Sangamon County, Illinois - City of Springfield 563, 1881 (part 12 of 25)

A meeting was held at the Court House, in Springfield, January 4, 1834, presided over by Dan Stone, with Edward Jones as Secretary. The object of the meeting, which was composed of citizens of the entire county, was to have a concert of action among citizens north of Vandalia and north and east of Alton, in reference to the removal of tlie State Cajjital. The act authorizing a vote upon the subject only required plurality of the vote cast instead of a majority, for any one of the six places named in order to elect. This would permit a minority of a little over one-sixth of the voters of the State to select the capital. Kesolutions were passed at this meeting recommending that the north, northeast and northwest counties in the State hold a general convention at Rushville, Schuyler county, on the first Monday in April, 1834, for the purpose of agreeing upon one of the four places named in the northern part of the State, to be voted for as the seat of Government. John T. Stuart, Stephen T. Logan, Peter Cartwright, George Forquer, E. D. Taylor, and Samuel Morris were appointed to represent Sangamon county in the convention, provided one should be called. Simeon Francis, Dan Stone, George Forquer, John T. Stuart, Stephen T. Logan, and C. R. Matheny were appointed a committee on correspondence, and were directed to prepare an address to the citizens of the counties specified in the call.

The subject created some little ill-feeling, the attacks of the newspapers south and southwest being directed towards Springfield. An article appeared in the Sangamo Journal favoring Springfield and signed "People." The Alton paper, believing the author of the article to be a citizen of Sangamon county, replied in the following strain, the capitals and punctuation marks being as they appear in that paper:

"The GEOGRAPPIICAL CENTER has been fairly chased to the moon - VANDALIA has experienced the desolation of Tadmor - ALTON is doomed to utter extinction. Tremble, now, O, JACKSONVILLE! and be thou mightily afraid, O, PEORIA! For ye, too, are soon to be visited in wrath by these excentrically ' centrifugal' ' People' - of Sangamon. Then destruction will come upon you like a whirl-wind, and your names be forever blotted from the face of the majj."

It being evident the vote of the people would not be considered binding by the next legislature, many places throughout the State refused to vote upon the question. The result of the vote was that Vandalia had a small majority over Springfield, but only one-fifth the voteij polled.

The legislature of 1836-7, would be called upon to settle the question of the capital, and accordingly in the selection of Senators and Representatives in the General Assembly from this county, men were chosen whom it was thought would work for the interests of Springfield. That the selection made was a wise one the results sufficiently testify. They were the most remarkable delegation from any one county to the General Assembly, being much taller than the average of human stature. Some of them were less and some more than six feet, but their combined height was exactly fifty-four feet. They were then and are yet spoken of as the "Long Nine." The names of those in the Senate were Archer G. Herndon and Job Fletcher; in the House, Abraham Lincoln, Ninian W. Edwards, John Dawson, Andrew McCormick, Dan Stone, William F. Elkin and Robert L. Wilson. One or two were as tall, but none taller, than Abraham Lincoln, who quoting his own language, was " six feet four inches, nearly." It was known that a movement Avould be made to re-locate the State Capital. The "Long Nine" were united for securing it, and nothing could turn one of them from their purpose. They were ready to yield anything else, but when any other point was yielded, it secured votes for Springfield as the capital. Their opportunities were great. The people of Illinois were, at that time, almost insane on the subject of internal improvements. Not one in ten thousand of them had ever seen a railroad, but they had heard of them, and thought the prairies of Illinois the best place in the world to build them. The first movements began in the General Assembly in 1834, but the first charter was: "An act ro incorporate the Chicago and Vincennes Railroad Company, with an authorized capital of 13,500,000 and was approved January IV, 1835. Within a year charters were granted for building railroads in the State, of which the combined capital authorized was 1 1 8,200,000. Not a mile of railroad was ever built under any of these charters. Uefoi-e the next session, the legislature realized there were no capitalists to build railroads, and a new s3-stem was inaugurated. An act was passed and approved February 27, 18;37, entitled: "An act to establish and maintain a general system of internal improvement." Two supplementary acts were passed and approved March 4, 18:^7. The object of these acts Avas to construct public works at the expense of the State in all parts of the same.

While the internal improvement bill was pending the "Long Nine" were busy. They said little in locating proposed railroads, but would assist other localities, w^here votes could be secured for locating the Capital at Springfield. The result was the passage of "An act to permanently locate the seat of government for the State of Illinois," which was approved February 25, 1837. The law provided for a joint session of the two Houses on the 25th of the same month to select a situation. An appropriation of ^50,000 was made to commence building the State House. The law also declared that no place should be chosen unless its citizens contributed at least $50,000 to aid in the work, and not less than two acres of land as a site for the Capital. When the two houses assembled on the twenty-eighth, the question was decided by the following:

A supplemental act was passed on the third of March authorizing the Commissioners of Sangamon county to convey the land to the State as a site for the new edifice. It also named A. G. Henry, of Sangamon; Archibald Job, of Cass, and William Herndon, of Sangamon, as Commissioners, who were authorized and empowered to superintend the work of erection. It was expected the new capital would be completed in time for the first meeting of the legislature in Springfield, which was fixed for the special session of 1839-40. Finding that the building could not be sufticiently advanced, the Second Presbyterian Church, on Fourth street, was secured as Representatives' Hall. The building was then quite new, and was by far the largest church edifice in the central and whole northern part of the State. It was built of brick, stood a few feet north of the site of the present magnificent Second Presbyterian Church, until the latter was erected. The old building was torn down in the summer of 1875. The Methodist Church was used for the Senate Chamber, and the Episcopal Church for the Supreme Court, both wooden buildings. The legislature first convened in special session December 9, 1839.

It was thought by many to be unreasonable, to require a little town of eleven hundred inhabitants, struggling with the disadvantages of a new country, to pay the ISO, 000 pledged. During that special session, Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, then a member from Morgan county, proposed to bring in a bill releasing Springfield frc.m the payment of the same. The sterling honesty of Abraham Lincoln manifested itself on this, as on all other proper occasions. He interposed his objections, although he fully appreciated the kindly feelings that prompted the proposal, - but he insisted that the money should be paid. Arrangements were entered into for paying it in three installments. The two first payments were made without any great difiiculty, but the third pressed more heavil}'^, as the financial crash that swept over the whole United States while the new State House was in course of construction impoverished many. Under these circumstances, it became necessary to borrow the money to make the last payment, from the State Bank of Illinois. A note for the amount was signed by one hundred and one citizens, and deposited with the Bank; the money drawn, with which Internal Improvement scrip, or stock, was purchased and paid into the State Treasury; thus paying the last installment in the State's own evidence of indebtedness. From that time, it was a matter between the State Bank and the citizens who signed the note. Soon after the note was given the bank failed, and some of the payments were made in the depreciated paper of the bank, for which it had received par value when it was paid out. The original note is preserved in the Ridgely National Bank, but the following is a copy of the same:

Illinois, sixteen thousand, six hundred and sixtysix dollars and sixty-seven cents, lor value received, negotiable and payable at the bank, in Springfield, with interest until paid, at the rate of six per centum per annum, payable semi-annually."

From a footing up of the principal and interest on one side of the note, the final settlement appears to have been made February \9, 1846. The principal and interest to that time was $17,91S.

Soon after the legislature adjourned at Vandalia, in March, 1837, and the members returned to their homes, a piablic festival was given in Springfield in honor of the new legislation for the removal of the capital. Among the toasts and speeches that followed the dinner, were the two following:

By Abraham Lincoln, Esq.: "All our friends - they are too numerous to mention now, individually, while there is no one of them who is not too dear to be forgotten or neglected.''

By S. A. Douglas, Esq.: "The last winter's legislation - May its results prove no less beneficial to the whole State than they have to our town."

A tradition still lingers here that something stronger than water was used in drinking the toasts on that occasion, as there was not a man to be found after the festival that could tell who made the last speech, and that important fact is lost to history.

The Commissioners appointed to superintend the building at once entered upon the discharge of their duties, and on the fourth of July, 1837, the corner-stone of the State House was laid with grand civic and military demonstrations. After it had been lowered to its place in the wall, E. D. Baker delivered an eloquent address appropriate to the occasion. It was estimated that the building would cost $130,000, but 1240,000 was expended before it was completed according to the original design. When at last completed it was looked upon with wonder and admiration by the people. It was thought to be so large that it would answer all the purposes of the State for all time to come.

