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PREFACE

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THIS volume does not claim to give the verdict of history upon the career of Thomas A. Hendricks. The events of which he was a part are still so recent, the controversies in which he debated are so lately settled, where settled at all, that the final estimate of the public man can not yet be made. When time shall have further softened party prejudices, and passed judgment upon the questions that have for three decades divided opinion among us, that estimate may be written. There is no fear but it will be high.

There is, however, an important service which a work like this can render. It can give to the present generation the evidence upon which the final verdict must be framed, and preserve for future use material that would otherwise perish with the lapse of time. This care should be taken of the fame of a great man. The high part he played in the history of this nation, the love of party friends and respect of party foes, prove Hendricks great, and deserving of such care.

A man's character, opinions, and deeds are the result of the disposition with which he is born, influenced by the circumstances in which he is placed— the interaction page: 6[View Page 6]Switch to Image ModeCLOSE Page 6 between the man and the world. For an adequate understanding of his life and work, his ancestry and origin must be explored, to weigh the inheritance of family traits; his theater of action must be surveyed, to measure the influence of persons and events.

An effort has, therefore, been made to describe the Hendrickses of the early day, the strong characteristics of the family and of its prominent members; and, in examining their distinguished contribution to the building of Indiana, to consider at the same time he condition of the young State, in its political, educational, and social aspects. Thus are traced the influences which formed the most eminent man of the family and of the State. In Indiana he grew to maturity of body and mind, and there he was trained for his part on the stage of national history.

Entering upon that wider stage at a time when questions of unparalleled gravity were forcing themselves forward for solution, his career as a national statesman extended through the most momentous period in the life of the Republic. Throughout that season of trial he studied to understand the true interests of the whole country, and strove with his might to promote those interests as he understood them. As a member of the majority, his care was given to the development and civil organization of the public domain; in the thankless part of leader of the opposition, his unvarying aim was to strengthen the Administration with all the people, by rendering its measures acceptable to the powerful minority he represented; and finally when war was over, his efforts were directed to conciliation, the lightening of burdens, and the restoration of prosperity.

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A strictly independent view of the controversies which led to war, and of the positions of parties during the period of insurrection and reconstruction, is presented in the following pages, with the constant endeavor to deal fairly with men and measures. The attitude of Hendricks as Representative, Party Leader, and Senator is given clearly, but not in a spirit of vindication; for where fidelity to country and honesty of purpose are manifest, there is nothing to vindicate— "the simplicity of truth is fame." Subsequent events, from whose sentence there is no appeal, have shown the wisdom of his views on most of the questions once fiercely disputed; and, where mistakes must be admitted, the sincerity and fearlessness and skill with which he maintained his opinions still command admiration. Every honest soul loves "an open and sturdy partisanship."

Finally, as affording the best insight into his mind and the sources of his power, a selection from his speeches and writings is given. The instrument of the statesman, the means by which he attains his ends, is speech. As a speaker Hendricks was singularly able. Clearness, force, grace were the qualities of his style; persuasiveness was the characteristic of his utterance. Many of his efforts were addressed to questions of great public interest, and possess a high historic value; others dealt with questions that may again be brought up for review, and should therefore be preserved for future reference. Of both these kinds, some of the most important specimens are reproduced. Of minor importance, but interesting as illustrations of his modes of thought and literary style, page: 8[View Page 8]Switch to Image ModeCLOSE Page 8 are his brief addresses and letters, called forth on special occasions. A few examples of these also are presented.

Of the man himself it may be said that an integrity interwoven with every fiber of his being, an inflexible courage and a wise discretion, together with a genial disposition, sympathy for all men, and charity for all opinions, gave to the world in Hendricks a rarely noble nature,— a character strong, just and beautiful, infused, to a far higher degree than is often granted to the politician, with those admirable qualities of mind and heart, described to us in these latter days by the phrase "sweetness and light."

Acknowledgment must be made to many relatives and personal friends of the late Vice-President, but chiefly to Mrs. Thomas A. Hendricks, for invaluable aid and sympathy in the work of preparing this book.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS.

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CHAPTER I.

GOVERNOR WILLIAM HENDRICKS.

