River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1895-10-31

here in the back row for traditional
period, and then some of us will work
our way down to the front row."
That prediction is verified already.
Senator Pettigrew is to-day one Ur the
leading members of the senate, and will
occupy a commanding position during
the Fifty-fourth congress. He is an in
dependent, forceful character, full of
energy, aggressive for his state, cour-
ageous and honorable. When a very
young man he was nominated and
elected delegate in congress from the
great big territory of Dakota. That
was in 1850, and he Immediately began
working for the division of the terri
tory into two states. He never let up
nor faltered in his efforts until they
were crowned with success. After he
voluntarily retired from active politics
and engaged in business he continued
working for statehood for South Dako-
n. lie was leading spirit in the
Sioux Falls convention which in 1885
declared the existence of the sovereign
state of South Dakota, and made an eff
fort TO break into the union. From
that time on the fight waxed warmer
aud warmer each year. Senator Petit
grew came TO Washington and re-
manned here at his own expense during
each session of the congress, urging the
admission of South Dakota. The OPP
ponents of the measure were many,
and they were strong men. 1t was an
uphill fight. | saw Frank Pettigrew
day after day upon the floor of the
house working for statehood, or send
ing his cards to senators to urge the
rights of the people upon the senator's
of both parties. He is a tireless work
er. never becomes discouraged with
temporary defeat, but pushes along un-
til success is achieved. Thus he worked
for South Dakota, and at last, in 1Sss, a
bill was passed called 1.-THE omnibus
BILL" admitting North Dakota, South
Dakota, Montana and Washington.
The new states came into the union
July 4, 1889.
The legislature of South Dakota
elected Frank Pettigrew to the senate,
and when he came to Washington l
asked him what sort of a sensation he
experienced when he realized that ne
had really been elected to the senate,
and he replied: "My first thought hon
estly was that should be able to walk
into the senate chamber without send
ing in my cards to the great men who
used to come out so reluctantly to see
me. 1t was a sensation of triumph
which was greater than personal pride
in my election"
During the last session of congress
Senator Pettigrew caused considerable
speculation and excitement because of
his independent vote against the Ha-
waiian cable resolution. Although he
is a republican, he voted with the demo-
Gratis on that measure. He afterwards
said that no party ttes could bind him
to vote for what he deemed to be wrong
for his own people, or wrong to any ma
ton of the earth. He said that party
ties were sometimes drawn too tight,
but that he would not be bound to his
own detriment or to the injury of his
own conscience.
Those who were surprised at the in
dependent vote of Senator Pettigrew on
the Hawaiian cable evidently did not
know what manner of man he is. That
vas not his first independent vote in the
senate. l remember very well the pres
sure which was brought to bear upon
him in 1890. when he was ''baclx row"
senator and not recognized in leader
ship. He denounced certain features
of the Mckinley bill and declared that
he would not vote for the bill. AL of
the republican senators went after him,
urging and begging him to vote for the
bill; but he said no, and he meant no.
When the Mckinley bill came to a final
vote in the senate, the vote of Senator
Pettigrew was recorded in the negative.
Senator Plumb, of Kansas, and Senator
Paddock. of Nebraska, voted mo- with
Senator Pettigrew on that bill.
When the senate is recognized next
December Senator Pettigrew win be
made chairman of the committee on
Indian affairs. 1t will be an eXccllel.,
craftsmanship for him. because there
are so many Indians in South Dakota
for whom legislation is necessary, and
in whose behalf the executive depart
ment of the government should exert
tration Senator Pettigrew did not Sc
cure proper consideration when he
sought executive action for the Indians.
But. as chairman of the committee on
Indian affairs he can command atten-
ton, and executive cooperation. He
vii often be heard during the debates
upon important affairs in the Fifty
fourth congress; and he viii also be
felt on numerous occasions. He is one
of the strong men of this generi ton.
Senator Fred T. Du Bots, of laho, is
no longer one of the shack row" men,
bers of the senate. He is no longer a
follower of the older senators, but is
one of the recognized leaders. He was
but little more than two years a senator
when he stepped into the front as
leader of the cause of silver. During
the long debates preceding the repeal
of the silver purchasing clause of the