Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1909-05-05
Former Congressman
Babc0ck Passes AzOay

mayor of Cincinnati and Mr.. Babcock
became his successor as the head OF
the committee. The new chairman
put up vigorous campaign and when
the smoke of battle had cleared away
it was found that the republican
party had elected an Overwhelming
majority to the 54th congress. In
1896. the first Mckinley year, he con.
Quoted another successful campaign,
and the result was another republi.
can congress. Two years later he
wanted to retire from the committee
craftsmanship, but at the earnest So
licitation of President Mckinley, he
again served. The struggle for con-
troll of the house was fast and furious,
republicans securing majority of IL.
In the summer of 1898, Mr.. Babcock
had a hard fight for denomination,
Sank, Vernon, Iowa and Grant coun-
ties bringing candidates against him,
but the sitting member won after
hard contest. In 1900, he again mad
ed the congressional committee and
won another victory for his party.
In 1902 and 1904 he duplicated this
performance. In 1906 he was again
offered the committee leadership, but
refused to yield further service.
In 1903 he incurred the displeasure
of Governor La Toilette for the rea-
son that he came to Madison during
the legislative session and organized
the stalwart movement against the
primary election law, so the badger
executive determined to encompass
his defeat. Accordingly, candidates
were brought out in every county IN
the district. Judge D. o. Mahoney OF
Vernon, Senator John j. Blaine Of
Grant, George Cox of Iowa, James
A. Stone of Sank, Levi H. Bancroft
of Richiand, NJ. l.. Bunnell of Juneas
and the late Alley Peterson of Craw-
ford were his opponents At the eau
cusses Mr.. Babcock carried every
county in the district, except Vernon
The La Toilette forces bolted him at
the polls, but he won by small plur-
atty. In 1906, he had a better contest
for denomination, but was victorious
at the primaries by narrow margin.
Judge D. o, Mahoney was the La Fol.
lette candidate.
In 1895, Speaker Thomas B. Reed
appointed him chairman of the house
committee on district of Columbia,
which position he held until his re-
tlrement from congress. The chair
man of this committee is virtually
mayor of Washington. Mr.. Babcock
did much for that city and was de-
cidedly popular among its residents
In 1899, when Thomas B. Reed re-
tired from congress Mr.. Babcock led
the movement which resulted in the
Wisconsin delegation declaring for
General David B. Henderson of Iowa
for the speakership succession The
early action of the badger members
resulted in the selection of the hawk
eye candidate. In 1902, after the 18th
congress had been chosen, he became
a candidate for speaker, but after the
Wisconsin delegation had endorsed
him, he retired in favor of Speaker
Cannon, though he had much support
pledged.
Ten years ago be was candidate
for the United States senate to sue.
coed Senator John L. Mitchell, but
was unsuccessful. The other candi.
dates were ex-senator Joseph V.
Quarles, the successful candidate. Sen
ator Isaac Stephenson, Judge Charles
NJ Webb and ex-Congressman S. A.
Cook
He was twice married, his first wife
being Miss Mary Finch. She died in
1899. He was married in 1901 to Mrs.
Kate King, who survives him. She
is said to be in a critical condition.
He leaves one son, Charles C. Babcock.
OF Necedah, and an adopted son
George Babcock.