The Portland daily press., 1900-10-23
JOHN sHERMAN-s CAREER.

OHIO, May ~, 1873. lie came rom 2OOu
old New England stock, the family i'm
migrating from England to Connecticut
before the Revolution. Taylor Sherman,
grandfather Of the Senator, was an able
jurist and sat on the bench in Connecti-
cut. Charles A. Sherman. the Senator S
father, was born ia Norwich and was a
lawyer and soon after his marriage he
went to Ohio in search Of a home. He
settled in Lancaster and the Senator e
mother followed him there IN few
months, crossing the Aneghanies on
horse back. carrying her infant son, after
wards Judge Charles L. Sherman, on a
pillow strapped In front OF her saddle,
Senator Sherman father IN 1923 was
made judge Of the Supreme court, but
died when John Was eight years Of age,
leaving the family with little means.
Hon. Thomas Ewing adopted William I 4,
the third son, who became a general on
the Union side in the Civil War, while
John, who was the eighth child. went to
live with a cousin of his father, mer-
chant in Nit. Vernon.
For two years be attended HoWe's
academy IN Lancaster, but lack Of means
prevented his entering college. When Il
years Of age he secured employment In
the public works of Ohio, but when the
Wings were defeated, in 1888, be lost his
situation. He then entered the law Office
Of his brother in Mansfield and when p
years of age was admitted to the bar
He lived in a district hopelessly Demo
cratic and so had no chance Of securing
political Office, He devoted himself
strictly to the practice of his profession,
being known as eloquent, persistent
and welI-read lawyer
In 1859 he had risen to much promi-
hence in the Wing party, and when tbs
political revolution resulting from the
proposition to repeal the Missouri COM
promise occurred he was known as one
Of the Wing leaders in Ohio. At the age
of 81 he was nominated by the anti
Nebraska congressional convention as
candidate for representative, made
personal canvass of the district, which
had hitherto been overwhelmingly Demo-
cratic, and was elected to the 34th Con-
gress by 5000 majority. He presided over
the first Republican state convection in
Ohio. He took his seat in congress in.
1855, since which date he has been con-
tlnuaIly in public service.
His entrance into public life came six
years before the Civil War, time when
men Of strong personality rapidly forged
their way to the front. Immediately fol-
lowing this entrance in the House he.
made 4 reputation as fair speaker, a
clear thinker, a logical reasoner, with a
dignity which inspired confidence and
respect His first duty, that as Repub-
lican member of a special committee to
inquire into and collect evidence in re-
gard to troubles in Kansas, where a state
Of anarchy prevailed, because of the law
lessness Of the Southern desperadoes, was
one which tried his courage and tested his
ability. The committee went to Kansas, 1
was bulIdozed, threatened and subjected
to great danger, but John Sherman, In
spite Of the threats, prepared and sent to
Washington a report on the situation
which stands today as one of the most
remarkable document ever sent to Con-
gress.
In the next Congress Mr.. Sher man
was recognized as a Republican leader.
In the Both Congress he was a candidate
for Speaker, and after an exciting can
vass Of eight weeks, withdrew. When
Judge Chase became member Of LIN
coins cabinet, Mr.. Sherman took his seat
in the Senate, March 49, 1861. At the
outbreak OF the war he threw himsslf,
with all his heart, into the raising and
equipping Of troops. and until Congress
met 10 July, served as a volunteer aid
on staff of Gen. Patterson. When a spec
ial session of Congress adjourned he re-
turned 10 Ohio, raised and equipped 1000 |
men and was going with them, but was
urged by Lincoln TO remain in Congress.
which he dill.
The next great service he rendered the
country was ths perfection and advocacy |
Of the national banking act, which he
carried through Congress and gave the
country the best banking system the
commercial world affords. When William
Pitt Fessenden resigned the chairman
ship of the finance committee, Mr.. Sher-
man became his successor and held that
position till he was made secretary of
the treasury. He became the advocate
Of those measures for refunding the ma
tional debt at low rate Of Interest, but
he did not carry the measure till 1870
and then without the features Of special
redemption which they originally con-
tanned. he brought about the resump-
ton act OF 1875. In 1877 he became Hayes's
secretary Of the treasury. The master
manner in which he handled the finan.
cial affairs OF the country at critical
period won for him world wide reputa-
tlon' and had salutary effect upon the
country.
When his four years term in ths cabinet
ended he was reelected to the Senate.and
chosen its president, in 1885, but resigned
IN 1887. He retired from the Senate and
portfolio in President Nc.
KtBlsys cabinet, and his subseauent