Building Op A New State House

The growth of the State, between the years 1840 and 18(55, was remarkable, and long before this time it became apparent that a new State House was demanded for the accommodation of the officers and public, and for the preservation of the public records. There began to be intimations thrown out, that when the question of a new building came up for legislation, other important towns would endeavor to bring an influence to bear in favor of a re-location and removal of the capital. The citizens of Springfield and Sangamon county fully realized the difficulties and dangers of the agitation of the question of a new building; and although the use of the old was felt to be an obstacle to the growth of the city, yet many felt disposed to put off the evil day as long as possible. From a pamphlet history of Springfield, by J. C. Power, published in 1871, the following is extracted:

"During the summer of 1866, Hon. Jaraes C. Conkling became a candidate for a seat in the lower branch of the General Assembly, with the view of making the subject of building a new State House a prominent question before the legislature, if elected. Mr. Conkling went before the people upon this question and the politics of the day, and was elected, - although his opponent was friendly to the move for a new State House, also. The election was held in November, 1866.

"Hon. John S. Bradford was Mayor of Springfield, at the time, and in consequence of the general feeling on the State House question, he, soon after the State election, sent out private invitations to some forty or fifty of the most prominent business men, "to meet him on a certain evening, in a hall named in the invitation. When they were assembled, Mayor Bradford was called on to preside, and state the object of the meeting. He informed them that it was, to hold a consultation with reference to bringing the subject of building a new capitol for the State before the General Assembly, for its action at the approaching session. After the delivery of a brief address by the Mayor, a general interchange of views followed, when it was found that the feeling was almost unanimous in favor of action. By subsequent meetings, and consultations with the Board of Supervisors for Sangamon county, and the city authorities of Springfield, those two organizations were ready to purchase the old State House for the use of the county and city, in the event of the General Assembly deciding to erect a new one.

Accordingly, when the legislature assembled, Mr. Conkling presented a bill providing for the erection of a new State Capitol at Springfield, and laid it before the House of Representatives early in the session. It was referred to the Committee on Public Buildings; and, after remaining in their hands several weeks, during which time some changes were made, the principal one being an increase of the amount to be paid for the old State House, it M'as reported back to the House, with the unanimous recommendation that it be adopted. It passed both Houses, and was approved by Governor R. J.

This law provided, first, for ihe conveyance by the Goa ernor of the public square, containing two and a half acres of land, with the State House upon it, to Sangamon county and the city of Springfield, in consideration of |200,000,to be paid to the State of Illinois, and for the further consideration that the city and county cause to be conveyed to the State a certain piece of land, described by metes and bound, in the bill, and containing between eight and nine acres, upon which to erect the new State House. This bill also provides that the State shall have the use of the old State House until the new one is completed. The land was secured at a cost to the city of 170,000, and conveyed to the State; the 1200,000 was paid by the county, and that amount, with 1250,000 more to be drawn from the State treasury, making 1450,000, was appropriated to commence the work.

It is proper here to state that the 1200,000, paid nominally for the old State House, was really in consideration that a new one was to be built. The people of Sangamon county would now much prefer to re-convey it to the State, if they could have refunded the !&200,000 with the $80,000 interest, that the money has been worth during that time; then they could build a Court House much more to their liking, for a much smaller amount of money.

It is a matter in which the people have a right to feel an honest pride, that while other towns and cities in different parts of the State have made liberal offers to secure the location of some State institution, only to evade its provisions, and in the end leave the State to make up their deficiencies, Springfield and Sangamon county have redeemed every pledge they have made to the people of the State. Upon this subject they invite the closest scrutiny.

In the law, seven men were named as Commissioners, to superintend the erection of the new State House, and disburse the funds appropriated for that purpose. They were instructed to advertise for plans and specifications, for thirty days, in two daily papers each, in Springfield and Chicago, and one each, in Philadelphia and New York. After waiting three months they were to notify the Committees on Public Buildings as provided by law, who were to unite with the Commissioners in adopting a design. The Commissioners were to be governed by the plan so adopted, and the total cost of the building was not to exceed 1-3,000,000. March 5, 1867, they advertised "Notice to

Architects," offering $3,000 to the architect whose design should be adopted for the new State House, and asking for plans and specifications to be submitted for their inspection.

Failure

A writ of quo inarranto - or an inquiry as to their right or authority to act - was issued against the Commissioners, from the Superior Court of Chicago, May 13, 1867, on the relation of Mathew Laflin, and judgment of ouster was entered. The Commissioners appealed to the Supreme Court, and the decision was reversed at Ottawa, in September of that year. The Commissioners having advertised for proposals before the commencement of the suit, and having named the loth of July as the time for inspecting the designs, and being deprived of the power to act by the decision of the Superior Court of Chicago, placed both themselves and architects in an awkward position. The Supreme Court, however, came to their relief by giving special permission to the Commissioners to call to their assistance the Committees on Public Buildings, as provided by law, and the inspection took place as previously intended, on the l5th of July, in the Senate Chamber at Springfield. A large number of designs were submitted to their inspection, and, after mature deliberation, that presented by J. C. Cochrane, of Chicago, was adopted.

The Commissioners, being compelled to remain inactive until after the meeting of the Supreme Court in September, it was too late in the season to do anything more than prepare for active business the next year. Their first act after the decision of the Snpreme Court re-instating them was on the 8th of November, when they issued an advertisement for sealed proposals to do the excavating, and furnish certain descriptions of stone.

January 14, 1868, John C. Cochrane was appointed architect and superintendent, and a contract entered into for that purpose. January 18, a contract was made with N. Strott, of Springfield, for the excavation; and January 20th, with R. W. McClaughry & Co., of Hancock county, for stone to build the foundations. Broken stone, for concrete, was purchased, readv delivered, of J. J. & W. H. Mitchell, of" Alton. March 25th, a contract was made with Barnard & Gowen, of Chicago, to do the mason Avork.

Magnitude Of The Work

The magnitude of the enterprise may be inferred from the fact that the parties who furnished the foundation stone gave security in the penal sum of $.550,000 for the jierformance of contract, and those who do the mason work a penal sum of $200,000. Excavating was commenced early in the spring, but owing to the excessive rains the ground was not in a pi'oper condition to commence laying stone until June 11, 1868. From that time until cold weather put a stop to it, the work was prosecuted vigorously, and a part of the foundation was brought to a level with the surface during the month of September.

Laying Corner Stone

The Grand Master of Masons for the State of Illinois was invited by the Commissioners to assemble the craft for the purpose of laying the corner stone of the new State House with the imposing ceremonials of the order. The invitation was accepted, and October 5 set apart as the time at which it was to take place. A stone was prepared, eight feet long, four feet wide and three feet deep, with a recess for receiving such articles as it was thought desirable to deposit. A catalogue of them would fill one of these pages.

The day was bright and cheerful, and the procession the largest that had ever been seen at the Capital of the State, except at the obsequies of President Lincoln in May, 1865. Masons were present from all parts of the State, of all degrees, fi-om Master Mason to Knight Templar. After the corner stone had been tested by the implements of the order, and pronounced well formed, true and trusty, it was placed in its proper position at the northeast corner of the building. An eloquent oration was then delivered by Hon. John D. Caton, of Ottawa. The ceremonials having closed, the craft and others present were called from labor to refreshment, and all repaired to the " Rink" to partake of a sumptuous collation prepared by the Lelands. After dinner the multitude dispersed to their homes, to treasure up the memories of the day as one of the most pleasant wayraarks of their lives.

Without regard to such technicalities as would be pleasing to architects, I shall endeavor to describe the edifice, in such language as will be most easily understood by the common reader. The ground plan is in the form of a great cross, and the superstructure is in the style called the classic order of architecture. It so blends the ancient and modern art of building as to secure the greatest strength and solidity and yet pre- serve an exterior appearance fo ligbt and airy as to be pleasant to the eye. The grand cutlines are, total length frcm north to south, three hundred and fifty-nire ftet, exclusive of the porticos, which adds twenty feet to each end. From east to west it is two hundred and sixtysix feet, with twenty feet additional in the grand portico at the east end, which is the principal front. There is an excavation underground ot ten feet depth, throughout entire area. It is designed by the architect for the heatingapparatus, the storage of fuel and other heavy articles. So much of the iloor as is used, is to be covered with concrete.

The next above this is the first story; it is nineteen feet high, and entirely above ground. The floor of ibis story is supported by brick arches; and in the halls the aiches are double, one being two feet below the other, to form viaducts to supply the rooms with freeh air. A layer of concrete covers the entiie aita cf the arches, and upon this, iinbedded in cement, is laid the marble floors throughout.

On ibis floor we find private rooms for the Judges of the Supreme Court, ard committee rooms. The lajgest portion of this flocr is devoted to the storage of stationery, piinting paper, and all articles connected with or used in any other part of the building. One of these rooms is for the storage of geological specimens, and another for geological artists. One or more is for the Adjutant-General's cflSce and museum. This story, in addition to the windows on all sides, is lighted by a glass ceiling in the centre, which forms the floor of the rotunda above.

