The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-02-25

State. to fill vacancy. The nomination,
unsought and undesired, was accepted
in terms that indicated deep
sense of public duty. This cam
paign, though unsuccessful, greatly
extended General Harrisons acquaintance
aud reputation among the people, and from
that time he was recognized as the coming
man among the Republican leaders OF the
State. He polled more than 1900 votes
above the average of his ticket, and after
the October election, though defeated, he
was in great demand for speeches In the
East.
in the campaign, and when it was found
the Republicans had carried the Legislature
he became at once the leading candidate
for United States Senator, the voice of the
party being for the man who had been
conspicuous figure in every campaign since
1856. He was elected Senator: his election
giving the greatest satisfaction to Repub.
Hcans throughout the State. His six years
service in the Senate gave him national
reputation as one of the ablest men, best
lawyers and strongest debaters III that
body. During this period he grew rapidly
In public estimation, and proved him.
self fully equal to the requirements of
the place and the expectation of his
friends. His Dakota report and speeches,
his speech ON the Edmunds resolution re-
garding civil-service reform in general, and
especially on President Cleveland'S ap-
polntments in Indiana, were widely read,
attracting attention everywhere. AS
member of the foreign relations COMMITTEES
he assisted in the consideration and amend
ment, and united in the unanimous and
favorable committee report OF, and voted IN
the Senate for the Chinese restriction bill
introduced by Senator Fair, of Nevada.
son made a speech in the Senate favOring
the prevention of the wholesale immgra-
tion of contracted labor. being careful.
however, to reserve the freest possible vol
Il
become American. citizens. He also ex-
pressed himself plainly on the alien owner
ship of land, and took a decided stand
against the evil of foreigners acquiring
large bodies of public and private lands to
the exclusion of actual settlers, who would
improve small farms and make for them
selves homes.
His senatorial term xpired March 4, 1887,
the Legislature to choose his successor hav-
ing been elected in November, 1886. The
history of that campaign is well known.
lt was III q large degree General HarrlSOn'S
campaign, in which personal attachment to
him made his lieutenants and assistants IN
the campaign bring forward zeal and en-
ergy remarkable even in Indiana politics.
The Republicans. under his leadership in a
fight that seemed almost hopeless. carried
the State, and came within hairs breadth
of carrying the Legislature, though the ap-
portionment had been gerrymandered so as
to give the Democrats at least forty-six on
joint ballot, and Senator voorhees, had de-
ciared that he should feel personally dis
graced if that was not to be the result.
Even then, had it not been for dishonesty
and chicane in the Legislature on the part
of the Democracy, General Harrison would
have succeeded himself in the United States
Senate. With the expiration of his senate
rial term, General Harrison returned to the
practice of his profession, to again take his
recognized place as the leading lawyer of
Indiana. As has been frequently remarked
by his colleagues, he is pre-emine2tly a
lawyer, politics being side issue with
him, yet when he practices politics he prac-
tees as he does the law with all his might.