The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1912-05-17
NEW NEWS OF YESTERDAY
Story About the Famous "Hale
Storm of 1845."
Sensational Climax Of Debate Between
John p. Hale, the Antl-slsvery
Leader of New Hampshire, and
Gen. Franklin Pierce.
BY E. ]. EDWARDS.

BY e. J. EDWAHDS.
John p. Hale is a name forgotten
probably by all but a very few OF
those who were personally familiar
with the leading minds in public NE
Of the era which closed with the ter
minauon Of the Civil war. To the
younger generation at this time MT.
Hales name has no significance what
ever Yet he was for quarter OF
century one of the leading figures In
our public life. He was three times
elected United States senator from
New Hampshire. He was twice nomi-
mated by the Free-Soil party for presi-
dent, and he was United States min
lister to Spain through the four years,
Of President Johnson's administra-
ton.
Hale was one Of the great anti-slav-
cry leaders of the late forties and the
f1fties Of the last century; at one time
he was the only anti-slavery advocate
with membership in the United States
senate He opposed the annexation OF
Texas on the ground that 1t would be
slave territory. and he alone. OF all the
senate, refused to vote in favor OF the
resolution rendering the thanks OF
congress to Generals Scott and Tay-
lor for their victories In the Mexican
war. which made 1t certain that this
country would have Texas. Not until
Chase and Seward entered the senate
in 1849 did Hale have any help In
waging his anti-slavery fight ON the
floor of the senate. Two years later
Hale was Joined by Charles Sumner.
Senator Hale possessed national
reputation as a political orator. He
was man Of impressive personal ap-
pearance. His voice was clear and res
onant, yet 1t had almost q musical
quality In It.; and he possessed per-
sonal magnetism which caused him to
be numbered among the most effective
speakers In the years between 1916
and 1865. One OF his greatest tri-
umphs Of oratory came when he set
out alone in 1845 to win his native
state of New Hampshire over to the
anti-slavery cause. He went to work
In the face of an apparently invincible
Democratic majority; he addressed
meetings in every town and village OF
the state. and when the votes were
ing that the legislature, thanks to his
single-handed battle. would be con-
trolled by Wings and Independent
Democrats.
That campaign, which has gone
down In political history as the Hale
Storm Of 1845," was perhaps the most
exciting campaign that Hale ever
waged. It was full Of exciting and dra-
matte incidents. but the one that Hale.
In his closing years, took most delight
In telling was the following:
One OF my Democratic opponents
In the Hale Storm Of 1s46' was
Franklin Pierce. against whom / ran
for president In 1882 We were both
citizens of tho same town, Concord
that is, was practically a citizen of
the state capital, though my legal res
idence was In Dover, some miles to
the east.
We'll, l was going up and down and
across the state talking up the anti
slavery cause, and General Pierce was
as busy in behalf Of the Democratic
doctrines. We were the leaders on
the two sides OF the question, and SO
1t was arranged that we meet In po-
litical debate at the state capital.
Pierce, of course. had long been known
to New Hampshire voters; l had al
ready gained prominence as an anti
slavery leader. The interest in the
debate was statewide. and the church
In which the debate was held was
packed to suffocation on the appointed
evening.
Let me tell you right here that
General Pierce was an excellent speak
er and a sincerely conscientious Dem
ocrat; he was much ADLER man than
many persons gave him the credit OF
being. And what a speech he made
that night In reply to mine. which. OF
course, l made as strong as was ca
pable of doing. 1t was late when we
had said our last says, and then, Just
at adjournment there occurred the
most interesting incident of the whole
debate. Somebody never knew who
1t was-cried out In a voice that car
ried all over the church: You ought
to go home proud because you have
been hearing tonight man who is
sure to be president Of the United
States!' The people cheered, Mr..
Pierce and I exchanged compliments.
neither of us dreaming that the predic-
ton would come true. Nor, OF course.
did it enter our minds that seven
years later We would both be presi-
Dental candidates. he upon the victo-
rious Democratic ticket and l at the
head OF the Free Soil ticket"
Copyright. 1911. by Il. ]. Edwards. All