Above this is the principal story, which is twenty-two feet and a half frcm floor to ceiling. On this floor is the main corridor, running the entire length of the building from noilh to south, and the grand corridor crossing it at right angles under the dome, and extending across the building from east to west. The main corridor is 359 feet long, twenty-four feet wide and twenty-two and a half feet high.

The sides of the main corridor will be finished with marble pilasters projecting from the walls, thus forming panels. The entire walls en both sides, consisting of pilasters with their caps and bases, panels and their borders, and door finish, are all to be of variagated marble, and the ceiling to be frescoed. The grand corridor, entending from the east portico to the grand stairway in the western wing, is so called in consideration of its great width - thirty-two feet - and because the pilasters are more massive and the finish more elaborate than in the main corridor.

The rooms on the floor desciibed are to be used as follows: Governor's reception and private rooms; ofliice of the Secretary of State; of the' Treasurer of State, and of the Auditor of Public Accounts; Superintendent of Public Instruction; Superintendent of Public Instruction's library; law library; State document libiary; Attorney General's office; Supreme Court locm; Supreme Court Clerk's office; four massive stone fire-proof vaults, and the Slate Treasurei's burglar-proof safe. The State Geologist's museum is just over the State Geologist's store-room, in the first story, with which it is connected by a private stairway; State Geologist's office. "W ith all these, there are the necessary water clcsets, wash rooms, private offices, and the grand stairway, which leads to the story above. This flight is to be made of Tennessee marble, the steps each sixteen feet long.

The floors of this story are supported by wrought iron beams, properly braced with angle irons, all well secured with rivets. The spaces between the wrought iron beams are filled with brick arches, the whole of which is covered with concrete, having wooden strips imbedded, to hold the wooden floors, in the rooms only. The floors in the balls and coriidors are all marble, chequered by alternate squares of different colors.

We will ascend the front steps, enter the east portico, pass along the grand corridor, over the glass floor in the rotunda, and continue west to the foot of the grand staiiway, which we ascend to half the height of the story, then turn about, either to the right or left, and ascend to the second p)rincipal story. The floor of this story is constructed exactly as the one described below. Keep in mind that the entire edifice retains the foini of a grand cross - first story, principal story, and second principal story. It is the floor of the latter on which we are now standing.

This story is forty-five feet frcm floor to ceilings Let us enter the north angle or arm of the cross. Here we find the Senate Chamber, sixtytwo by seventy-five feet, with the desk of the presiding ofticer at the north side. In the extreme north end of this wing, we find rooms properly arranged for the Speaker, Chief Clerk, Enrolling and Engrossing Clerks, Seargeant-at- Arms, postcftice, and folding room; with corridors on the east and west sides.

angle of the building. This hall is sixty-six by one hundred feet, with Speaker's desk at the south side. The desks here, as in the Senate Chamber, are in a semi-circular form. Here we find, under somewhat different arrangements, rooms attached for the same offices as those connected with the Senate Chamber. In both halls there are cloak rooms, wash rooms and water closets conveniently attached. Both are lighted in the day time, principally through the roof.

The east wing has rooms for the Canal Commissioners and committee rooms, with cloak and other necessary rooms attached. Between these rooms and the rotunda there is a lobby 26x104 feet, extending across the wing from north to south.

The west wing has rooms for the State Library, the Librarian, a reading room, and an audience room each for the Senate and House of Representatives.

The Senate Chamber and Representatives' Hall have each a gallery, extending around three sides, half way from floor to ceiling. A portion of the gallery in each house is set apart for the use of reporters of the press. On a level with the galleries, a floor extends over all the office rooms connected with both houses, the Governor's rooms, State Library, reception rooms, and all except the two legislative halls. This floor is divided into a great number of small rooms, for the use of committees of both houses, and is designated the gallery story.

To impress it on the mind, I will here recapitulate, that the body of the edifice above ground consists of the first story, principal story, second principal story, and gallery story.

The roof on all the wings is of the Mansard style, covered with slate on the sides and copper on top. Above all this rises the stately dome, surmounted by a lantern with a ball on the pinnacle, three hundred and twenty feet from the natural surface of the earth, being forty-three feet higher than the Capitol at Washington. The lantern is sixteen feet wide, and twenty-four feet from bottom to top. The frame work is of iron and the sides of glass. The floor of the lantern will be two hundred and eighty feet above the surface of the earth. An iron stairway ascending inside the dome will afford access to the lantern. The means of communicating between the basement story and the legislative halls will be by the grand stairway and two other public and three private stairways.

For heating and ventilating the building, there will be ten boilers, forty-eight inches in diameter, and twelve feet long. A steam engine of twenty horse-power will be used for running the elevator, and a fan, twelve feet in diameter, to produce sufficient circulation of air to ventilate the building in a proper manner. There will be 193,500 lineal feet of pipe, used to conduct the steam to all parts of the building.

The principal material used in the edifice is cut stone. Of this there will be nearly threequarters of a million cubic feet, including the foundation. About one-half the stone is finely dressed, or planed. This does not include the marble, of which there is an enormous quantity. In addition to the stone in the walls, there will be about twenty millions of brick. Of wrought iron there will be one million, four hundred and fourteen thousand, one hundred and one pounds, or one thousand, two hundred and seven tons; and of cast iron three million, three hundred and seventy-three thousand, four hundred and fifty-six pounds, or one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-six and one-half tons.

The rotunda is seventy-six feet in diameter; from the glass floor, where the grand and main corridors cross each other, to the fresco painting, just beneath the dome will be two hundred and seventeen feet without any obstruction to the view whatever.

The three porticos, at the north, south, and east sides, are to have ten columns each. These columns are to be forty-five feet high, without the plinth block, which is four feet high. The base and cap pieces are to be cut separate; the two make nine feet of the height. Deduct this from forty-five, leaves thirtj'-six feet as the height, and four and a half feet diameter, as the dimensions of the columns. Thirty of these are to be cut in' single pieces each, from stone in the quarry, if any such can be found.

Let us take our position in front of the east portico. It is ninety feet wide. From each of the front corners rises a turret to the height of one hundred and thirty-two feet. That on the right, or to the north, is to be surmounted by a statue of Lincoln, and the one on the left, or to the south, by a statue of Douglas. This, as I have stated, is the principal front, or entrance.

I have thus described, from the working drawings and the book of specifications of Cochrane & Piquenard, superintending architects, the merest outline of the new Capitol of Illinois, now in course of construction, as it will appear

Work Completed

The excavation for the foundation on which the great dome is to rest is twenty five feet below the natural surface of the ground, and at the bottom is a solid ledge of stone. The area is circular, and is ninety-two and one-half feet in diameter. The foundation was commenced by covering the entire space, to an average depth of six feet, with concrete - that is, broken stone, cement, clean sharp sand, and water. This concrete receives the heavy stone walls, of an average of seventeen feet in thickness, till brought to the level of the first floor, which is twentyfour feet above the concrete. These walls are not made of heavy stone on the outside and filled in with small ones, but they are all large; some of them two, three, and four tons weight, each. Think of the thickness of the walls, standing on a solid ledge of limestone, and perhaps you can comprehend their solidity!

The excavation for the outer walls around the entire building is twelve feet beneath the surface, and nine feet wide. The walls are commenced with two feet depth of concrete all over the bottom. Thej^ are eight feet and eight inches wide at the bottcm, and run up, with offsets, to six feet three inches at the ground-line. Parts of the walls are seven feet nine inches at the bottom, tapered to five feet four inches; and yet other portions, ten feet and eleven inches at the bottom, and eight feet six inches at the top, or natural surface of the ground. The stones in all the foundation are large. Not a single one is put in place by hand - they are all moved by steam derricks. One of these machines will take a stone of many tons weight, lift it from the ground, swing it to its place on the wall, and lay it down as easy and gently as a child would take a peach from the floor and lay it on a table.

The foundation was commenced by laying the first stone June 11, 1868, and finished in August, 1869. This includes the foundation for the dome and the outer walls around the entire building - two hundred and sixty-six by three hundred and fifty-nine feet, with all the buttresses on the outside and the inside walls and piers. The superstructure to rise on these walls is to be of heavy stone, with brick backing. To the top of the first story, which is twent}'-five feet above the ground-line; they are five feet thick. All the walls are now completed to that height. Viewed

From the top of the basement story to the cornice, sixty feet, the walls are to be four feet thick. The brick backing is so constructed as to make them hollow, for the purpose of keeping, the interior dry.

W. D. Clark is the assistant superintendent, under the architects. He has done the civil engineering, also; having set every stake and laid every line.

A great outcry has been made by some parties that the work was defective. Those who make such charges are either ignorant of what they say or write, or they have some less worthy object in view than to ^ubserve the interests of the State. To those who know Mr. Clark, such a charge seems utterly absurd. They would be no more surprised to hear that he had put his hand in the fire without an object, than to learn that he had permitted a piece of defective material or workmanship to enter into the construction of the edifice.

