New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-22
FROM BOOTBLACK TO UNITED STATES SENATOR

methods. So we met in my mother. kitchen and
took amateur measures in the matter OF supplying
IN adequate number of ballots.
u talked later with young men in other precincts
Then l got into the neghboring wards. Little by
little learned the game Of politics and extended
my acquaintance. Before long was member Of
the Republican Central Committee After Harri-
sons defeat for President in 1892. I called a meet
Ing OF prominent party workers at which I said
that Repubicanism doomed in Chicago unless
we had an efficient organic ton Opposition de-
vel"ped, on the ground that II we educated poli-
uci2ns they would ultimately dtspIace us as party
managers. but my suggestion was accented 7
went from precinct TO precinct. and almost from
house 10 house That was seventeen years ago
To-day Chicago has the most scientific organization
ever known in all the history OF American roIftics
have tod you frankly how got into pubic mat
tiers. Let mo adj that I had no thought whatever
Of making politics my business"
Did you continue 10 be street railroad conduc-
tor?'
Ne had learned enough about signs TO patnt
a house. became. therefore contractor taking
small jobs only and doing the work myself"
And presently you attempted speculation in
real estate?'
I purchased twenty OF land from William
Pitt Kellogg. who had been Governor Of Louisi-
a young man whom I knew had 5000 I
hadn't a We bought the land for $50 Cs1 nav
ing 5000 as earnest money and giving three notes
for the balance sold the land in one evening and
divided S2i,Us With my partner. AfterWard bought
80 and was deep in debt when Grover CIeve-
land swept the country in 1882 I began TO trade
and sell right after the election. getting A brick
yard which have owned and operated ever since
At the coming OF the panic Of 1888 was enabled
therefore. 10 protect my remaining real estate in
terests'
You were nominated for Congress in lso4?' I
said
4 didn't care 10 be a candidate at that time"
Senator Lorimer answered. 7 thirty three
years of age While I hoped TO be member Of
Congress. I had planned TO wait until I was nifty
years old. But the district was 1900 Democratic
and the huge majority frightened every man who
At for the place I tried for a long time to
get a candidate. Run yourself said Doc jamie
our national committeeman. II you wait IN
til you fifty you may be dead and buried polit-
cally.'
Il took Janieson's advice. The stockyards were
located in the district, and I had worked with
nearly all OF the who then in positions
OF influence. l elected, and served twelve
years in the House OF Representatives"
You have made several notable speeches in Con-
gress" said. Tell me about the first time you
attempted address audience"
In 1852 was a candidate for clerk Of the courts
I stopped al q political meeting. Billy Mason had
just finished OF his char"ct ..stic speeches.
which had been fine ana funny. / called I
am no speech maker. l said. After elected
clerk OF the Superior Court. I want all OF you
come 10 my Office. put your feet my desk and
smoke my cigars That is a verbatim report OF
my first political speech"
Now / suppose you could talk for hour
Il can talk for six weeks"
Copyright. 1909 BY james = konsvl