The morning call., 1890-09-09
DAVID c. BRoDERICK.

Senator David Colbrith Broderick. who laid
down his lie In 1859 as forfeit for his temerlly
in opposing the extension OF slavery, was born IN
Washington, d. c., on February 4. 1920, OF
humble Irish parents. When he was 8
years old his family moved 10 New
York, where the boy grew to manhood
without receiving any OF The educational ad-
yantages afforded In those days. This was no
fault Of his own, for he was ever eager TO learn,
but was the result OF poverty. In his youth he
was apprenliced TO the stone-cutter's trade.
winch lie followed Tor several years, until NC
drlfted into the business of publican. In TINS
employment he acquired some means, and as he
had much more leisure than before, lie was able
10 crafty his natural desires by applying hmseli
to study. About this time, too, lie began to dis
play such force of character that neither want
OF polish or wealth could deprive Inn OF his place
In society or prevent him from becoming The
leader OF his fellows He entered politics, and
in the split which took place in the Democratic
ranks, became all earnest adiiefeDt OF Inc
Young democracy as opposed TO the "Old
Hunkers."
In 1912 his mother died this father had pre-
coded her BY some years., and in S44 his brother
followed her 10 The grave, leaving David the
last OF his race. Realizing his loneliness he fell
into deep melancholy, out of which his friends
libraries TO HIM. 1t was then he gained me
political strength which never atterward de-
serted him; That lie appreciated the ad.
WntageS OF this good fortune may he
judged by his stud0us habits OF the next few
years, during which his diligence repaired the
edueational gaps left by early neglect. Win the
Kept pace, and in 1876 he was nominated Tor
Congress, by the young Democracy OF his dis
trict He was, however, beaten at me polls but
by such a narrow ajoriiy that his strength
threw CONSERVATION into the camp OF his oppO'
nents.
In June, 1S49, young Broderick came to San
francisco, and almost Immediately entered the
political arena. lie was sent TO The Stale SEN
ate 10 I'LL the vacancy created by the elevation
OF Nathaniel Bennett to the Supreme Court, ana
made such an impression on that body that he
became President OF the Senate aud de factO Gov
erhor by the successive designations OF Governor
Burnett and Northumberland McDOuga.
Upon the close OF his term he did not seeH re.
election out devoted his energies TO business ana
by good Judgment in real estate investments sue
eded, III few years, in acquiring handsome
competence
The acquisition Of wealth furnished him tile
means TO crafty his ambition for public life, and
lie accordingly returned 10 politics and engaged
III tie party struggles OF the time, bringing an
amount OF energy and tact with him that
where his election was otherwise in doubt.
His own ambition was for Tie United
States SeDaorship, ana year after year he
fought for the coveted prize against the Cnivalry
element led by Gwin and F0ote aud Weller.
Often disappointed, but never defeated his
tenaeIty at length won The day, aud lie look his
seat IN Washington in March, 1857. Here lie
antagoniZed the administration by exposing Its
corruption, but In losing its support lie gained,
instead, the respect OF the nation He returned
to California TO lake part in the canvass
OF 1859, and at once became The target
Tor the most vlrulent abuse from his
political enemies. Even Chief Justice
aided with his influence and money when the
Vigilance Committee had him under arrest de-
scended from tile bench TO Willy him aud pro-
woke him into retort. The retort came, as 1t
was intended II should, ana he duel followed
soon alter. lie memorable. meeting took place
near Lake Merced on September 10, 1859.
Broderick lived for three days after, ana on the
18Th was followed TO his grave by thousands OF
clllZenS WHO ueplOred his uutimely taking away.