The entire outer surface of the building, below the Mansard, will be planed Illinois limestone. It is taken from the quarries near Joliet. By a law, enacted in 1809, the work of preparing the stone is confined to the convicts in the State penitentiary. The contractors have, at all times, promptly discharged their obligations.

State House

The laws of February 25 and 27, 1867, to provide for the erection of a new State House, appi'opriated $450,000 to begin the work; declared that the total cost should not exceed 13,000,000; named seven Commissioners and one Secretary to carry out the law; limited the amount of expenditures and liabilities they should incur within the amount appropriated, and declared that everything in excess of that should be deemed unlawful.

Laws of March 11 and 27, 1869, legislated the seven Commissioners and Secretary out of ofiice; provided for the appointment of three Commissioners, by the Governor; ordered that all stone, iron, and labor for the new State House that could be procured at the penitentiarj', in Joliet, should be obtained there, and at no other place; required the new Commissioners to have a new copy of plans, specifications, and estimates made in detail; and when completed, to notify the Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on Public Buildings and State Library. And said Committee were instructed to hold a joint session, to examine tlie plans, specifications, and estimates; and in the event of their being satisfied that the building could be c mpleted within the limit of $3,000,000, in addition to what had already been expended, they were to order the Commissioners to proceed; appropriated 1650,000, to be used in carrying forward the work on the new State House, but prohibited the use of it until the above conditions were complied with.

Under the law of March 11, 1869, Governor Palmer appointed Jacob Bnnn, James C.Robinson and James H. Beveridge as Commissioners to continue the work of constructing the new State House. The board organized April 12, 1869, by electing Jacob Bunn President and James H. Beveridge Secretary. The Commissioners at once caused detailed plans, specifications and estimates for continuing the work on the new State House to be prepared by the superintending architects. They notified the committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, and a joint session was held in the Senate Chamber at Springfield, April 27, 1869, and a copy of the plans and specifications was laid before them. At a meeting of the committees, on the 12th of May, it was

" Resolved, That the State House Commissioners be and they hereby are authorized to complete the foundation of the new State House under existing contracts, and to expend the balance of the appropriation first made, or as much thereof as may be necessary for the purpose."

The total estimates of the superintending architects, submitted with plans and specifications, amounted to $2,650,885. The joint committee deemed it advisable to have the opinions of parties who were not interested, called to their assistance Augustus Bauer and Asher Carter, architects, and W. C, Deakman, master builder, all of Chicago, and had them make an estimate in detail, according to the same plans and specifications, and their estimate was $2,737,940.86 - no greater difference in proportion than two bidders would make on almost any piece of work.

The joint committee did not complete their investigations until August 26, 1869. They then ordered the Commissioners to go forward with the work according to the plans and specifications, with certain alterations recommended by the superintending architects and master builder. They publicly expressed the belief that it could be finished within the $3,000,000, and that " when completed it would be a beautiful, convenient and permanent structure, worthy of the State."

Thus the best part of another season passed away with such hindrances as prevented the Commissioners from prosecuting the work as energetically as they desired to do.

The Convention called by the people of Illinois, for the purpose of framing a new Constitution for the State, recognized the fact that the Capital had been permanently located at Springfield by legal authority, and that a positive law required the work of all State officers and all legislative enactments to be done at Springfield, as the Capital; and that laws had been passed by two previous legislatures, making large appropriations of money for building a new edifice in which to tiansact the business of the State; and that a design had been adopted on a scale of grandeur and magnificence in jn-oportion to its wealth and influence, deemed it wise to insert a clause in the new Constitution to guard against abuses too often practiced in connection with works erected at public expense.

" Section 33. The General Assembly shall not appropriate out of the State Treasury, or expend on account of the new Capitol grounds, and construction, completion and furnishing of the State House, a sum exceeding, in the aggregate, three and a half millions of dollars, inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made, without first submitting the proposition for au additional expenditure to the legal voters of the State, at a general election, nor unless a majority of all the votes cast at such election shall be for the proposed additional expenditure."

There is due on existing contracts, for mateterials and for work, enough to bring the total expenditure up to about $1,000,000, leaving about 1100,000 of the appropriation of 1869 unexpended.

Early in the session of the General Assembly, which convened January 4, 1871, a bill was introduced in the Senate, appropriating ^600,000 to carry on the work of the new State House. It passed that body by a very small number of dissenting votes. In the House of Representatives it was read a first and second time, and ordered to a third reading, but was not reached in the regular order of business, when the legislature adjourned temporarily, on the seventeenth of April.

The sessions of the General Assembly being biennial, each alternate year brings, to a large extent, a new class of men together in the legislative halls. The public has been so accustome-d to hear of fraud in connection with buildings of this kind, that men coming for the first time, and looking upon the collossal proportions of this edifice, take it for granted that there must be jobs and peculations, and, without investigating the subject, there are always those who are ready to cry out, "Rings! Rings! Steals! Steals!"

By these devices, one of the two years connected with each legislature has been frittered away from the commencement, and this order of things seems destined to continue. From this cause the year 1867 was one of inactivity; in 1868, work was done; 1869 was one of idleness; 1870 work, and 1871 is likely to be one of idleness also.

The Commissioners, Jacob Bunn, James C. Robinson and James H. Beveridge have passed through two years of investigation out of the four since the work commenced, and in each instance have emerged from the ordeal without the smell of fire upon their garments. Should the present year prove to be one of inactivity, it will be no fault of theirs; and their works are

The following quotation from the law, which has been strictly complied with in every particular, is a sufficient refutation, in the estimation of all honest men, of the ridiculous charge that Mr. Bunn is using the money appropriated for building the State House in his banking business:

"The accounts of the expenditures of said commissioners shall be certified by said commissioners, or a majority of them, and the Secretary of State, and approved by the Governor. The Auditor shall thereupon draw his warrant upon the Treasurer therefor, to be paid out of the fund herein before provided, in favor of the party to v;hom the accounts shall he due.''''

It will thus be seen that Mr. Bunn, like all other citizens, cannot receive a dollar of the State House money except for services rendered, or materials furnished, and then only when his bill is allowed by his associates in office, certified by the Secretary of State, and approved by the Governor.

It will not be considered exaggeration by any man who has honestly endeavored to obtain correct information on the subject, for me to say that the work on the new State Houf.e has been as well done, and the duties of all connected with it as faithfully discharged, as they have been with any similar undertaking on the American Continent.

It will be such a magnificent structure, and so well adapted to the uses for which it is designed, that the people can afford to be patient. The work is now about one-third done, and if this should prove to be the last year of idleness, it may yet be completed in time to use it in celebrating the first Centennial of American Independence. It will be well worthy of such a christening.

Some changes were made in the plans as given by Mr. Power in the foregoing statement. The excavation underneath the building for the heating apparatus was never used, but a building was erected for that purpose aboiit one block north. The room over the State Geologist's store room is now used by the Agricultural Department, and the Geologist's museum occupies the room intended for the library. The library room, is now between the Secretary of State's office and the Index Department of that office. There are only two galleries in each Representatives' Hall and Senate Chamber. The gallery on the north, in the Representatives' Hall, is de- signed as a ladies' gallery, and the one on the south for gentlemen. The gallery on the south in the Senate Chamber is for the ladies, and the one on the north for gentlemen. The Reporters' stands are on each side of the Speaker of the House and President of^the Senate respectively. The building has never been entirely completed, but has been occupied since 1877. In 1876 the question was submitted to a vote of the people as to whether an additional appropriation should be made of $500,000 to complete the building. In consequence of the hard times then existing, and the fact that many were prejudiced against the State Capital, a majority of the people voted against the appropriation. Since that time an area of prosperity has dawned upon the people, and many thousands have visited the Capital building, and went away resolved should the question again be submitted, to vote for the appropriation. Completed according to the plans given in the foregoing pages the State House will be an ornament to the State and the pride of the people.

Temperance

The cause of temperance is one that has always enlisted the services of the moral and henevolent of earth. As far back as the history of the world can be traced, intemperance has existed. Laws have been promulgated against it, warnings have been given over and over again, and yet man will continue to use the intoxicating cup, notwithstanding Solomon, the wise man, has said, "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth the color in the cup, for at last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder," and a greater than Solomon has added, "That no drunkard can inherit the kingdom of heaven."

