The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-05-30
WILLIAM R. MORRISON.

The Career Of n Man Whom Many Would
Like to See President.
To THE INDEPENDENT: Permit me, briefly
as may be, to state the merits of Col. Will
liam r. Morrison, which, in my opinion,
are sufficient to place him first in the ranks
of his party for the highest honor it can
bestow. Col. Morrison was born in what is
now Monroe county, ILL.,, som sixty or
more years ago. His parents we're of that
hardy stock that built up what was then the
western states, Hard workers, and ambi-
tious for themselves and their children.
they came into the wilderness to build a
home. if not to makes fortune. in the land
of thsir adoption. They gave Bill" as hs
has been farnilia,ly called, Il Liberal educn.
ing fl cd with worthy ambition, seeing that
the business of lawyer WAS the most ready
means of reaching the people, became a
lawyers student.
Before he had made any great advance
ment in his law studies, the Mexican war
began, and "Bill' enlisted as a private,
and was in several battles, that of Busna
Vista being the last and most gloriou-. Re-
turning home he resumed his Law studies,
only to leave them broken of when
the discovery of gold in California
caused many, all over the country,
to seek their fortunes in tho
golden sands OF that state. He came to
that country across the plains and remained
two or three years. returning to his home in
Illinois, when he completed his studies and
began the practice OF law. He Was q mem
ber OF the Illinois legislature and was
speaker of the house.
When the southern states seeded and
Fort Sumter WAS attacked he came to the
conclusion that the conflict could only be
EHtfIad nv war and }a rpiaat - rAnip,n1f ~
which he was made colonel. At the battle
OF Fort Donelson. where he was in com
mand OF a brigade, he was severely
wounded. Before the wound healed he
was attacked by typhoid fever. and waf
barely able to be out on crutches when the
battle OF Shiloh occurred, whore his regi-
ment was roughly handled. Though hardly
able to travel, he started at once for thu
scene of action and rcmained until thu
federal army occupied Corinth. His healtl
still continued bad and his wound NOT heal
ing readily he rendered his resignation
which was accepted. Gen. Grant protesting
against It's acceptance, saying Col. Morri
son waR one of the best officers in his arm,
That fall, 1862, Col. Morrison WAS Gle cte
to congress. Though several times 4 can
didste, he was not again elected Until 1877
he always residing in a repu blicnn distric
Though the republican state and nation,
tickets always had a majority in his dis
""ASAt ~ hN' - woe wv v III Lay
to prevent his return, he was reelected
congress i've times, giving him fon tee
years of service in the house of represent,
tives. In 1886 he WAS defeated BY b
/ cousin, Gen. Jehu Baker, one of the able
men and best stumpsrs of his party in III
nols. But even the popularity and abilit
of his opponent would not hive beaten hi
, had it not been for the eI penditure OF
, corruption fund raised by the tariff barol
of Pennsylvania specially to defeat hi,
He was appointed by President Clevelan
/ on the Interstate commerce conn issio
where he has since served with credit
himself and profit to the people. He W
lately reappointed a member Of this cor
y mission by President Harrison under +
law which compsls the appointment
, persons of different parties as membsrs
l. the commission.
The qualities which distinguish &c
a Morrison as n leader, are honesty. diret
mesa Of purpose. devotion to principle, fel
iessness, prudence n cautiousness; tr u
o worthiness and keeping his word TO all; aclt
a foresight of the difficulties confronting
party; patience, tact, courage and unfalt
ing resolution in overcoming real obatacl
~trankness that wins the respect even
foes and kindness which disarms the M
inveterate enemy. If he was known to
the people as he il known to his frisn
noshing could prevent his being prssidsl
a Col. Morrison is not as we'll known to I
people of the country as he would h,
= Deen II, IN addition to his other quaiiti
he had been a great orator. He is \
10 ready on his legs in the halls OF conprs
but on the stump before the people he
y entirely at home. n BY his sentsn'