The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1892-06-22
BENJAMIN HARRISON.

that year. Harrison was looked to as
the natural representative Of Indiana in
the United State senate
Gen. Harrison took his seat in the
senate on March 4, 1881. Though entire
ly without legislative experience he
quickly mastered the course of parlimen-
tary procedure and rapidly aequainted
himself with details of the measures to
come before the senate. The newly
made senator accommodated himself at
once to the ways Of the senate, and his
value as a working member soon becom-
ing apparent he was appointed on some
Of the most important senatorial COM
mittees. He served as chairman on the
committee Of territories; was q member
of the committee on military affairs, on
Indian affairs, foreign relations and on
expenditures OF public money. Most Of
his best work was done in committee
Making few long speeches, he was a
constant debater, and there was scarcely
measure passed by the senate from 1881
to 1887 that was not materially assisted
to It's final passage By Senator Harrison.
Many Of the laws now on the statute
books bear his impress in their wording.
and his amendments were always in the
directionl0fc fclearness and COMPREHENSIVE
ity. His Dakota report as chairman ofthe
committee on territories; his speech on
the Edmunds resolution concerning civil
service reform; his speech condemning
the wholesale importation Of contract
labor his speech agains the alien owner
ship Of large tracts Of the national domain
his pithy criticisms and numerous amend
ments to the Blair bill for suppressing
the common-school education of the
South his record on the Chinese legisla-
ton, all pointed ont as examples Of the
variety Of his interests and the breadth
of view which enabled him to compre-
hend legislation on many different lines.
There was.little discussion Of the tariff
in the senate during Senator Harrison's
term, but in the only debate that occurred
he showed himself champion of protec-
ton. The bill as presented left of the
duties on plate-glass. lie indicated the
interests Of his constituents at home by
offering an amendment proposing to
retain the duties on fluted, rolled and
rough plate-glass, and this was carried.
In the fall Of lSS6 the legislature in
Indiana was chosen which was to elect
successor to Senator Harrison. With
view of supplanting him the previous
legislature (Democratic) had gerry
wandered the state so that the succeed
ing legislature would have a Democratic
majority Of &c on joint ballot. The result
of that campaign was, as every one knows
that Daid Turp;e was selected as Senator
Harrison's successor in the United States
senate.
Since that campaign the sentiment
throughout the state had been almost
unanimous for the election Of Gen. H4r-
rison to higher post than any he had
yet occupied, and when the delegations
were chosed to the Chicago convention
in 1855 wave Of Harrison enthusiasm
burst out over the state and the state
elected delegation that was unanimous
fer her "favorite SON" While the eoaven-
ton was in session Gen. Harrison uttered
a remark which may be repeated in view
of denomination
q have not allowed it to disturb me in
the least; have seen too much Of the
uncertainties Of political life in the first
place, and in the next place | have seen
not little Of the cares, anxieties and
worries that surround the presidency.
As have often told my friends, there
was never but one political Office that /
wanted and l wanted that because
needed il that was when | was poor
young lawyer, just before the bar, with
family. really wanted then the position
of reporter of the supreme court Since
then l can truthfully say that l have
never sought for myself public place"
1t is said Of Harrison's friends and
neighbors that they felt great deal
more elated over his nomination than
he did himself For several days the /
candidate Of the Republican party re-
eeived telegrams Of eongratulation from
everywhere. Among the earliest was
one from James G. Blaine, who was
then in Scotland, who cabied:
"I congratulate you most heartily upon
the work Of the national convention. /
Your candidacy will recall the triumph
ant enthusiasm and assure the victorious
conclusion which followed your grand
fathers nomination in 1910 Your cleo
ton will seal our industial independence |
as the declaration of &c, which bears the /
honored name Of your great grandfather, /
sealed our political independence"
Gen. HarIison's previous training in
public life enabled him to bring 70 the |
discharge ofhis high duties as president
a varied fund Of ripe experience. He IS
one ofthe few men ever elected TO the
presidency who had served a fun term Of
six years in the United States senate.