In the first half of the present century, but few large distilleries existed, while every neighborhood must have its " still." A new settlement -was no sooner formed than an enterprisingindividual would erect his still, and commence the manufacture of whisky, pure and unadulterated. The surplus corn of the country could be used in no other way; at least, such was thought to be the case. Every merchant advertised whisky as one of the specialties of his store. The whisky jug was thought to be an indispensable help in the harvest field, or at house-raisings, log-rollings, and corn-huskings; nor was the decanter, with its exhilarating contents, generally wanting at social gatherings. Liquor bought by the gallon, and even by the barrel, was kept in the house for daily use. Before partaking of breakfast, the glass was passed around and partaken of, to give an appetite, and in the evening it was used as a "night-cap" before going to bed. AVhen bittered "by some herb or drug, it was used as a sovereign remedy for most of the ailments flesh is heir to, and often as a preventive. Liquor being one of the specialties in the early country stores, some merchants were wont to ti-eat their customers, especially when making large bills, and often previous to purchasing, in order to sharpen their appetite for trading. One store at the county seat was in the habit of treating a customer every time a purchase was made, be it large or small. An old toper, taking advantage of the generosity of the proprietor, had occasion to make a great many small purchases, then helping himself from the decanter placed at the disposal of customers. His calls became so frequent as to become a bore to the young salesman in the store, a nephew of the proprietor. The young man determined to try the "heroic remedy" on the old toper, to cure him of his frequent visits. Accordingly, on one occasion, just about the time he was expecting the regular visit of the man, he emptied all the whisky out of the decanter but enough for one dram. Preparations were no sooner made than in came the visitor. Purchasing a small plug of tobacco, he stepped around and picked up the decanter. Noticing the small quantity in it, he said:

The man poured out all there was, and drank it down almost at a gulp. He no sooner done so than he had an urgent call out in the rear of the house. The young clerk had placed a drop of croton oil in the decanter. The store hist a customer and the young man received a glorious thrashing from his uncle.

As already stated, whisky was generally considered necessary at every house-raising. It must be borne in mind by the reader that in the early day the houses built were invariably of hewn ori'ound logs, and it required the assistance of a large number of men to erect one. The necessity of having a supply of w^hisky at these raisings often put the pioneer to considerable inconvenience, and occasionally delayed the raising a much longer time than desired. As an illustration :

Maxwell (\iinpbell, of Cartwright township, came to this county in the spring of 182:3. He was so poor lliat he raised his three first crops witli a single ox, which he used for all purposes as he would a horse, riding him to market, grinding his grain with him in a horse-mill, and then carrying it home on its back. He first built a small cabin, then prepared hewn logs for a much larger one. They were hauled to the site of the proposed building, and there lay for two years for the reason that he had no money to buy whisky for the raising. He had bought a blind horse for five dollars in trade. The horse had a bell on it which Mr. Campbell sold for two gallons of whisky, and was thus enabled to raise his house.

Dawson McGinnis came to the county in 1827, and like nearly all other early settlers, he was poor in this worlds goods, but rich in faith of the "good time coming." He prepared his logs for his cabin and hauled them up to the place where it was to be erected. By that time all his money was gone except a twenty-five cent piece. He did not like to part with his last cent, not knowing where the next was to come from, but it was the universal custom to have whisky at the raisings. The raising was delayed for a time, hoping to find some way to obtain the whisky and save the money. The thought was entertained of inviting the neighbors to assist without the accustomed stimulant, though it was doubtful if they would come. Consulting with his wife, the two decided that even though they responded to the call and helped them he would always be regarded as the stingiest man in the whole county, and that it would be better to part with the money than to have such a name. The whiskv was purchased and the house raised.

While intemperance largely exists, it is evident that it has greatly decreased within' the present generation. According to population there are not as many drunkards, nor is there as much liquor consumed as a third or a half century ago. This leads to the further declaration that can well be substantiated, that the efforts put forth by the temperance people in times past have not proven a failure. That organizations have flourished for a time and then cease to exist proves nothing. These organizations were but human instrumentalities brought forth by the necessities of the hour, their design being to accomplish a certain purpose then apparent. It is not to be expected that they will be as enduring as the hills, or so strong that " the gates of hell shall not prevail against them." If they accomplish a good work for the time, well and good. If it be found that there is a radical defect in their organizations necessitating a change, let it be made, and let it not be imagined because they are defective and have not accom- })lished all the good their most sanguine supporters anticipated, that nothing has been done. All over the country can be found sober, honest and good men, who, but for the effort put forth by the members of some temperance organization that has ceased to exist, would now fill a drunkard's grave.

Whisky, in the early day, was generally sold for cash - all other goods on credit. Of course it was not expensive, as a good quality could be purchased for two or three shillings per gallon. Occasionally some impecunious persons, desiring to go on a spree, and having no money, were required to resort to their Avits to procure the liquid fluid. A good story Js told of a crowd who were so situated. One of their number got a jug, and, filling it about half full of water, went to a grocery and called for a quart of whisky, remarking that some of the boys wished to have a little fun, but didn't have quite whisky enough. The whisky was drawn and the man picked up the jug and started for the door, without saying a word about paying for it. The proprietor told him to come back, as whisky was cash. The man replied that he had no money. "Well, you can't have the whisky then," was the answer. Appearing mad, the man stepped back, and with an oath, told the proprietor to take his old whisky. The quart was drawn out of the jug, when it was again taken to the public well, and more water put in. A second grocery was visited, another (][uart of whisky drawn and emptied back. Again he went to the well for more water, and a third place was visited, and a half gallon was called for, poured in the jug and drawn off. The man appeared mad, but it was just what he desired should be done; so he left the third place with a half gallon as good whisky as the merchant poured back in his barrel from the jug. This was a first-class article, and the boys were thus afforded a rare chance for a good drunk, after the most approved style.

Although the whisky of that early day was said to be pure, yet it would " make the drunk come;" men woiild become shiftless from its continual use; houses would be neglected; heart-broken and sorrowing wives, ragged and hungry children existed, and all from the use of rum.

of disease, the habitual drinker being more liable to attack from various diseases than the total abstainer. Especially has this been proven to be the case in diseases of an epidemic nature, such as cholera.

The Temperance Recorder, November 6, 1832, contains what it says is "An authentic record of deaths by cholera in the city of Albany, from the commencement to the cessation of daily reports, in the summer of 1832, omitting all under the age of sixteen years " Nine physicians testify to the truth ot the record. The following is an abstract from the report:

Early Temperance Movements

During the summer of 1829, Dr. Jayne placed in the hands of Rev. J. G.Bergen, a copy "of Dr. Lyman Beecher's six sermons on intemperance, which he read one by one to the people on six successive Sabbath afternoons. Curiosity about drunkenness in the East brought the people out. Mr. Bergen prepared the constitution of a temperance society, and, after reading that wellknown tract, " Putnam and the Wolf," invited the congregation to sign the pledge. Eleven persons put down their names In a short time there were more than fifteen hundred signers in the county. This was the first temperance society in Central Illinois, and probably the first in the State.

In 1834, a society known as the Springfield Temperance Society was in existence. This society pledged its members to "abstain from the use, and use all lawful means to put a stop to vending and drinking distilled ardent spirits." This society was composed only of adults. At the same time a juvenile temperance society was organized, showing the people realized the truth of the ohl proverb that " an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and were determined to use every means to prevent the young from forming habits of intemperance.

A county temperance society was organized about this time, under the name of the "Sangamon County Temperance Society," with branch societies in the various townships and villages in the county. The local papers of the period failed to record the proceedings of any of the meetings, until 1837, when an account of an annual meeting held in Springfield, February 28, is given. At this meeting, the following named oflicers were elected: Cbas. R. Matheny, President; Thomas Mofi^ett and C. B. Francis, Vice- Presidents; S. M. Sill, Secretary; John Dickey, Treasurer.

The Washingtokians

In the month of December, 1841, some men from Alton came to Springfield to inaugurate the new temperance reform, which began its career in the winter previous, in the city of Baltimore, and had spread like wildfire all over the land. Success had crowned the efforts of the workers, from the commencement of their labors. The places in which their meetings were held were crowded to suffocation. Like the Athenians of old, many attended out of curiosity, desiring to "know what these babblers had to say." The plea they presented was such as to appeal to the heart and reason of everyone. A local paper under date of December 31, 1841, says:

" The cause goes gloriously on. The society in this city has more than three hundred and fifty members. The spirit seems to have been caught in the neighboring settlements of this county. At two small gatherings near Springfield, about one-half of the persons present joined the standard of reform.

"A Christmas like that just passed was never before witnessed here. Our streets the whole day were free from exhibitions which before had been common; not an intoxicated man was seen on them; and those who had once spent the day in drinking and carousals, enjoyed it most happily in the society of their families. What a change! What happiness to themselves and to those whose weal and woe are committed to their charge!

"Not a Washingtonian has fiinched the fiery trial he has been compelled to undergo. Though the desire to indulge in former courses in some instances, we may well suppose, has been terrible, yet bravely and triumphantly they have borne themselves up against it. They have proved themselves worthy soldiers of the immortal chieftain whose banner waves over them.

