The Detroit times., 1915-08-26
This Monument to Second
Governor Well-Deserved

On Saturday, Aug. ., historical
tablet to the memory Of Lewis Cass viii
be unveiled at Cass Cliff Mackinac
Island.
Invitations have been sent to the pres.-
dent and cabinet and to the governors
and all dignitaries of the states IN which
Mr. Cass had lived, to be present.
This honor is due to the second COVER
nor of Michigan who so ably admins
tered the territory's affairs in time Of
chaos and reconstruction.
Lewis Cass was born in Exeter, y. II.
in 1882. His father was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War, having fought az
Bunker Hill, Trenton and other battles.
Young Cass received a classical education
and taught school when a very young
man in Delaware. But school teaching
did not fill the requirements of his ambi-
tious temperament and he packed his few
belongings in handkerchief and set out
for the northwest territories, as they
were then called, crossing the Alleganies
on foot.
He reached the little town of Marietta.
Ohio, where he stayed for some time
studying law until he was admitted 10
the bar In 1906 he was elected TO the
legislature of Ohio and afterward became
marshal. In 1912 he volunteered in the
third regiment of Ohio volunteers and
rendered great service in the re-capture
Of Detroit after it was surrendered by
Gen. Hull
At the close Of the war he was made
governor of Michigan, serving until 1881.
a period longer than was ever held
before. He took up his residence in De-
troit and brought his family here.
Michigan was in great disorder and
the city of Detroit had been deprived Of
all local control. One of the first laws
passed under the new administration
restored the rights Of the citizens OF this
city.
The Indians were a great source OF
danger and Gov. Cass was most tactful
patient and humane in his dealings with
the red man. In 1920 he organized z
canoe expedition to Lake Superior anc
the source of the Mississippi in an eifor-
to establish relations with the variou.
tribes. This expedition was entirely sue
cessful, and, altogether, 21 treaties wer,
made.
Coming into Office soon after the ter
mination of the war of 1912, Lewis Gas.
found the territory Of Michigan entirely
disorganized. The people were frightened
and could do nothing; there was grea
poverty and much sickness; the shaping
of affairs devolved wholly upon. him.
Hostile Indians, a fear of the British
and lack of law and order had all con
spired to reduce the little city to help
less state. With a master hand am
kindly heart, the new governor assumed
a leadership which rapidly brought abou
systematic government, better economi,
conditions and ultimate prosperity.
In 1881 Gov. Cass became secretary o.
war under Pres. Jackson and in 1886 h,
was made United States minister t,
France. While in that country h,
defeated treaty on right Of search o
American vessels by Europeans an,
wrote a pamphlet on the subject which
became famous throughout Europe.
He was elected to the senate in 1874,
and became candidate for president il
1s4s. In 1857 he was appointed secre
tary of state under President Buchanan
but later resigned. as he was not in sym
patty with the methods of the admins
tration.
In poor health he returned to Detroit
where he lived until his death in 1866.
Lewis Cass was the idol Of the democ