• An old-time mansion— A busy worker— Early career of William Hendricks— The State election of '22— The quaint town of Corydon— The first State House— The General Assembly— Influence of the Erie Canal— The educational condition— The first message— Acts of '22-3— Acts '23-4— The new capital— Indian troubles— Revision of the laws— Joint resolutions— The Governor at home— Removal to Indianapolis— Acts of '24-5— Joint resolutions— Election to the U. S. Senate— Subsequent career— Estimate of his life. Pages 19-39

CHAPTER II.

MAJOR JOHN HENDRICKS.

• The Hendrickses in Holland— A Pennsylvania legislator— John Thomson and the Scotch settlers— John Hendricks and Jane Thomson— Removals— Shelbyville founded— Senator Smith's story— The militia musters— Politics in Shelbyville— The Hendricks mansion— The mother of the family— Business life— Surveyor of public lands— Later years. Pages 40-54

CHAPTER III.

THOMAS A. HENDRICKS-CHILDHOOD AND SCHOOL DAYS.

• Early youth— Educating influences— The hickory broom—Earliest schools— Mrs. Kent's labors— School incidents— The Seminary— Anecdotes— Walker's Rail Road— John Robinson's school— John Dumont's speech— Home culture— Love of books— College.Pages 55-67

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CHAPTER IV.

HANOVER COLLEGE.

• The town of Hanover— The college building— The college session of '36-7— Industrial features— The course of study— The faculty— Pictures of college life— Hendricks's character as a student— Scenes about Hanover— The tornado— College troubles— The class of '41— The Hanover of to-day— The Governor's visit. Pages 68-81

CHAPTER V.

THE STUDY AND PRACTICE OF THE LAW.

• Stephen Major and his law office— Judge Thomson's school— Life in Chambersburg— Acquaintance with Jere S. Black— Studies in Shakspeare— Recollections in later years— Return to Shelbyville— Incidents of early practice— "Keep the Heart Young"— A social event— Miss Eliza Morgan— Her family— Courtship and marriage— Birth of a son— Hendricks as a lawyer— Judge Gresham's characterization— Judge Turpie's characterization.Pages 82-96

CHAPTER VI.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

• Nominated for the Lower House in '48— The canvass— The school question— "One of the People" and his messages— Indianapolis in '48— The State House— Eggleston's description— The vote on education— Joint resolution— Chairman of Committee on Banks— Governor Whitcomb and his election to the Senate— Edward A. Hannegan— The new school law— Acts of the session.Pages 97-108

CHAPTER VII.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.

• The vote for the Convention— The members from Shelby county— Organization— Judge Holman's reminiscences— Resolution relating to juries— Speech on the grand jury system— Report of Committee on Finance— Death of Mr. Vanbenthusen— Remarks on the occasion— Speech on the prohibition of colored immigration— Speech on the prohibition of State debts— Confidence in the people— The Masonic Temple— Prominent members— Mr. Tague's resolution— Mr. Hendricks on Banks and Banking— Death of Richard M. Johnson— Adjournment— Reunion of members in 1885— Speech of Mr. Hendricks on that occasion.Pages 109-132

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CHAPTER VIII.

MEMBER OF CONGRESS— FIRST TERM.

• The turning point in our history— The historic trio— Clay's compromises— "Popular sovereignty"— Nominated for Congress— The campaign— Unncle Tom's Cabin— The election— The old Capitol— Prominent party-leaders— Louis Kossuth— The Fugitive Slave law— The Homestead bill— Death of Clay— River and Harbor bill— Second race for Congress— Reply to Bradley, at Shelbyville— The national campaign of '52— The slave-holders' policy— Extent of their influence in the Democratic party.Pages 133-148

CHAPTER IX.

MEMBER OF CONGRESS— SECOND TERM.

• The Indiana delegation— Remarks on railway riot— Martin Koszta— Soldiers' pensions— State University land— Speech on the Homestead Bill— Nebraska Territory— Senator Stephen A. Douglas— Popular Sovereignty— The Kansas-Nebraska Bill— The Sunday circular— Its effect on the country— Its misstatements— A scene in the Senate— Authorship of the circular— Its aspersions of Douglas— Republican change of position— Mr. Blaine's analysis of the question— Mr. Hendricks's position— The pulpit— Disappearance of the Whigs— The "Fusion" ticket in Indiana— Race with Barbour— Know-nothingism— Speech at Shelbyville— Last session in Congress— The Pacific Railway bill.Pages 149-165

CHAPTER X.

COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE.