" What is strange, singular, and not to be wondered at, all our Washingtonians seemed to have been imbued with the missionary spirit, and all are engaged with their might in urging on the great work of reform. It is the talk of the mechanic's bench, the slaughter-house, the woodcutter's stand, the merchant's counter. Few, indeed, there are that are not affected by its influence. May the spirit progress until it extends over the length and breadth of our land! This reform is producing a most kindly feeling among our citizens. A class of men who felt they were degraded almost beyond the reach of hope; that their condition could not be changed, and who had been inclined to look upon those who had by industry, sobriety and economy, rendered themselves more comfortal)le and happy than they were, with jealousy and distrust if not with hate, under the influence of this reform, find themselves surrounded with friends where they did not expect them, and the sympathies and well-wishes of all enlisted in their behalf. Need we wonder that such a state of things opens almost a new world upon the reformed? That their step is light, that their heart is filled with hope, and that those who are connected with them by the endearing ties of wife, children, jjarent, or brother, are rejoicing almost 'with joy unspeakable'?' It is so. Every man among us see it - and feels it - and blesses the day when the three Baltimoreans raised the banner of * Washington Reform.' "

The meeting for the organization of the society was held Monday aftei'noon, December 12, 1841. Messrs. Todd, Webster, Powell, Matheny and Pease were appointed a committee to nominate ofticers. They reported the following named, who were duly elected:

Constitution Of The Springfield Washington Temperance Society

We, the friends of temperance in the city of Springfield, -who have signed the pledge of the Washington Temperance Society, believe that when men have so far indulged in the use of intoxicating liquor as to render themselves wretched and miserable, and in many cases their families destitute and unhappy, that they'may and can be ledeemed and reinstated to comfort, peace and happiness by the aid and assistance of their fellow men. And being desirous to preserve inviolate our own pledge, and to see every man in our community, as well as the whole country, rescued from that' degradation, which sooner or later awaits those who continue to indulge in the accursed draught, and believing, as we do, that in union alone there is safety, do associate ourselves under the following Constitution.

Art. 2. This Society shall give no preference to any political party or religious sect, but its sole object shall be to advance the cause of temperance, and especially direct its efforts to the redemption of our fellow men who have been degraded by the use of intoxicating liquors.

Art. 3. Any person having signed the Washington Temperance Pledge in this city, and who adheres strictly to the same, shall be a member of this Society, and if any one shall be so unfortunate as to violate said pledffe, his case shall be brought before the Society, whose duty it shall be to use every other means to restore him before he shall be expelled.

Art, 9. No political or religious question shall be discussed at any meeting of this Society; and no person shall be permitted to take any part in the proceedings of the meeting, or address the Society, except those who have signed a Washington Temperance pledge, unless they be specially invited by the Societ}\

The undersigned, being desirous of carrying out the principles of temperance, do pledge our honor that we will abstain from all intoxicating drinks:

Resolved^ That the Society pledges itself to assist the members of this Society and their families, who may now or hereafter be in necessitous circumstances.

Mesolved, That the President be authorized to appoint delegates to explain the objects and principles of this Society in the neighboring settlements, and that such delegates report their proceedings and the results of their labors, at the regular meetings of this Society.

It will be observed that reformation seemed to be the watchword of the Society - to restore to their families, and to society in general, those who had fallen. The mantle of charity was to be thrown around a weak brother who violated liis pledge, and every effort was to be made to restore him, and to help him keep inviolate his sacred obligation, rather than to expel him.

Washington Song

As an organization, the Washingtonian Societies of Sangamon county, have long since ceased to exist, but there are living to-day, some whom but for the pledge signed in the winter of 1841 and 1842, would doubtless ])e tilling to-day drunkard's graves.

At the March term, 1848, of the Circuit Court, of Sangamon county, an unusual number of indictments were found, and previous to their adjournment the members comprising that body left the following upon record:

" We, the undersigned, members of the Grand Jury of the county of Sangamon, State of Illinois, at the March term of the Circuit Court of said count)' , believe, from the investigations had before us, that most, if not all, the crimes and misdemeanors which have been brought before this jury, had their first, if not immediate cause, in intemperance."

Robert Irwin. One of the jury made the following statement: ''I, S. Britton, believes that intemperance is the means from which many of the crimes that came before thp jury, originated."

Sons Of Temperance

After the Washingtonians came the Sons of Temperance, an organization having for its motto, "Love, Purity, and Fidelity." The "Sons" were composed of males above the age of eighteen, and held their meetings in secret, believing that they could more fully carry out the object of the order. To etiable the wives and daughters of members to engage in the good work, the " Daughters of Temperance" were organized; and for the benefit of males between the age of fourteen and eighteen, the " Cadets of Temj^erance" were organized. Thus every member in the family were secured as workers in the good cause. The " Sons" formed their first Division in this county in 1848, and for many years were in a fiourishing condition.

As already stated the motto of the order is '-Love, Purity and Fidelity." The three divine principles enunciated by this motto are poetically expressed in the following.

Three stars that never fade or dim, Three notes that angels h)ve to hymn. Three charms that guard the heart from sorrow, Three whispers of a brighter morrow; Three linlcs th.it bind willi silken bands, Three words -whose might should rule all lauds. Three life preservers on Time's ocean. Three voices 'mid that heart's commotion; Three fragrant flowers most fair to see. Three garlands twining round life's tree; Three gems of pure etherial light, Three paths still lovelj^ pure and bright; Three rays of light from Heaven's throne. Where naught but happiness is known.

Temple Of Honor

Almost contemporaneous with the Sons of Temperance was the Temple of Honor, which combined the principles of temperance with the benevolent features of such organization as the Masons and Odd Fellows. Every person desiring to become a member of the order had to be proposed for membership and was required to be of the requisite age and in good health. A fair degree of success attended this order.

The Maine Law

Shortly after the passage of the prohibitory liquor law in the Slate of Maine, the question of a similar law began to be agitated in this State. In Sangamon county it had many and strong advocates, among whom were B. S. Edwards, S. W. Robbins, James H. Matheny, J. T. Stuart, and others.

In January, 1853, a State Convention was held in Si:»ringtield, at which were representative men from all parts of the State. Judge Lockwood presided, and S. W. Robbins, of Springfield, was one of the Vice-Presidents. B. S. Edwards made an eloquent and logical address, which met the approbation of all in attendance. The convention petitioned the General Assembly, which was then iri session, for the submission of a prohibitory law to the people for adoption or rejection. The prayer of the petitioners was granted and the question was voted upon a few months after. The people were not then ready for the law and it was defeated, Sangamon county giving a majority against the law.

Good Templars

The Independent Order of Good Templars originated in 1851, and was the outgrowth of a desire to unite all the members of a family in one order, and with the laudable object of "saving the fallen and preventing others from falling." It may be said the latter object has been more fully met in this order than in any other temperance organization. "Here you find the entire family united around one coniniuu altar." Many of the strong temperance advocates to-day were in early life initiated in this beautiful and noble order, and had the principles of temperance thoroughly inculcated in their mind beiore habits of intemperance were formed. They bless the day they were made "Templars;" and even if not actively engaged in the work, they pray the blessings of God to rest upon the order.

The first lodge of Good Templars was instituted, in this county, about the year l85o, since which time the order here has had seasons of prosperity and seasons of adversity. Like all other human organizations, its members at times are enthusiastic, and work together in harmony, and success therefore attends their eveiy movement. Again, divisions occur; the members refuse to co-operate with one another, - and the order takes a backward stride.

In the winter of 181S, a movement was inaugurated in Ohio, which was denominated the "Women's Temperance Crusade," from the fact that a few noble women, despairing of success for the cause of temperance as advocated and enforced by the professed temperance people, proceeded to try the eflicacy of prayer. Bands of praying women visited the various saloons in the neighborhood, and the songs and prayers forced the rum-sellers to close their shops. Their very earnestness had its effect upon all classes of society, and men and women who were lukewarm in the cause became aroused, and renewed their fight against the enemy. The "crusade" spread with great rapidity throughout the whole North. The movement had been as startling in its character as a clap of thunder from a clear sky, and the cloud which had been at first no bigger than a man's hand had suddenly overspread the whole heavens. The opponents to the reform all claimed to be friendly, but - they thought some other method of bringing it about preferable. Moral suasion was urged as the one sure remedy, and the I'quor sellers wanted their opponents to be careful to keep Avithin the bounds of the law. Mrs. Emma Malloy, who took a very active part in the movement, and who for many y-ears has been a worker in the cause of temperance, said that she was often asked what she thought of the movement, but hesitated to give a reply, lest her answer should be less reverent than the subject seemed to demand. She could not doubt but the movement was a natural revulsion, an eruption of the smoldering tires tliat for centuries past had been pent up in the heart of woman. She could not doubt but that the hand of God had shaken these internal fires, and could only gaze with awe and reverence at the mighty upheaving that thrilled the Nation from center to circumference. She was convinced that woman was not satisfied to sit with folded hands while the firstborn of the Nation was being slain, while the fairest and purest of every household in the land were the victims of the fell destroyer. The heart of woman had thrilled with silent anguish; she had wept her night of sorrow through; and now had arisen the host of Israel. The foe was being routed. "The glad dawn whose early twilight" all had been gazing down the centuries of Time to see, had come.

