Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-06-11
PRESIDENT HARRISON.
A Sketch Of the Interesting Career Of the
Republican Standard Bearer.

A Sketch Of the Interesting Career Of the
Republican Standard Bearer.
Benjamin Harrison, renominated for Presi-
dent by the republican national convention,
has had an interesting career. He was born in
North Bend, Ohio, August 20, 1888. He is the
third son Of John Scott Harrison, who was a
BON of William Henry Harrison. and was born
in his grandfather's house. John Scott Hsrri-
son was farmer. This occupation he varied
by boating to New Orleans, whittier he went
almost every year with cargo Of produce Of
his own raising. Benjamin Harrison passed his
boyhood in the usual occupation Of a farmers
son. He received his early education
in an old-fashioned log school house
fronting the Ohio river. Subsequently be at
tended Farmers College on College Hill. Gin
cinnat, where he spent two years, and then
went TO Miami University, where he graduated
In 1852. While In college he formed an attach
mont for Miss Caroline l.. Scott. whose father
at that time was prs ident Of the female semi
nary in Oxford. Among his classmates we're
Milton sayler, who took first honors, and
David Swing, who stood second, while Harrison
was fourth. His graduation Grafton was on
'The Poor Of England"
AS 4 LAWYER.
Mr.. Harrison entered the law Office of Storer
before the completion of his studies and before
March, 1854, he settled in indianapolis, OBJ
tanning deak room with John H. Res, and
announced himself as attOrney-at-law. He
was soon appointed crier Of the federal court,
the salary Of s2.50 a day being the frst money
that he ever earned. Soon afterward Gov.
Joseph A. Wright intrusted him with
legislative investigation and in 1855 he was
invited by William Wallace to become his
partner. Mr.. Harrison is described at that
time as "quick Of apprehension, clear, me-
thodical and logical in his analysis and state
ment Of q case" This connection continued
until 1860, when his first entry into active poll
tics took place with his nomination by the re-
pubhcans for the Office of reporter of the SD
preme court. He canvassed the state and in
Rockville, Parke county. spoke at a meeting
where Thomas A. Hendricks, the democratic
candidate for governor, was his opponent. He
was elected by 1888 majority. While in Office
the civil war began and in 1862 Mr.. Harrison
assisted in raising the SEVENTEEN Indiana regi-
ment, In which he was made second lieutenant,
Gov. Oliver P. Morton subsequently appointed
him colonel and the regiment joined the army
under Gen. Don Carlos Buell. at Bowling Green,
KY, then opposed by the confederate forces un-
der Gen. Braxton Bragg.
AS SOLDIER.
The SEVENTEEN Indiana WAS given the right
Of the brigade under Gen. w. T. Ward. and
continued SO to tho close Of the war. Col Har-
rison's command was occupied chiefly in the
west guarding railroads and in fighting guerillas
In January, 1864 he was placed in command of
his brigade and added to the first division of
the eleventh army corps. Subsequently it was
attached to the third division Of the twentieth
army corps, under Gen. Hooker, and
made the campaign from Chattanooga to
Atlanta. His first engagement Of importance
hat of NAV 4 whara ha
led his command. A few days later he took
part in the capture Of Csssville. and then
In the actions at New Hope Church and
Golgoths Church. He participated in the bat
ties OF Kenesaw mountain and Peach Tree creek,
at the latter of which his gallantry pleased
Gen. Hooker that he wrote the Secretary Of
War "to call the attention Of the department to
the claims of Col Benjamin Harrison of the
SEVENTEEN Indiana volunteers for promotion to
the rank Of brigadier general Of volunteers"
When Gen. Sherman reached Atlanta Harrison
was ordered to Indiana TO obtain recruits, and
he spent the time from September till Novem-
Der, 1854, in that work. He then returned to
his command and remained until the close OF
the war; taking part in the grand review at
Washington and being mustered ont June 8,
1865. To his men he was Familiarity known as
Little Ben"
AFTER THE WAR.
General Harrison returned to Indianapolis
and resumed his duties as reporter of the
supreme court, to which he had been re-
elected in 1864 by 1913 majority. Declining
a third nomination he resumed the practice
Of the law. In 1863 and 1872 General Harrison
travelled Indiana as a campaign speaker, but
did not again enter politics until 1875, when
he declined the nomination for governor.
Godiove 3. Orth was then chosen, but retired
during the canvass, when General Harrison
reluctantly entered the field James d. Will
Jams (dcm. WAS elected by n piuraiity OF & GA
in total vote Of 434. 457, but Gen Harrison,
was 1000 stronger than his party. In 1879,
President Hayes appointed him member of
the Mississippi river commission. He was
chairman of the delegation from Indiana at the
Chicago convention of 1880 and cast the vote
for Garfield. His own name was presented in
this convention. but he persisted in withdraw
ing well as declining place in the Garfield
cabinet.
The republicans regained control of Indiana
in the 1880 election and Gen. Harrison was
chosen United States Senator, serving the term
from March 4, 1881, to March g. 1887. In the
Senate he pronounced in favor of judicious
tariff reform, advocated the rights of the work.
ing classes, opposed President Cleveland's
vetoes Of pension bills, advised the restoration
OF the American navy and voted for civil SER
vice reform. 81.
The republican national convention of 1888
in Chicago gave Mr.. Harrison 50 votes on the
first ballot John Sherman standing first with
225. Seven ballots followed, during which
Chauncey NJ Depew withdrew and transferred
his strength to Mr. Harrison, who had 544
votes on the eighth and final ballot July
following he received notification Of his nomi-
nation, and September II signified his accept
ance in q letter. The election resulted in Mr..
Harrison's favor, the electoral college vote
land.