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through the nomination of others to fill the places then held by them. The complications of the situation were increased and the prospect of Cullom by no means improved by the introduction into the house, from the democratic side, of a resolution declaring that under article five of section five of the state constitution, neither of the state officers were eligible to the office of a senator in congress. It was so timed as to come up for discussion on the very day upon which the republican caucus was called to meet. Contrary to what, at the time, was considered "good politics," a number of republicans voted in favor of the resolution, instead of for its reference to a committee, and thus secured its adoption.

The caucus met on the evening of Jan. 11, 1883. The candidates besides Cullom were: ex-Gov. Oglesby, Gen. G. B. Raum, and Gen. Thos. J. Henderson. As already stated, Oglesby had not been generally considered a popular senator; Raum, while he had served acceptably in congress and with marked distinction as commissioner of internal revenue, had not gone through any preliminary training in the state legislature and lacked that official acquaintance with those who make senators, which is so indispensable to success. No one, indeed, except Judge Breese, had been sent to the senate, who had not passed through the general assembly. General Henderson had served with distinguished ability in both houses of the legislature, but his last term of service had been before the war. Since that time, he had served eight years in congress making an excellent record.

The first ballot showed the following result: Cullom 44, Oglesby 39, Raum 22, Henderson 9, scattering 3, necessary to a choice 54. The second ballot showed a change of one vote only, from Raum to Oglesby; on the third, Cullom gained three; the fourth gave him 51 votes, Oglesby 31, Raum 15, Henderson 9, Rinaker and Payson one each. That the tide had turned in the direction of Cullom was proved by the next, and last, ballot, he receiving 63 votes, Oglesby 23, Raum 13, and Henderson 7, thus securing his nomination.

Ex-Gov. John M. Palmer was again the choice of the democrats-the honor, however, being an empty one, as there was no possible chance for success. The election occurred Jan. 16. In the senate, Cullom received 30 votes-the full party strength

ELECTION OF CULLOM TO THE SENATE.

881

with the exception of George E. Adams, who refused to voteand Palmer 20. In the house, each received 75 votes; two republicans, Emmerson and Rankin, declining to vote, there not being a majority in both houses, a joint-session was required on the next day, when Cullom received 107 votes-including Emmerson and Rankin, but not Adams-and Palmer 95.

The senator-elect resigned his office as governor, February 7. His record of six year's continuous service, longer than any other governor except French, had been one of the best. Prudent, careful, and conservative in his general administration of affairs, he had shown vigorous, prompt, and intelligent action where circumstances demanded it. To the state institutions, the economical and efficient management of which steadily improved during his term, had been added the penitentiary at Chester, and the eastern hospital for the insane at Kankakee, both of them splendid structures, furnished with all improved appliances which modern science had discovered and approved for the purposes for which they were erected. Several of the state - bureaus were created upon his recommendation, while those already in operation found their sphere of usefulness enlarged and their dignity increased.

As a senator in congress, his ability and activity early won for him both influence and prominence. His speeches attract attention not through their brilliancy, but rather by their practical, business-like common-sense, and clear statement. His natural industry is equaled by his effective work in committees and by his close attention to the proceedings of the senate. His name is closely connected with the inter-state commerce law, and much of his reputation as a statesman will depend upon the final success of national legislation in that direction.

CHAPTER XLVI.

Administration of Gov. John M. Hamilton - Temperance Legislation - Laws - Labor Problems-Riots in St. Clair and Madison Counties-Conventions, Platforms, and Elections of 1884.

JOHN

OHN MARSHALL HAMILTON, who succeeded to the office of governor upon the resignation of Shelby M. Cullom, was born in Union County, Ohio, May 28, 1847. His father, Samuel Hamilton, removed to a farm in Marshall County, Illinois, in 1854. Though but seventeen years of age in 1864, he enlisted as a private in the 141st Illinois Regiment of infantry, then being recruited for 100 days, and served until the regiment was mustered out. He received a classical education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was graduated in 1868. He engaged in teaching at Henry, Illinois, in 1869, and was subsequently appointed a professor of languages in the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington. Having been admitted to the bar in 1870, he entered upon the active and successful practice of his profession. In 1876, he was elected to the state senate from Mc Lean County, and lieutenant-governor in 1880, as already stated. In appearance, Gov. Hamilton is tall, with clean-cut features, and light, sandy hair. As a public speaker, he is effective rather than popular or eloquent. Some of his forensic efforts before a jury, however, have received high encomiums from his fellow-practitioners. He was the youngest occupant of the executive chair in this State. William J. Campbell, president pro tempore of the senate, became, ex-officio, lieutenant-governor.

Although the thirty-third general assembly continued in session, with the usual absenteeism of Saturday and Monday, until June 18, the laws of any importance enacted were few indeed in proportion to the length of time consumed in their consideration. Among the acts passed, however, was that commonly known as the Harper high-license law, which attracted wide attention. No subject has, perhaps, giyen rise

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