Red And Blub Eibbon Movement

The next movement in behalf of temperance was that known as the " Red Ribbon movement," which was the direct result of the women's crusade. An interest had been awakened throughout the land in the cause of temperance by the crusade, but many who were not religiously inclined, or who were conscientiously opposed to the work, as performed by the women, were yet ready to embrace some other method that would lead to good results. At the opportune moment the Red Ribbon movement was set on foot, and rapidly spread throughout the land. Sangamon county was behind no other, and red and blue ribbon clubs were formed in nearly every village in the county, as well as in the city of Springfield.

The institution of slavery was always a source of trouble between the free and slave-holding States. The latter were always troubled with the thought that the former would encroach upon their rights, and nothing could be done to shaken this belief. Compromise measures were adopted from time to time to settle the vexed question of slavery, but the fears of the slaveholders were only allayed for a short time. Threats of secession were often made by the slaveholding States, but as some measure of a conciliatory character was passed, no attempt was made to carry their threats into execution. Finally came the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the adoption of a measure known as the Kansas-Nebraska bill. This bill opened certain Territory to slavery which under the former act was forever to be free. About the time of the passage of this act, the Whig party was in a state of dissolution, and the great body of that party, together with certain Democrats who were opposed to the Kansas- Nebraska bill, united, thus forming a new party to which M'as given the name of Republican, having for its object the prevention of the further extension of slavery. The people of the South imagined they sdw in this new party an organized effori not only to jirevent the extension of slavery, but that which would eventually be used to destroy slavery in such States in which it already existed.

In 1860, four Presidential tickets were in the field. Two of these candidates were from Illinois, one of w^hom was a citizen of Springfield and the other had been. Abraham Lincoln was the candidate of the Republicans, Stephen A. Douglas of the National Democrats, John C. Breck enridge of the Pro-Slavery interests, and John Bell of the Union. The Union party was composed principally of those who had previously affiliated with the American or Know-Nothing party. Early in the campaign there were threats of secession and disunion in case of the election of Abraham Lincoln, but the people were so accus-

On the twentieth of December, 1860, South Carolina, by a convention of delegates, declared "That the Union now existing between South Carolina and other States of North America is dissolved, and that the State of South Carolina has resumed her position among the Nations of the earth as a free, sovereign and independent State, with full power to levy war and conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent States may of right do."

On the twenty-fourth, Governor Pickens issued a proclamation declaring that " South Carolina is, and has a right to be, a free and independent State, and as such has a right to levy war, conclude peace, negotiate treaties, leagues and covenants, and to do all acts, whatever, that rightfully appertain to a free and independent State."

On the 26th, Major Anderson evacuated Fort Moultrie, and occupied Fort Sumter. Two days previously he wrote President Buchanan's Secretary of War, John B. Floyd, as follows: " When I inform you that my garrison consists of only sixty effective men, and that we are in very indifferent works, the walls of which are only fourteen feet high^ and that we have within one hundred and sixty yards of our walls, sand hills which command our works, and which afford admirable sites for batteries and the finest coverts for sharpshooters, and that besides this there are numeroiis houses, some of them Within pistol shot, you will at once see that, if attacked in force, headed by any one but a simpleton, there is scai'cely a possibility of our being able to hold out long enough for our friends to come to our succor." His appeals for re-inforcements were seconded by General Scott, but unheeded by President Buchanan, and entirely ignored by John B. Floyd, Secretary of War.

On the 28th, South Carolina troops occupied Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney, and hoisted the Palmetto flag on the ramparts. On the 29th, John B. Floyd resigned bis jilace in Buchanan's Cabinet, charging that the President, in refusing to remove Major Anderson from Charleston harbor, designed to plunge the country into civil war, and added: "I cannot consent to be the agent of such a calamity." On the same day the South Carolina Commissioners presented their official credentials at Washington, which, on the next day, were declined.

On the second day of January, 1861, Georgia declared for secession, and Georgia troops took possession of the United States arsenal in Augusta and Forts Pulaski and Jackson. Governor Ellis, of North Carolina, seized the forts at Beaufort and Wilmington and the arsenal at Fayeiteville. On the evening of the 4th, the Alabama and Mississippi delegations in Congress telegraphed the conventions of their respective States to secede, telling them there was lio prospect of a satisfactory adjustment. On the 7th, the conventions of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee met in secession conclave. On the 9th, Secretary Thompson resigned his seat in the Cabinet on the ground that, contrary to promises, troops had been sent to Major Anderson. On the 9th, the Star of the West, carrying supplies and re-inforcements to Major Anderson, was fired into from Morris Island, and turned homeward, leaving Fort Sumter and its gallant little band to the mercy of the rebels. On the same day the ordinance ol secession passed the Mississippi convention. Florida adopted an ordinance of secession on the 10th and Alabama on the 11th. The same day (the 11th) Thomas, Secretary of the Treasury, resigned, and the rebels seized the arsenal at Baton Rouge, and Forts Jackson and St. Philip, at the moutii of the Mississippi river, and Fort Pike, at the Lake Ponchartrain entrance. Pensacola navy yard and Fort Barrancas were surrendered to rebel troops by Colonel Armstrong on the 13th, Lieutenant Slemraer, who had withdrawn his command from Fort McRae to Fort Pickens, defied Armstrong's orders, and announced his intention to "hold the fort" at all hazards. The Georgia convention adopted an ordinance of secession on the 19th. On the 20th Lieutenant Slemmer was beseiged by a thousand " allied troops " at Fort Pickens. Louisiana adopted an ordinance of secession on the 25th. On the 1st of February the rebels seized the United States mint and custom house at New Orleans. The Peace Convention assembled at Washington on the 4th, but adjourned without doing anything to quiet the disturbed elements. On the 9th, a provisional constitution was adopted at Montgomery, Alabama, it being the Constitution of the United States "reconstructed " to suit their purpose. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was chosen President, and Alexander H. Stevens, of Georgia, Vice-President of the " Confederate States of North America." Jeff. Davis was inaugurated on the 18th, and on the 25th it was learned that General Twiggs, commanding the Department of Texas, had basely betrayed his trust, and that he had surrendered all the military posts, munitions and arms to the authorities of Texas.

Depaetuee Of Me. Lincoln

The time appointed for Mr. Lincoln to leave Springfield for Washington was Monday, February 11, at 8 o'clock, A. M. Long before the hour appointed, hundreds of his friends and fellow citizens, without distinction of party, assembled at the station of the Great Western Railway to tender him their respects, grasp once more that honest hand, and bid him God speed on his eventful journey. A subdued and respectful demeanor characterized the vast assemblage. All seemed to feel that they were about to witness an event which, in its relations to the future, was of no ordinary interest.

At |)recisely five miniites before eight o'clock, Mr. Lincoln, preceded by Mr. Wood, of New York, slowly made his way from his room in the station, through the expectant masses which respectfully parted right and left at his approach, to the car provided for his use. At each step of his progress towards the car, friendly hands weVe extended for a last greeting. On reaching the platform of the car, Mr. liincoln turned towards the people, removed his hat, paused for several seconds, till he could control his emotions, and then slowly, impressively, and with profound emotions, uttered the following words:

"Friends, no one who has ever been placed in a like position can understand my feelings at this hour, nor the oppressive sadness I feel at this parting. For more than a quarter of a century I have lived among you, and during all that time I have received nothing but kindness at your hands. Here I have lived from my' youth until now, I am an old man. Here the most sacred ties of earth were assumed; here all my children were born; and here one of them lies buried. To you, dear friends, I owe all that I have, all that I am. All the strange, checkered }»ast seems to crowd now upon my mind. To-day I leave you; I go to assume a task more difficult than that which devolved upon General Washington. Unless the great God which assisted him, shall be with and aid me, I must fail. But if the same omniscient mind and the same Almighty arm that directed and protected him, shall guide and support me, I shall not fail, I shall succeed. Let us all pray that the God of our fathers may not forsake us now. To him I commend you all. Permit me to ask that with equal sincerity and faith you will all invoke His wisdom and guidance for me. With these few words I must leave you - for how long I kno%v not. Friends, one and all, I must now bid you an affectionate farewell."

It was a most impressive scene. Those who had known Mr. Lincoln for years; who had heard him speak upon many different occasions, never saw him so profoundly affected, nor did he ever utter an address, which seemed so full of simple and touching eloquence, so exactly adapted to the occasion, so worthy of the man and the hour. Although it was raining fast when he began to speak, every hat was lifted, and every head bent forward to catch the last words of the departing chief. When he said, with the earnestness of a sudden inspiration of feeling that with God's help he should not fail, there was an uncontrollable burst of applause.

