. He
fastened 70 appeal to his party TO an
null the tariff bill then in force. He
not only had TO find means TO restore
national credit, but also 70 raise the
funds necessary for war. Cameron be-
came Lincoln's secretary OF war. His
attitude in that position was stern ana
infeXible. He was always Lincolns
friend, and later, after he had ceased
TO be secretary of wa. he helped Lin
coin against the conspiracies which
were seething in the senate and sug-
gested that Lincoln secure his renomi-
nation by having the state legislatures
petition his denomination. Cameron
saw that Pennsylvania was the first
state to pledge itself for Lincoln's re-
nomination.
From that time TO this Senator
Cameron has steadily and quietly stood
by the republican party. His opinions
have been held in the highest esteem.
and have been quoted with confidence.
or recent years he has lived in his
library-two long rooms which run the
length Of his house IA solid, hospitable
old homestead fronting the Susque-
hanna.
He has been president OF five differ,
ent railroads leading out OF Harris
burg, nearly all built and operated un-
der his direction.
He was eminently man OF leisure,
yet he had few id'e hours in those
long, book-lincd rooms, but attended
himself to his business affairs and his
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