• A summer at home— Appointed to the Land Office— Extent and Importance of the office— Need of reform— Work as Commissioner— The Missouri contest— Birth of the Republican party— Democratic National Convention of '56— The canvass in Indiana— Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks at home— A Land Office law school— Difficulties with the President— An apostate Administration— The Dred Scott decision— The Douglas Imbroglio— The English bill— The Lincoln-Douglas debate— Return of Douglas to the Senate— A noble stand— Death of Senator Broderick— Resignation— An absurd charge answered.Pages 166-193

CHAPTER XI.

CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR.

• Divisions in the Democracy in 1860— The contest in Indiana— The leaders— John L. Robinson and Jesse D. Bright— John G. Davis— Charges and counter— charges— The Democratic State Convention— Instructions
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• for Douglas— John C. Walker— Cyrus L. Dunham— Nomination of Hendricks— Speech of acceptance— David Turpie— The State ticket— The platform— The Republican State Convention and its nominees— The joint debates of Hendricks and Lane, and of Turpie and Morton— The Charleston Convention— The Baltimore nominations— Bright for Breckenridge— The result in Indiana.Pages 194-213

CHAPTER XII.

THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND THE WAR OF SECESSION.

• A parliamentary contest— Growth of slavery in the South— Cotton spinning machinery— Expansion of the cotton crop— Increased value of slaves— Anti-slavery agitation— The Southern view— The Missouri Compromise— The tariff and Nullification— The re-annexation of Texas— The Omnibus bill— The Kansas-Nebraska conflict— Attitude of Buchanan— Demands of the South— The true Democracy— Their trial at Charleston— Disunion sentiments of Abolitionists— The Crittenden Compromise— Secession accomplished— The position of Douglas— His death— Characterization by Arnold— Democrats in the army— The Democracy the Union party— Democratic position on slavery— Democratic attitude toward the Administration— View of S. S. Cox— The situation in Indiana— A letter from Mr. Hendricks— His view of the issues— Removal to Indianapolis.Pages 214-240

CHAPTER XIII.

THE STATE CAMPAIGN OF SIXTY-TWO AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

• Democratic State Convention— Mr. Hendricks's speech as president— The resolutions— The ticket— Jesse D. Bright expelled from the Senate— Mass convention of July 30— The political campaign— The Assembly organized— Character of the members— Governor Morton— Harsh measures of the Government— Democratic fears— A partisan contest— Military Board and Metropolitan Police bills— The Milligan Case— The Appropriation bill— The quorum broken— The Senatorial election— Ex-Governor Joseph A. Wright— Turpie and Hendricks elected to the U. S. Senate— Senator David Turpie.Pages 241-256

CHAPTER XIV.

UNITED STATES SENATOR.

• The test oath— Senator Hendricks— Key to his position— The draft, or enrollment act— Vindication of the Democracy— Condemnation of secession— Emancipation amendment— Pay of soldiers— Relations with Mr. Lincoln— Mob at Indianapolis— Visit to Minnesota— The animus of
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• reconstruction— Meeting of Congress— Southern members excluded— The Freedmen's Bureau— The Civil Rights bill— The Thirteenth Amendment — Congressional Reconstruction — Military despotism— Negro suffrage— Governor Morton's conversion— Senator Hendricks's position— Impeachment of the President— The managers and counsel— The articles— The trial— The vote— Senators Wade and Sherman— Senator Hendricks's opinion— Social life— Friendship with Charles Sumner— Leader of the Opposition— Services as member of important committees— Mr. Blaine's estimate.Pages 257-295

CHAPTER XV.

CAMPAIGN OF SIXTY-EIGHT.

• Hendricks and Baker, candidates— Democratic National Convention— Gubernatorial joint-canvass— The campaign— Election frauds— The result— Visits to the West and South— Speeches— The Southern situation.Pages 296-303

CHAPTER XVI.

GOVERNOR OF INDIANA.

• The political situation in '72— Grant and Greeley nominated— Hendricks and Brown— The State campaign— The October election— The November defeat— Electoral votes cast for Hendricks— The Governor's Secretary— The special session— First message— The Baxter bill— Accident and illness— Acts of the Assembly— Indianapolis Exposition— Railway strike— The State Convention— The Governor's speech— The platform and ticket— Another message— Legislation— Speeches in Ohio, at Philadelphia, and at New Orleans— Last message— Social life.Pages 304-316

CHAPTER XVII.

THE CENTENNIAL YEAR.