At precisely eight o'clock, city time, the train moved off, bearing Sangamon coxmty's most honored son to the scenes of his future labor. Few stops were made before reaching Indianapolis, but large crowds had assembled at every station, Avith the hope of catching sight of "Honest Old Abe." At Indianapolis, from the balcony of the Bates House, to a crowd of twenty thousand persons, the President-elect delivered his first address, as follows:

"Fellow-citizens of the State of Indiana: I am here to thank you for this magnificent welcome, and still more for the very generous support given by your State to that political cause which I think is the true and just cause of the whole country and the whole world. Solomon says there is a time to keep silence, - and when men wrangle by the mouth, with no certainty that they mean the same thing, it perhaps were as well they would keep silent.

"The words coercion and invasion are much used in these days, and often with some temper and hot blood. Let us make sure, if we can, that we do not misunderstand the meaning of those who use them. Let us get exact definitions of these words, - not from dictionaries, but from the men themselves, who certainly deprecate the things they represent by the use of the words. What, then, is coercion? What is invasion? Would the marching of an army into South Carolina without the consent of the people, and with hostile intent toward them, be invasion? I certainly think it would; and it would be coercion, also, if the South Carolinians were forced to submit. But if the United States should merely hold and retake its own forts and other property, and collect duties on foreign importations, or even withhold the mails from places where they were habitually violated, - M^ould any, or all of these things be invasion, or coercion ? Do our professed lovers of the Union, who spitefully resolve that they will resist coercion and invasion, understand that such things as these on the part of the United States would be coercion of a State? If so, their idea of the means to preserve the object of their great affection would seem to be exceedingly thin and airy. If sick, the little pill of the homa'opathic would be much too large for it to swallow. In their view, the Union, as a family relation, would seem no longer to be a regular marriage, but rather a sort of free-love arrangement, to be maintained only on passional attraction.

"By the way, in what consists the special sacredness of a State? I speak not of the position assigned to a State in the Union by the Constitution - for that, by the bond, we all recognize; that position, however, a State cannot carry out of the Union with it. I speak of that assumed primary right of a State to rule all which is less than itself, and ruin all that is larger than itself.

" If a State and county in a given case should be equal in extent of territory, and equal in number of inhabitants, in what, as a matter of principle, is the State better than the county? Would an exchange of names be an exchange of rights upon principle? On what rightful principle may a State, being not more than onefiftieth part of a Nation in soil and population, break up a Nation, and then coerce a proportionately larger sub-division of itself in the most arbitrary way? What mysterious right to play tyrant is conferred on a district of country with iis people, by merely calling it a State? Fellow citizens, I am not asserting anything: I am merely- asking questions for you to consider. And now allow me to bid you farewell."

At Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburg, Albany, New York City, Newark, Trenton, Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Mr. Lincoln had magnificent receptions, and addressed large crowds of people, calling upon them to stand by the

Union, the Constitution and the laws. At Harrisburg a change of programme on the part of Mr. Lincoln was decided upon. A special dispatch to the New York Times thus narrates the facts in the case:

"On Thursday night, after he had retired Mr. Lincoln was aroused and informed that a stranger desired to see him on a matter of life or death. He declined to admit him unless he gave his name, which he at once did. Such prestige did his name carry, that while yet Mr. Lincoln was disrobed, he granted an interview to the caller. Prolonged conversation elicited the fact that an organized body of men had determined that Lincoln should not be inaugurated, and that he should never leave Baltimore alive, if indeed he ever entered it. The list of names of the conspirators presented a most astonishing array of persons high in Southern confidence, and some whose fame is not conlined to this country alone. Statesmen laid the plan, bankers endorsed it, and adventurers were to carry it into effect. As they understood Mr. Lincoln was to leave Harrisburg at nine o'clock this morning by special train, and the idea was, if possible, to throw the train from the track at some point where they would rush down a steep embankment and destroy in a moment all on board. In case of failure of this project, the plan was to surround the carriage on the way from depot to depot in Baltimore, and assassinate him with a dagger or pistol shot. So authentic was the source of information, Mr. Lincoln, after advising with his friends was compelled to make arrangements that would subvert the plans of his enemies. He did not want to yield, and Mr. Sumner actually cried with indignation."

Mr. Lincoln arrived at Washington on Saturday, the twenty-third - twelve days after he left Springfield - and in advance of all expectations.

Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated March 4, 1861, in front of the Capitol, the inauguration ceremonies being witnessed by a vast concourse of people Before taking the oath, Mr. Lincoln pronounced in a clear, ringing voice, his inaugural address, to hearAvhich there was an almost painful solicitude, to read which the whole American people and the civilized world awaited wdth irrepressible anxiety. With that address and the administration of the oath of office, the people were assured. All doubt, if any had pre- , viously existed, was removed. In the hands of Abraham Lincoln, the people's President, and himself of the people, the Government was safe.

Traitors were still busy plotting and i^lanning. Troops were mustering in all the seceded States. On Friday, April 12, the surrender of Fort Sumter, with its garrison of sixty -effective men, was demanded and bravely refused by the gallant Major Anderson. Fire was at once opened upon the helpless garrison by the rebel lorces, numbered by thousands. Resistance was useless, and at last the National colors were hauled down, and by traitor hands were trailed in the dust. On Sunday morning, the 14th, the news of the surrender was received in all the principal cities of the Union. That was all, but that was enough. A day later, when the news was confirmed and spread through the country, the patriot people of the North were startled from their dreams of the future - from undertakings half completed - and made to realize that behind that mob there was a dark, deep, and well organized purpose to destroy the Government, rend the Union in twain, and out of its ruins erect a slave oligarchy, wherein no one would dare question their right to hold in bondage the sons and daughters of men whose skins were black. Their dreams of the fixture - their plans for the establishment of an independent confederacy - were doomed fiom their inception to sad and bitter disappointment. Everywhere north of Mason and Dixon's line the voice of Providence was heard:

"Draw forth your million blades as one; Complete the battle now begun! God fights with ye, and overhead Floats the dear banner of your dead. They and the glories of the Past, The Future, dawning dim and vast, And all the holiest hopes of Man, Are beaming triumphant in your van.

"Blow to resolve, be swift to do! Teach ye the False how fight the True ! How buckled Perfidy shall feel In her black heart the Patriot's steel; HoAV sure the bolt that Justice wings; How weak the arm a traitor brings; How mighty they who steadfast stand For Freedom's flag and Freedom's land! "

"Whereas, The laws of the United States have been for some time past, and are now, opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals; now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution and the laws, have tliought to call forth, and hereby do call lorth, the militia of the several States of the Union, to the number of seventy-five thousand, in order to suppress said combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed.

"The details for this subject will be immediately communicated to the State authorities through the War Department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and to aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and existence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs already long endured. I deem it proper to say that the first services assigned to tbe forces hereby called forth, will probably be to repossess the forts, places, and property which have been seized from the Union; and in every event the utmost care will be observed, consistently with the objects aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any destruction of or interference with property, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country; and I hereby command the persons composing the combinations aforesaid, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes, within twenty days from this date.

"Deeming that the present condition of public affairs presents an extraordinary occasion, I do hereby, in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution, convene both Houses of Congress. The Senators and Representatives are, therefore, summoned to assemble at their respective chambei's at twelve o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the fourth day of July next, then and there to consider and determine such measures as in their wisdom the public safety and interest may seem to demand.

"Done at the city of Washington, the fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the independence of the United States the eightyfifth.

The last word of this proclamation had scarcely been taken from the electric wire before the call was filled. Men and money were counted out by hundreds and thousands. The people who loved their whole country could not give enough. Patriotism thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm, the workshop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college, the school house - every calling offered its best men, their lives and fortunes in defense of the government's honor and unity. Party lines were for the time ignored. Bitter words, spoken in moments of political heat, were forgotten and forgiven, and, joining hands in a common cause, they repeated the oath of America's soldier statesman: " -Cy the Great Eternal., the Union must and shall be jji'eservedP''

Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the rebellion. Nor were ten times that number. The war went on, and call followed call, until it seemed as if there were not men in all the free States to crush out the rebellion. But to every call for either men or money there was a willing and a ready response. The gauntlet thrown down by the traitors of the South was accepted; not, however, in the spirit which insolence meets insolence, but with a firm, determined spirit of patriotism and love of country. The duty of the President was plain under the Constitution and laws, and, above and beyond all, the people, from whom all political power is derived, demanded the suppression of the rebellion, and stood ready to sustain the authority of their representative and executive officers to the utmost extremity.

In the apportionment of troops covered by President Lincoln's proclamation, it Avas found that the quota of Illinois would be six regiments, of which fact Governor Yates was advised by receipt of the following telegram: