The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1897-05-01

COL. JAMES
Col. james G. Berret, of Carroll now in
his S3d year, has been prominent in political
and official circles, national and state, for
sixty years, and is the only survivor of the
Legislatures of 1887 and 1888, and the only
one living then in official life in this state.
He is the only gentleman in the history of the
state that ever served term in the Legisla
ture that returned to that body fifty years
later, and this he did with body well pre-
served and a mind broadened and ripened by
culture and experience, filling ably the chair
manship of the chief committee. He is con-
versant with state and national affairs for
over sixty wears. At the request of the AD-
vOCATE he has written for this paper some
sketch of his life and some of his recollections
and "reminiscences during his long career.
Below is the first installment.
COLONEL JAMES G. BERRET was born in the
City of Baltimore, February II, 1915, and
soon thereafter his parents moved TO the
family seat called ''Never Die" then a part
of Baltimore county, but now in Carroll coun-
ty. This property was portion OF his moth
er's inheritance from her father, Colonel
John 0'Donnell, who died at that place in the
year 1905.
His father was planter, cultivating tobac-
1928 went to Paris, France, for the purpose
of prosecuting claim against the Govern
ment of San Domingo for indemnity for losses
caused by the massacre on that Island during
the year 1871. After having established his
claim under treaty stipulatons, he was taken
suddenly i'll with malignant form of fever,
and died in the City of Paris, February u,
1881
During his absence the family had resided
in Baltimore. His death left them with limit
ed means; there was nothing available save
'Never Die Farm, to which they all speedily
removed.
1t was difficult to conduct farm with limit
ed experience, but gradually they managed to
overcome the difficulties which beset them.
This kind of work and outdoor employment
developed in Col Berret robust constitution,
the benefit of which he now enjoys at the age
of more than eighty-two years.
At an early age he took an interest in poll
ties, beginning as boy at the Presidential
election of 1924 to shout for Andrew jackson,
and when the county of Carroll was created
from parts of Baltimore aud Frederick coun-
ties, in the spring of 1887 he was favorably
mentioned by the Democrats of Freedom dis
trict for the House of Delegates. The con-
vention, which met in Westminster the early
part of August, the same year, placed IN neml-
nation as the Democratic candidates, John
B. Boyle Jacob Shower, Jacob Powder and
James G. Berret. This being the first cleo
ton held in the county for members of the
Legislature, the contest was spirited and re-
suited in the success Of these candidates by
small majority over the Wing ticket.
The election was at that time held on the
first Monday of October each year, and in 1888
the same ticket was placed in nomination
again by the Democrats. with the addition OF
William P. Maulsby for the State Senate, he
being the first Senator nominated under the
amended Constitution, which also provided
for the election of Governor by direct vote
of the people. There was much interest
aroused in every portion of the State during
this canvass, which resulted in the success OF
the entire Democratic county ticket by
largely increased majority. The Hon. VIM.
Grason, of Queen Anne S county, was elected
Governor by small majority over his oppo-
nent, Mr.. Steele of Dorchester county.
After serving his second term in the House
of Delegates ending in April 1889, he re-
turned to the farm and went to work helping
to get the spring crops under way. On the
7th of June 1885, while engaged in blowing
corn, he received notice of an appointment to
a Clerkship in the Registers Office of the
Treasury Department, and in few days after
reported for duty January 9TH, 1913, he was
appointed by Governor Philip Francis Thomas
Aid -de-camp on his Military Staff. with the
rank of Colonel. His service in the Treasury
Department continued until October 5, 1913,
when he received personal note from Secre-
tary Marcy in these words
MY DEAR SIR:-I hear that Dr. Camp, Chief Clerk
to the Commissioner of Pensions, is dead Will
you accept the vacant place? hope you viii and
that Mr.. Walker will not be dissatisfied with my
iurOaU
Col j. G. Berret. W. L. MARCY.
Upon the receipt of this note, he called on
Secretary Marcy to thank him for the unso-
Gcited honor, and declined the appointment,
giving the reasons therefor, the chief one
being want of any sufficient knowledge of
the Pension system, which at that time had
assumed large proportions, growing out OF the
Mexican war The Secretary heard his state
ment silently, and in words full of kindness
remarked in reply ''if you have no other rea-
sons for declng the appointment than those
stated, it is a mistake. know you are quail
fed, and for that reason have rendered you
the appointment, and hope you will accept.
The frmness with which Secretary Marcy
pressed himself upon the subject was conclu-
sive, and Col Berret finally decided to accept
the appointment. His letter of appointment
bore the date of the personal note, and read
as follows:
War Department,
Washington, october 5, 1873
SIR:-You hereby appointed Chief Clerk OF
the Pension Office in this Department, with the
salary of one thousand. six hundred dollars per
annum. 49,
Should YOU accept this appointment you will
take the oath of office required by the Act of March
g. 1871. and enter upon your duties Immediately.
Very respectfully your obedient servant
W. L. MARCY,
Secretary ofWar.
Col. James C. Berret Washington City.
The next day he resigned the clerkship held
by him in the Treasury Department, which
was promptly accepted by Secretary Walker,
as requested. in the following letter:
Treasury Department, 0ctober6, 1873.
STR:-ln accepting your RESIGNATION OF 5ne Cierh
the Treasury Department, take pleasure IN bear
ing testimony to your high qualifications and TO
been discharged. While l would gladly have re-
tanned your services during the short period which
remains of my administration of the Department, l
can nevertheless express my grathcatlon AT me
promotion you have received i'll being calico 10 the
The arduous and responsible dutres of Chief Clerk OF
Accept my warmest wishes for your success and
believe me.
Respectfully your friend and obedent servant,
RI. WALKER
Secretary of the Treasury.
Col, James C. Berret, Chief Clerk of the Pension
Upon the receipt of Mr.. Walkers letter,
he reported to the Commissioner of Pensions
for duty as Chief Clerk, having ia en- the oath
of office required by law.
The Presidential contest of 1S48 resulted in
favor of the Wings, with General Zachary
Taylor for President. who, being soldier,
without experience in civil affairs, was not
inclined to act the role of Il partisan, but his |
Cabinet, made up chiefly Of active workers IN
the Wing party, changed his views, and the |
removal of prominent officials followed.
Hon. Thomas Ewing, of Ohio, having been
appointed Secretary of the Interior, soon or
gained his newly created Department, and |
being a strong party man, Col. Berret looked |
daily for the appointment of successor;
After waiting until July 80, 1849, he called