The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-11-22

or the rural leaders. Yet 1t became his
privilege to present to the new elected
speaker the same gavel that he had pre-
sented to the father of the speaker f1f-
teen years before. That session of the
legislature was marked by important
legislation, much of it coming from the
agrarian element. Thanks to the cour-
tesy and firmness of.the speaker these
legislators were enabled to present the
measures that seemed needful to
them for relief That they appreciated
Mr.. Merriam's efforts in their behalf,
is best shown by their coming to him
after the assembly had adjourned and
thanking him, one and all, for his I'M
firing interest in them and in their
measures.
There is good reason for this interest
Mr.. Merriam has always shown to the
farming element He is the owner of
numerous farms in different parts Of
the state. and one. in particular, III
which he takes greatest pride. His
farm at Forest Lake, called The Elms,
is one of the finest small estates in the
Northwest Always fond of blooded
stock, whether it be horse or COW or
any other creature in the domain OF
live stock, Mr. Merriam now chal-
1engeS the world to show a herd of
Guernsey cattle that can show as good
butter results as the animals he has
rural early manifested itself in the
young man and his interest increased
as the years went by. His fondnesS for
horses, especially blooded animals, led
him to take great interest in the state
fair, and his executive ability coupled
with this interest, led the managers of
the fair association to select him as the
vice president of that association in 1886,
president in 1887 and honor him with
a reelection as president again in 1888
His advent on the board of managers
was the beginning Of the successes that
have followed the agricultural asSocia-
tion since he gave his personal atten-
ton to the details, became acquainted
with the exhibitors for the state and
from points more remote, entered into
active correspondence to secure attrac-
lions that would interest all classes,
increased the value Of prizes, and in
various ways, in the power of a sue
cessful business man, gave new life
and impetus to the affairs of the as
ISOLATION. 1t is little wonder that the
farmers of the state have been his
Staunch friends ever since he entered
public life.
Speaker Merriam's candidacy for the
governorship began before the close of
the legislative session of 1885, 1t was
not with intent, perhaps, but his ac-
lions in the legislature were the best
arguments in favor of his candidacy
that could have been presented to the
rural voters. He himself says that he
had no Interior motive in making
friends with the country members, and
his political enemies have never ac-
cussd him of lack of sincerity, what
ever else they may have laid at his
door 1t was the personal magnetism
of the man more than his ability that
won over the country members. They
h1a col n
they had found a politician who was a
genial friendly. sincere champion of
their rights. His very youth and free
dom from the politicians who had dom
mated the affairs of the state for so
many years was an argument in his
favor. During two years following MS
term as speaker of the house, Mr.. Mer-
rriam had much intercourse with the
leaders Of the farmers throughout the
state, both in his connection with the
state fair and in other various ways.
When the campaign CT 1888 was yet In
infancy there was an element that
talked of Mr.. Merriam as a candidate,
though he himself vas supporter OF
Gov McGill, who sought denomination.
But the younger element OF the Repub-
lican party in the state sought a
change, wanted new leaders. There
was a demand on the part of this
young blood that the oldtimerS be re-
tired and that the rising generation be
given a chance to demonstrate that 1t
could manage the affairs of state.
This element naturally turned to Mr..
Merriam as it's candidate. He had
wealth, therefore could give his time
and means to the canvass. He had
popularity in the country as well as in
the city, and was therefore the most
available candidate to set up against
the representative of the old regime.
He had been tried in public places and
had proven his worth and ability
wherever entrusted with public affairs
This sentiment was outspoken berore
the first Of the year 1888, and after q
campaign that lasted until early in
September, Mr.. Merriam was nomi-
mated for governor. His personal pop
ularity with the country members of