The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-02-07

Republican leaders held absolute
sway, the bulk of the male population
was DISTINGUISHED, and the political
outlook was full of gloom Dorsey ap-
peared in the midst of this darkness
and confusion like a new actor taking
part in scene wherein comedy. trae
edy and treachery struggled for SUI
premacy
He at once showed a determination
to make himself leader. Powell CLAW
ton, Alexander Mcdonald, Thomas
Bowen and the other leaders of the
Republican party We're visibly dis
turbed by the operations of the new
conner. Cabal after cabal was formed
to overthrow him, but Dorsey met cum
ming with cunning, treachery with
II eachery, and defeated every plan
laid for his destruction. Slowly but
surely he fastened his grip on the party
machinery. t'A
From a subordinate position in the
councils of the party hensucceeded, by
a series of skillful ana daring in
trigues, in having himself elected
chairman of the state central commit
tee. This position gave him almost
imperial power, and his antagonists,
yho hitherto had looked upon him
with Scorn and contempt, began to re-
aliZe that he was a dangerous adver-
Sary, and FASTENED to make terms with
him.
Then came another startling and
nomentous phase in Dorsey's career
4 company was formed to place tina
Arkansas Central on it's feet, and Dor
sey was elected president. The new or
Sanization had evidently prepared tt
carry ON an enterprise which would
yield a considerable revenue. The
Arkansas legislature aided the plans
Of the promoters by passing an act
granting aid to the Arkansas Central
for the purpose of reconstruction in
the sum of $4,000 in bonds for each
mile of railroad. The company was
aided to the extent of seventy miles,
and bonds to the amount Of 81 1856, 900
were issued to it. Dorsey then went to
London with the paper and returned
flushed with victory. He had managed
to secure nearly $750,000 from the sale
Of the bonds.
Dorsey next had himself elected to
the United States senate. That was
in 1873. The contest over the election
lasted a week, and was one Of the most
animated senatorial fights ever known
in the states history. Charges Of
treachery and bribery flew thick and
fast, and it was said that members Of
the Legislature were bought like bundles
Of merchandise. Money flowed like wa
ter, and it has been said that the ex
with the canvass was undoubtedly the
beginning Of the financial ruin which
subsequently overlook him.
DOrsey'S political power. declined soon
after his election to the United States
senatorship. Reconstruction had run
itself out, the Republican party was
losing power and Dorsey was astute
enough to see that the state offered
nc field for further speculation. He
looked westward, and organized a cat
tie company, with a capital stock Of
$l,OOO,OOO The ranch property and
range of the company@Were located in
New Mexico. From 1880 to 1884 were
flush times in the cattle industry. and
the company prospered.5.t Dorsey built
a mansion containing 100 spacious
rCcms, and the Wifesof the ex-senator
entertained 100 guests 2from various
sections Of the United. States at the
same time.
Then storm arose. The star route
scandal burst on the country Dorsey
was caught in it and swept from his
feet The expense of defending himself
in that noted case caused his accumu-
lat1ons of thee preceding few years to
disappear like mist before a summer
sun. He emerged from the scandal
wrecked in fortune and broken in
health. The subsequent failure Of the
cattle industry, brought on by pesti-
lence and a big drop in prices. com
pleted the ruin
In the zenith of his success Dorsey
wealth was computed by the million.
IN Arkansas he was a political poten-
tate. -c. "