Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-02-23
FOSTER NOTIFIED
o! Hts Appointment as escretaTy CT
tho Treasury.

Ex-Gov. Foster was officially notified of
bis appointment as secretary of the treas
ury by q dispatch this afternoon from
President Harrison. The President wired
that he hsd Just sent Mr.. Fosters name to
the Senate. and be hoped Mr. Foster would
find it his duty to accept. The President
said he knew Mr.. Fosters views we're in
accordance with those of his party, and the
President would do everything in his power
to make i. pleasant for him. The Presi-
dent hoped that Mr.. Foster could come to
Washington at once.
Ex-Governor Foster told reporter that
re would 90 to Washington on Monday.
lIe could not say that the honor was unex-
pected, as he Judged from bis interview
with the President On Thursday that he was
10 be appointed.
Asked for his views on the financial ques-
tion he said: ~ am in thorough accord
with the President and his party. and my
policy will be the came as Mr.. Windows. !"
Ex-Gov. Charles Foster, who has re-
csived the appointment of secretary Of the
treasury, TO fill the vacancy made by the
des;h of Hon. William Windom, is one of
Obio's most prominent men.
He was born in the town Of Seneca, o.,
April IL, 1928, and received his early edu
cation at the common schools. He was
afterwsrd sent to the Norwaik Academy
and acquired an excellent education. He
turned his attention to trade, and embarked
in b1siress in Florida, the firm in which he
hecsme partner dealing in dry goods and
general merchandise. The means left him
by his father were gradually augmented
until he was in q position 10 make himself
felt in almost every project pertaining to
the welfare of bis native state, and to as
pife to any office in its gift.
The growth and CREST Improvements Of
hia adopted city, Fostoria, are mainly due
to Iii. energy and lIberaIity; and it is here
that his priocipsl interests are ceDtered.
He resided there in plsin, but comfort
Able house, built on the vsry spot where
his fathers log hu. once stood.
lie is by nature and training fitted for
public life, to which he has adapted him
self. He was successful from the very
start.
He began 70 take prominent part in
politics 10 1858. when he was nominsted
for state senator by the Republicans while
absent from home. lie was elected, bu.
the Democratic authorities Of one Of the
counties threw out the soldiers vote, and
he lost his seat.
In 1870 he ran for Congress, and personal
popularity and o vigorous canvass gave
him s majority of 776, although the Demo-
cratic state ticket had large ms jority in
the district. Not much wss heard from
Mr.. Foster during his frst term In Con-
gress, but in the 43d Congress he attracted
a.taniion by his readiness in an encounter
rf n,1to <1, st,a
later he went 10 Louisiana as member Of
an investigating committee. and he Joined
siih William Walter Phelps In minority
repor, upon the situation Of affairs there
10 1874 he again carried his district, and
in 1876 he won his fourth victory. In each
Of these four contests the Democrats car
RED the district By msjorisiss ranging from
800 TO 2G00, but Ihey could NOT overcome
FJstsr rs popularity.
Under the Democratic restricting in
1876, Mr. Fosters homs county was thrown
into q stronger Democratic district. The
Re 5ublicans Of the 7.h dissric. nominated
him, but be declined, preferring to make the
fight in hi. osn district. the 9th.
He was defeated by only 1855 plurality
and less than 400 msjority, although the
district had given Tilden S470 plurality in
1876. While in Congress be was for q
long time a member 81 the committee Of
wsys and mesns, and when serving on ths,
committee was active in bringing to light
the Sanborn contract frauds and in the
movement that resulted in the repeal Of the
moiety laws.
Ia 1879 he was Nominated for Governor,
ard vas elected by plurality CT i7.l29
and msigrity OF 1852 He was re elected
Ia 1881, hclting Office frou January, $50,
till January, 1854. HIS s'rihis,rs,ion Wa,
marked by efforts TO regulate The sale Of
intcxicatisa liquors.
- Personaly, Secretary Fos.e: is mar
With a kind and genisi Opposition, and hi.
manners sfe very esp;issting. He il al.
rays ready in debate, and Is true blue t,
bis many friends. He is above the medium
height, broad ehestsd ard broad shouliered
with head in proportion, with an smpls
forehesd. His hsir and whi.keYs ars
brown, his nose slightly squiline and biz
eyes br.shn hszsi.