The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1899-06-24
VOL. XXXIV.--NO. 35.

MS way into the Senate by any unworthy act
On the part of himself or his friends. In re-
cent years Senator German was elected for
hree consecutive terms by the unanimous
vote of his party, and it has never been al
eyed that he ever availed of any unworthy
purpose to secure this support.
THE sPEAKERsHIP CONTEST.
In speaking of the recent speakership con-
est, Colonel Berret said that he thought it
was one of the most remarkable on record
"Henderson's victory" he said, sis note
worthy, coming as it does such short time
after the place was opened to a large field,
and also because of the fact that it was gen.
orally supposed that Sherman was the admin
stration candidate. Probably the most i'm
portant speakerShip fight of which have per-
'onal recollection was that in which Penning-
ton was elected Just prior to the war. The
issue was the slavery question and in fact
everything of a national character at that time
hinged on this subject. Pennington was a
sort of compromise candidate and so close
was the contest that the organization of the
House was delayed long time owing to the
inability of the various leaders TO decide on a
man.
"My first knowledge OF public affairs began
in 1887, when | became an active participant
in local issues in Maryland, where | then re-
sided. The country was divided politically
between the two great parties of that day, the
Wings and Democrats. In my own State of
Maryland the Wing party was represented by
clique, headed by Reverdy johnson. The
Democrats were represented by the Lloyds,
the HowardS and men of that high standard of
character, who were capable to cope with their
opponents on all public questions. OF course
the great issue of that time was the charter
of the Bank of the United States which had
been overthrown during the jackson admin
istration, and which caused the removal of
deposits from that institution to the state
banks. causing great excitement in CONNER
cial circles and general collapse financially
all over the country 1t is remembered as the
panic of 3D. ct which time there was large
surplus in the Treasury of the United States,
which was distributed under an act of Con-
gress among the different states, in the ma
ture of loan, which never was intended to
be paid. This movement gave some relief to
the finances of the states, many OF which
were very deficient in revenue. Mr.. Van Bu
ren's administration came into power just at
this time, March f. 1887, and the financial de-
preston continued throughout his term of Of
fee up to the canvass of 40, when under
great luror General William II. Harrison,
the grandfather of the recent President, was
elected by a very popular vote. He died after
a month 5 service and was succeeded by the
vice president, John Tyler of Virginia. The
bank question was again revived IN Congress,
and bill intended to relieve the situation was
passed. 1t was vetoed by President Tyler,
causing a tremendous excitement IN the Wing
party and general denunciation of the Presi.
dent. it being claimed that he had deserted
the party that had placed him in power. The
L s,F
disappointment to his personal and political
friends, who left him to carry on his admins
tralion practically without party. Despite
these discouraging facts his term of office was,
in the opinion of many, q success. He was
honest and capable OF carrying out those prln-
ciples which he believed were best calculated
10 advance the interests Of the country. Dur
ING his presidency the question of the annexa-
ton OF Texas became a very prominent feature
of the two parties. aud in 1914 the prominent
candidates of the country were Henry Clay of
Kentucky. representing the Wings, and James
X. Polk of Tennessee, the Democratic party
standard bearer, the main issue being the an
nexatiou of Texas. After warmly contested
fight. in which the whole country was aroused,
Mr.. Polk was elected. He came into power
March 4. 1915. and a short time thereafter
the Mexican war occurred, being brought on
annexation Of Texas II resulted in the
triumph Of our arms aud the acquisition by
purchase OF an immense territory, which
has added largely to the wealth OF the country
by the development of the mineral resources
OF California and other portions OF the acqur-
gd land The Mexican war was waged upon
a totally different question than the present
var in the Philippines, aud none OF the points
now involved in the requirements OF the Phil
ippines entered into situation in those years.
There was, however, great division OF opinion
IN regard to the Mexican war, which was op-
posed by the Wings, Clay making his cam
paigu wholly on that issue. but there was no
question as TO the wisdom of acquiring the
territory after the war No one ever dreamed
OF a colonial system, as only contiguous area
was secured.
WHEN SLAVERY sTIRREP THE NATION.
s.When the canvass of lS4S opened it was
fought on the old party lines. the slavery ques
non entering into it considerable, growing
ont of what was known as the Wilmot proviso.
General Louis Cass of Michigan was nominal
ed as "A Democratic candidate and General
TAYLOR, who was the undoubted hero OF the
Mexican War, became the candidate OF the
Wings. The division on the free soil question
arose in New York to such sn extent
that the party organized upon what was known
To Cass, Martin Van Buren, was nominated
causing a great split in the Democratic party,
so great. in fact, that General Taylor was
was elected to the presidency. General lay
lor's administration was inaugurated March 4,
lslg, with strong cabinet and giving high
hopes of future success of the Wing party. In
the meantime the slavery question had made
very large inroads on both organizations,
particularly in the Northern States, although
il teuded to soldjfy in the South. Mr.. Tay-
lor lived about year and a half and was sue
ceeded by the vice president, Mlllard Fillmore
of New York, man of strong character and
considerable experience in public affairs. Hls
administration proved very acceptable to the
country aud during his term the famous com
promise measures of 1850 were enacted.
These measures tended to disingrate and
destroy to a very large degree the Abolition
party OF the North, and gave hopes that the
future would be freed from the excitement OF
the slavery question in both the North and
South In 1852 the presidential contest was
waged on the same old party lines between
General Winfield Scott, representing the he
publican party, and General Franklin Pierce,
the Democratic party, both of whom had par
ticipated actively in the Mexican War. The
effect of the compromise measure was to cause
the election Of Gen. Pierce by an overwhelm-
ing popular vote, he carrying all states,
believe, except four. 1t was not long, how
ever, after the inauguration of his administra-
ton that the slavery question arose in another
form, originating with the repeal Of the Mis-
souri, compromise, and what was known at that
time as the Kansas question This excitement
continued throghout his administration, but
having an extraordinary cabinet, composed of
sorae of the ablest men of the country, such
rs Marcy, Guthrie of Kentucky, Gushing of
Massachusetts and Jefferson Davis, he served
to the satisfaction of his party, going out of
Office after a successful term, apart from the
feeling growing out of the slavery agitation.
Then followed the organization of the present
Republican party, which nominated John {.
Fremont for President in opposition to James
Buchanan of Pennsylvania, the Democratic
candidate, who was successful in his candidacy
after a somewhat bitter contest. His admin
istratiou is so familiar to the men of the pre-
sent day, together with the memorable incl
dents connected with the administration of
his successor, Abraham Lincoln, that it is
unnecessary to enter into the details Of them
here. A. b. A.
Hottest Town in United States.