• Prestige of Governor Hendricks at home and abroad— Events in the East— The Tweed Ring— Governor Samuel J. Tilden — Democratic State administrations— The St. Louis Convention— The nominations— The platform— The campaign of '76— Popular enthusiasm— The on;-ward march of millions— The enfranchised South— The glorious victory— The joy of the people— Irresponsible governments South— The magnitude of the victory— Its significance— Conspiracies and Returning Boards— The 8th of January— Wild threats— War imminent— The Electoral Commission— The Florida case— The Louisiana case— The South Carolina case— The Oregon case— Summary of the situation— Minor points— A partisan decision— The South liberated.Pages 317-338

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CHAPTER XVIII.

PRIVATE AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

• Visit to Europe— In London— Observations— France and Germany— Reception at home— In the law office— Occasional addresses— Campaign speeches— The Old Ticket— Return of General Grant— The "third term"— Garfield nominated— The Cincinnati Convention— Hendricks and McDonald— The Indiana campaign— Democratic-National alliance— Hon. Albert G. Porter— Senator Dorsey's management— -The elections of '80— Literary labors— Death of President Garfield— State campaign of '82— Estimate of the victory— Second visit to Europe— Letter from Naples— Home life— Mrs. Hendricks— Religious standing— Remarks on G. W. Julian— Remarks on Mr. Hayes.Pages 339-353

CHAPTER XIX.

THE LAST BATTLE.

• Making prosperity— The financial panic— Republican national convention of '84— The Independents— Democratic national convention— Hendricks and McDonald— The Vice Presidency— Grover Cleveland— Speech in the Circle— Nomination accepted— St. John and Butler— Barbecue at Shelbyville — The Candidates for Governor— Mr. Hendricks's campaign in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio— Railway accident— His influence in New York— Tammany Hall— The November victory— Democratic rejoicings— Demonstrations at Indianapolis.Pages 354-366

CHAPTER XX.

VICE PRESIDENT.

• After the election— Visit to the East— In Indiana— Trip to Washington— The inauguration— The parade— At the White House— The ball— Social life— President of the Senate— A contented mind— Office-seekers— Civil service reform— Relations with the President— Visit to Yale and Harvard— Entertainment in Boston— At Atlantic City— Visits to Chicago and Waukesha— Death of General Grant— Home again— Parnell ratification meeting— Mr. Hendricks's speech— Comments of the British and Eastern press— Preparing for the session of the Senate— An interval of repose.Pages 367-388

CHAPTER XXI

FREE AT LAST

• An evening reception— Sudden death— A sad Thanksgiving— The reception of the news— Arrangements for the funeral— Lying in state— At the residence— A city in mourning— Ceremonies at the church— Distinguished visitors— The procession— At the cemetery.Pages 389-403

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CHAPTER XXII.

THE CONTEMPORARY ESTIMATE.

• Indianapolis sentinel— Indianapolis Journal— New York Tribune— New York World— New York Sun— Boston Globe— Boston Post— Cincinnati Sun— Cincinnati Enquirer— Cincinnati Commercial-Gazette— National Republican, Washington— St. Louis Republican— Chicago Times— Evansville Courier— Atlanta Constitution— Memorial address by Senator Voorhees— The Monument Association.Pages 404-414

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SELECTED SPEECHES AND WRITINGS.

1. ON BANKS AND BANKING417
2. THE PUBLIC LANDS435
3. THE ISSUES OF THE WAR451
4. ON RECONSTRUCTION465
5. CAMPAIGN SPEECH OF SIXTY-EIGHT495
6. RACE RELATIONS IN THE SOUTH510
7. THE ISSUES OF SEVENTY-FOUR515
8. LETTERS OF ACCEPTANCE534
9. CHRISTIAN FAITH541
10. ADDRESS OF WELCOME TO THE MILLERS542
11. ADDRESS AT THE LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE544
12. SHALL TWO STATES RULE THE UNION?559
13. RESPONSE TO THE TOAST "OUR COUNTRY"573
14. THE ADVOCATE577
15. A COMMON SYSTEM OF JURISPRUDENCE589
16. AN INFORMAL LETTER TO A PERSONAL FRIEND591
17. THE NOMINATION OF MCDONALD595
18. THE KEY-NOTE OF EIGHTY-FOUR602
19. REMINISCENCES OF THE WAR608
20. CIVIL SERVICE REFORM610
21. THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES616
22. LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT FOR IRELAND633