Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-24


months after, and six months later he was
made lieutenant colonel of the 9th Michigan
Cavalry, and in 1863 colonel of the 5th
Michigan Cavalry. For gallant and mer-
ftor1ous services he was given the title of
brigadier general In the summer of 1854
this promotion being the result of his dis
tingufshed service at the battle of Trevil-
lion station. He was made a brevet major
general of United States Volunteers June
IL. 1855. for gallant and meritorious serv-
Ices during the war.
Senator Algers service in the army in
cluded active participation in sixty-six
early army life, while serving under Gen.
Sheridan in the middle west, that he dis
played such good Judgment and undaunted
courage as to call especial attention to his
abilities as a military commander. Sheri-
dan had planned an expedition. in which
Capt. Alger was given minor part. but
in the maneuvers 1t happened that Alger
became separated from Sheridan and was
unexpected attack by strong force Of
confederates. Alger acquitted himself
heroically and skillfully, and held the en-
envy until Sheridan could maneuver to
make the assault planned upon the en-
emy's rear. which resulted in a demorali-
zation Of the confederate forces. large
number of whom were taken prisoners.
This service was in the first six months
of Ayers life in the army, and it called
attention to his ability in such way that
he was brought to the attention Of Presi-
Success in Business.
Upon leaving the army at the close of the
civil war Mr.. Alger became interested in
large business undertakings. His success
in almost every enterprise in which he en-
gagged was known generally among his
friends. 1t was common saying in Michi-
gan during the many years of his business
career there that whatever Alger touched
turned to gold. Upon the close of the
war the lumber industry of Michigan. then
in it's infancy, began to loom up and to
enterprise. Long before the great bust
ness development in that line of industry
took place Alger had become thoroughly
familiar with the opportunities In numbering
and in enterprises that looked to placing
lumber upon the market. In that way
the foundation of his great fortune was
laid. AS his means increased he diver
sfied his business interests and not only
invested in many lines of business, but
scattered his interests in various parts of
the United States. He was regarded in
time as a man of very large fortune.
In Political Life. ;;
Mr.. Alger was elected governor of Michi-
gan in 1884. He was always a stanch re-
publican and there was never a time after
he came forward in q prominent way in
Michigan politics that his word did not
carry great influence in that state. His
term as governor was not especially event
full and at its close he declined a renomina-
ton, although it was generally understood
that he could have been nominated again
and elected governor OF the state. He
showed considerable independence in his
actions, and especially In the last months
OF his administration as governor, when
there were serious labor troubles and 1t
became necessary to call out the state mill
tia in order to maintain order. His friends
gave him credit for calmness' of judgment
and straightforwardness of purpose during
that time. which was looked upon as a
critical period.
Perhaps 1t is not generally known how
nearly Mr.. Alger came to being the re-
publican candidate for the presidency in
1883. when Harrison was nominated for
that honor in Chicago. From the first
Alger had his state solidly for him. His
state remained loyal in his support to the
last. On the fifth ballot Alger received 143
really critical period of the convention be-
gan to develop. The delegates from fenn-
sylvania and New York were uncertain as
to whether they should threw their votes
period of immense interest when skirmishes
were going on in the camps of the different
candidats. Some Of Ayers friends today
declare that he came extremely close t, the
pected that both New York and Pennsyl-
vania would swing their influence to his
banner. Alger was not in Chicago. He
was at home. and Us friends were manag-
ing his campaign. Finally, an agreement
was made by which the IEw York and
Pennsylvania delegates went over to Har-
rison, and that settled the contest.
Alger had sufficient strength outside of
those two states to secure the nomination
had their influence been given to him.
There was no echo Of disappointment in
the campaign which followed, SO far as
Gen. Alger was concerned. He went to
work for Harrison with vigor. He was al
ways strict party man, and although in
his lifetime he suffered disappofntments
which would have embittered some men
and might have caused them to lessen their
efforts in the interest Of his party he
never was affected in that way.
In 1889 Mr.. Alger. who had always been
a prominent member Of the Grand Army of
the Republic, was elected commander-in-
chief Of that organization. In Michigan
where the Grand Army exercised much in
fluence Alger throughout his political career
never failed to receive their warm support
Secretary Of War.
Mr.. Algers experiences as Secretary of
War under President Mckinley are fresh
In the minds Of everyone today. He was
placed in many trying experiences in the
war with Spain. and although the army
in it's first activities did not work with
that ease and efficiency In all its depart
ments that characterixes a military or
ganixation after 1t has gained experience
In active warfare and in active war prep
arations. he never undertook to justify his
own acts by making public criticism. His
retirement az Secretary Of War was at
tended with unpleasant conditions because
of Investigations that had but recently been
made into the conduct Of some branches of
the service. The beef investigation was
one of these. Without word in attempted
defense Of what had been done beyond the
mere development of facts that were made
known to the public through these investi-
cations Mr.. Alger returned to his own
state.
Election to the Senate.
It is no secret that at that time there
were influences In Michigan that did not
favor his desire to come to the Senate
after the death of Senator Mcmillan. His
name had been used as an opponent of
Senator Mcmillan for the senatorship. Upon
Mr.. McMillan's death. the legislature of
the state not being in session. he was APP
pointed United States senator by. the gov
ernor of Michigan to mi the unexpired
term His resignation as Secretary OF
War had been rendered and accepted Au-
gust 1. 1880. His appointment to succeed
Senator Mcmillan was on September n.