The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1934-01-19

senate. February 10, Senator Wade Of
the senate committee on territories re-
ported the bill without amendment.
March 3 Senator Wilkinson moved to
take up the bill, and Senator Wilson
moved to strike out the name Of the
territory and insert Idaho. He insisted
that Montana was no name at all; that
1t meant nothing. The name Montana
was stricken out and the name Idaho
inserted. The bill then passed the SEN
ate as amended and was sent back to
the house.
"This occurred during the last hours
Of the session. Mr.. Ashley was angry
and insisted that the house should dis
agree to the senate amendment, but the
bill passed as amended. When, in 1864,
Idaho was divided, the new territory
naturally took the name which came
so near being given to Idaho. I think
Governor Ashley selected the name or
adopted it as his own"
Failing in fixing the name Montana
on the new territory of Idaho, Ashley
bided his time. AS Governor Edger-
ton relates, at the next session of con-
gress, he reported a bill dividing Idaho
and creating the territory Of Montana.
Again he had trouble with the name.
Senator Sumner, a fine scholar, de-
manded: where did you get that
name?"
1T is a Latin word meaning noun
famous" replied Ashley.
Sumner insisted that there was no
such word.
But Ashley was prepared this time.
He produced a Latin dictionary and
proved his contention. So Montana
became the name of an infant ter
ritory that, in the ours Of a few de-
cades, was to become a great state and
in a World war that was to follow fur
nish the federal government with near
ly $4,000 fighting men and upwards of
500, 900 600 for the national war chest.
In 1862 Ashley had a fight for re-
election. He was too radical and was
ruthless with those who opposed him.
But when the campaign was at its
height, and it looked as though his
defeat vas certain, President Lincoln
issued the emancipation proclamation
The tide turned and Ashley won.
Ashley was the author of the famous
18th amendment to the constitution,
putting negroes on an equality with
whites as citizens. The amendment, af-
ter a tempestuous career, passed. Ash
ley first introduced it in December.
1863, and the house voted against it in
the following June. The amendment
became an issue Of the presidential
campaign of 1864, and Lincoln's elec-
ton assured its passage.
Three months after the adoption OF
the 18th amendment by the house, the
rebellion collapsed, and General Lee
surrendered. Andrew johnson became
president. It should be noted here that
Andrew johnson defeated another ter
ritorial governor Of Montana, Hon.
Green Clay Smith, for the vice presi-
Dental nomination by half a vote.
Johnson was a man of large natural
ability, but of little education, his wife
having taught him to read after his
marriage. He was also Incorporate. He
was soon embroiled in a quarrel with
congress.
Johnson's contention was that the
rebel states were Immediately entitled
to representation in congress, while that
body proposed to lay down terms. Fl
nally when johnson attempted to re-
move Stanton as SECRETARY Of war re-
gardless Of the tenure Of office act, II
was decided to make an effort to i'm
peach the president.
Governor Ashley was the man picked
for the Job. He railroaded the resolu.
ton of impeachment through the house
where he was one of the leaders, and
the fight went over to the senate side
The resolution was defeated in the sen.
ate by q single vote, and this vote kill.
led the power of the radicals, of which
ASHLEY was one Of the foremost men II
congress. The following year ASHLEY
was defeated for congress.
During his last days in congress, Gov.
ernor Ashley, still. fighting, brought
forth amendments, a%bolishing the Of.
flee Of vice president, limiting the vet<
power Of the president and for the Re.